Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ring elevator for lifting root crops in a root crop harvester, including a first and a second pair of endless carrying strips, each pair arranged in parallel and drivable over a closed path; first and second parallel transverse elements attached between and to, respectively, the first and second strips; flexible support elements, each attached to a first transverse element and to a second transverse element. The first strips can be arranged around the second strips at a distance which varies along the paths between a minimum distance (dmin) and a maximum distance (dmax), and in an ascending part equals a carrier distance (c), such that the flexible support elements form baskets for receiving the root crops. The useful volume (Vu) in the baskets takes up at least 50% of the total volume (Vt) delimited by the transverse elements.

Abstract: A container for storing capsules and discharging them individually, including an upwardly open capsule-holding receptacle, a cap rotatably mounted on the receptacle, an upright screw shaft with an external spiral groove fixedly mounted in the receptacle, and a hollow cylinder concentrically surrounding the screw shaft within the receptacle and coupled to the cap for rotation therewith. A thread on the inner surface of the cylinder faces and cooperates with the spiral groove to receive capsules admitted from the receptacle through an entry port in the cylinder and, as the cap is rotated, to raise the admitted capsules one by one to a central discharge port in the cap.

Abstract: A pressure sealed elevating conveyor for non-ambient temperatures having a pressure sealed shroud allowing lifting of a material while in a pressure sealed environment. In some embodiments, the pressure sealed elevating conveyor has structural details that allow the pressure sealed elevating conveyor to be used at very high or very low temperatures.

Abstract: An arrangement including two conveyor screws which are arranged rotatably moveably relative to each other for processing a pasty material like a foodstuff product or the like, having a first conveyor screw and a second conveyor screw which have interengaging helical flights and which in particular are drivable in opposite relationship. The conveyor screws are of different size diameters and/or the conveyor screws have a different number of flights. In addition, the surfaces of the interengaging flights are so shaped and matched to each other that they are in contact with each other along a substantially continuous contact line extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of both conveyor screws to hinder, preferably prevent a return flow of the pasty material.

Abstract: Not only the cracking of granular reduced iron materials is reduced, but also reduced iron materials are fed uniformly onto a furnace floor regardless of a width of the furnace floor. A feeding system for reduced iron material includes a plurality of material feeding equipments 4 provided in a furnace width direction of a mobile furnace floor type reduction melting furnace, wherein each of the material feeding equipments 4 is constructed by a hopper 10 configured to receive reduced iron materials and discharge the materials from a discharge port 10a, a trough 14 configured to connect the discharge port 10a and a material charging portion of the mobile furnace floor type reduction melting furnace configured to receive the reduced iron materials discharged from the discharge port 10a, an exit portion provided on an exit side of the trough 14, and a vibration applying unit configured to cause the trough to vibrate along a furnace floor moving direction.

Abstract: A rail car unloading device is provided comprising a base, a hopper, and a support member. The base comprises a support plate. The support member is rotatably mounted to the base support plate. The hopper is mounted to the support member and the support member is rotatable with respect to the base between a first position where the hopper is placed beneath a rail car in an unloading position and a second position where the hopper is positioned in substantially parallel alignment with rail tracks such that a rail car may pass by the device.

Abstract: An arrangement including two conveyor screws which are arranged rotatably moveably relative to each other for processing a pasty material like a foodstuff product or the like, having a first conveyor screw and a second conveyor screw which have interengaging helical flights and which in particular are drivable in opposite relationship. The conveyor screws are of different size diameters and/or the conveyor screws have a different number of flights. In addition, the surfaces of the interengaging flights are so shaped and matched to each other that they are in contact with each other along a substantially continuous contact line extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of both conveyor screws to hinder, preferably prevent a return flow of the pasty material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.

Abstract: A feed trough for a grader or other solid object processing system. The feed trough includes a plurality of feed channels, each having at least one flexible flap extending from a discharge end for transitioning a product from the feed channel to a processing region. Two converging flexible flaps may extend from the discharge end and contact a processing channel for guiding product to the processing channel.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly has a supply source from which a plurality of rolling objects is delivered to a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor assembly is also configured such that the horizontal velocity of the rolling objects delivered to the conveyor belt is substantially the same as the horizontal velocity of the conveyor belt. Such configuration advantageously reduces, or even eliminates undesired movement of the objects on the conveyor belt and thus significantly improves quantification of the objects on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: Fixed amount discharging equipment for simultaneously discharging a particulate body from a plurality of containers containing the particulate body, comprising a casing to the interior of which is provided a belt conveyor and having a particulate body discharge hole below the carrying direction end of the belt conveyor, and a plurality of supply arranged in the carrying direction of the belt conveyor and passing through the casing, lower ends thereof penetrating into the casing and being arranged above the belt of the belt conveyor, the lower ends of the supply pipes being such that the downstream sides thereof in the belt carrying direction have notches of a predetermined length from the end faces upward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for orienting wound dough products (02) in a defined end position, wherein the dough product (02) is produced by winding a triangular or trapezoidal dough piece (01), and wherein the dough product (02) is wound starting from the base (03) of the dough piece (01), and wherein the narrower tip (04) of the dough piece (01) forms an end (05) protruding on the outside on the circumference of the dough product (02), and wherein the end position of the dough product (02) is defined by a specific position of the end (05) protruding on the outside, wherein the wound dough product (02) is driven along a predefined segment or for a predefined time with a driving torque or a driving force so as to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the dough product in order to thereby effect a rolling motion of the dough product (02) on a support (08, 14), wherein the rotational direction of the rolling motion of the dough product (02) corresponds to the winding direction from the inside to the outsi

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: This invention is intended to make a crucible feeder mechanism simple in configuration, to realize low cost and to increase the number of accommodated crucibles while making the crucible feeder mechanism small in size. In the crucible feeder mechanism, the crucibles are mounted on an inclined mount surface 311 in parallel and a tapered guide surface guides 312b the crucibles sliding down the mount surface 311 to a crucible moving mechanism 313 provided at an outlet port of a guide member. This crucible moving mechanism includes an accommodation concave portion 3131X accommodating one of the crucibles and provided on a circumferential surface portion 3131a of the crucible moving mechanism. The crucible moving mechanism rotates and moves between an accommodation position at which the accommodation concave portion receives the sliding-down crucible and a feed position at which the accommodation concave portion communicates with a crucible feed port 314 and drops the sliding-down crucible.

Abstract: A gravity conveyor assembly includes a first track member downwardly pitched from a first end toward a second end with respect to a first reference plane oriented parallel to a ground surface. A second track member positioned directly above the first track member is downwardly pitched from a first end toward an opposite second end with respect to a second reference plane oriented parallel to the ground surface. A curved track member connects the second track member second end to the first track member first end and defines a vertically downward oriented arc. A wheeled cart is moveable from the second track member first end to the first track member second end by gravity. A cart travel direction reverses from a first travel direction on the second track member to an opposite second travel direction on the first track member as the cart downwardly traverses the curved track member.

Abstract: A bin transporter system is used for moving bins or trays from the exit end of a security checkpoint conveyor to the entrance end of the conveyor. The system includes one or more support stands and a roller assembly attached to the stands. The roller assembly includes an elongate bin guide and roller conveyors attached to the inside of the bin guide. The roller assembly is held in a longitudinally inclined orientation, for gravity-actuated movement of the bin along the bin guide, as facilitated by the roller conveyors. Additionally, when bins are placed in the bin guide against the roller conveyors for movement along the bin guide, the bins lie at a laterally tilted orientation, either generally horizontally or generally vertically. This prevents the bins from falling out the front of the roller assembly, in cases where the bin guide has an open front portion.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a guard assembly and its individual guards for protecting a conveyor system, such as the center conveyor frame. Related methods of installing or removing the individual guards and the guard assembly are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a loading and unloading apparatus comprising in mutual cooperation a conveyor device (3) adjacent a roller table (2), where said conveyor device and roller table are pivotably mounted on a carrying structure (5), which structure, in use is vertically extendable and retractable.

Abstract: This invention is intended to make a crucible feeder mechanism simple in configuration, to realize low cost and to increase the number of accommodated crucibles while making the crucible feeder mechanism small in size. In the crucible feeder mechanism, the crucibles are mounted on an inclined mount surface 311 in parallel and a tapered guide surface guides 312b the crucibles sliding down the mount surface 311 to a crucible moving mechanism 313 provided at an outlet port of a guide member. This crucible moving mechanism includes an accommodation concave portion 3131X accommodating one of the crucibles and provided on a circumferential surface portion 3131a of the crucible moving mechanism. The crucible moving mechanism rotates and moves between an accommodation position at which the accommodation concave portion receives the sliding-down crucible and a feed position at which the accommodation concave portion communicates with a crucible feed port 314 and drops the sliding-down crucible.

Abstract: In the arrangement in accordance with the invention for extracting extraction products in caving in which the extraction product is extracted downwards through an extraction funnel (10) into an extraction path (11) and from this is transferred onto an extraction conveyor arranged in a conveyor path, in which arrangement the extraction path extends transversely between the conveyor path (13) and an auxiliary path (12) parallel to this, a loading ramp (16) is arranged in the extraction path (11) which essentially forms a ramp surface orientated transversely to the conveying direction of the extraction conveyor and inclined towards it.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant and chemical resistant damper is provided for installation in the sludge transport section of a wastewater treatment system of the type having a damper inlet chute and a damper outlet chute and a damper between the damper inlet chute and the damper outlet chute. The damper is formed from a fabric woven substantially of yarns of high performance material selected from the group consisting of aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer. The damper includes a body having an inlet end and an outlet end, whereby the body creates a volume for sludge to move through. An inlet flange is formed about the inlet end and an outlet flange is formed about the outlet end.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting material in a controlled manner comprising a diverter plate attached to a mounting assembly. The diverter plate is shaped for receiving falling material and facilitating the flow of the material onto a conveyance means or into storage. The mounting assembly comprises a carrier spring assembly that permits the diverter plate to pivot about a shaft and thereby move from a default position to an unload position. The mounting assembly further comprises two adjustable locking mounts that hold the shaft in place and also allow the shaft to be adjustably rotated and thereafter fixed in place. A method for diverting material in a controlled manner comprises the steps of installing the apparatus at a transfer point and activating a first conveyance means that feeds material to the chute. A second conveyance means that receives the material after diversion by the apparatus can optionally be activated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a loading fork (10) and a system for smoothly transferring an object between the loading fork (10) and an infeed or take-away conveyor (110). The loading fork (10) may include a plurality of fingers (12, 14, 16, 18 & 20) mounted above a carriage (22) that is coupled to a chain conveyor (100). The conveyor (110) may be a plurality of parallel aligned narrow belts (102) between which the fingers (12, 14, 16, 18 & 20) of the loading fork (10) may pass to ensure a smooth transfer of the object between the loading fork (10) and the infeed or take-away conveyor (110). The present invention also discloses a sweeping conveyor (136, FIG. 3) for assisting the transfer of an object from the loading fork (10) to the take-away conveyor (110).

Abstract: A component carrying device has a simple constitution, and is capable of lining up components and carrying them in one direction with high reliability. The device comprises a guide groove for lining up components into one line and guiding them; a carrying member, provided on the bottom face of the guide groove, which can move forward and backward along the direction of the groove; and driving means, for driving the carrying member forward and backward at a higher speed when moving backward than when moving forward. The speed of the carrying member when moving forward is a speed at which a predetermined sustained frictional force acts between the carrying member and the components, which are mounted on the top face of the carrying member; and the speed of the carrying member when moving backward is a speed at which the frictional force between the carrying member and the components mounted on its top face, substantially breaks, so that the components are carried forward by the difference in frictional force.

Abstract: A gravity feed system comprised of rails with a specially designed “multi-spoke wheel” for use in the automatic spacing of cylindrical (and other shaped) parts to be conveyed. The rails are an item that can be purchased commercially or manufactured for various needs. The “multi-spoke wheel” is an item that is specifically designed for a part or family of parts with similar geometry. The size of the star, along with the centerline to centerline spacing and vertical placement of the rotating axis below the part is the critical feature. A part is loaded onto the rails and feeds by gravity through the “multi-spoke wheels” ending at a hard stop. When other parts are loaded they also feed by gravity to the stop end and are spaced out by the “multi-spoke wheels”. When the last part is unloaded from the rails by pulling it out, the remaining parts still on the rails feed the distance of one part.

Abstract: The large-capacity coin dispensing apparatus of the present invention is directed to increasing the coin storage capacity of a hopper-type coin dispensing apparatus using a rotary disc to dispense coins one at a time. The coin storage capacity of the hopper-type coin dispensing apparatus is limited by the storage capacity of a hopper used to supply coins to the rotary disc. To increase coin storage capacity, the present invention uses a first tank to supply coins to the rotary disc and a second tank to hold a large supply of coins. As the coins in the first tank are depleted, coins are transported from the second tank to the first tank using a conveyor. The addition of the second tank increases coin storage capacity and reduces the frequency at which coins have to be loaded into the large-capacity coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A device for loading dough into cylindrical containers is disclosed. A first conveyor is provided which delivers a plurality of cylindrical containers to a receiving surface which is declining with respect to the horizontal. The containers are oriented such that a central cylindrical axis of each container is substantially parallel to the container receiving surface as the containers approach the container receiving surface. A second conveyor then delivers a cylindrical object to the receiving surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to path of the containers in the first conveyor as the objects approach the container receiving surf ace. The second conveyor aligns the cylindrical objects and causes the objects to be inserted into the cylindrical container. Means for positioning the container on the container receiving surface and for releasing the cylindrical containers after filling is also provided. A method of inserting cylindrical objects into cylindrical containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for volumetric flow control of particulate and fiber-like materials, specifically tobacco. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus having a contractible chute or a tilting conveyor. The discharge end of the chute or conveyor travels across the top of a container space, building an even pile of tobacco. When the level of tobacco in the container space reaches a certain height, a device signals the chute or tilting conveyor and the discharge end of the chute or conveyor moves rearward. When the moving conveyor floor of the container space moves the pile of tobacco forward, one or two devices signal the chute or tilting convey or, and the discharge end of the chute or tilting conveyor moves forward. The effect of this rearward and forward movement of the chute or tilting conveyor is to maintain volumetric control over the tobacco contained within the container space.

Abstract: An inverted horizontal wrapping machine is provided with an article infeed system which includes a horizontal feed trough with an open exit end positioned closely adjacent the inlet end of the wrapping material tube being continuously formed by the machine's forming box. Offset to one side of the trough is a looped drive chain structure which is rotated in an essentially horizontal plane. A spaced series of flag-type pusher members are pivotally secured to the chain structure for movement therewith, the flag portions of the pusher members along the inner side of the chain structure being swept through the trough to slide articles therein sequentially into the tube inlet. As each pusher flag reaches the exit end of the trough, a first cam element upwardly and rearwardly pivots the flag to disengage it from its associated article, and the pivoted flag is then moved horizontally away from the trough .

Abstract: An inverted horizontal wrapping machine is provided with an article infeed system which includes a horizontal feed trough with an open exit end positioned closely adjacent the inlet end of the wrapping material tube being continuously formed by the machine's forming box. Offset to one side of the trough is a looped drive chain structure which is rotated in an essentially horizontal plane. A spaced series of flag-type pusher members are pivotally secured to the chain structure for movement therewith, the flag portions of the pusher members along the inner side of the chain structure being swept through the trough to slide articles therein sequentially into the tube inlet. As each pusher flag reaches the exit end of the trough, a first cam element upwardly and rearwardly pivots the flag to disengage it from its associated article, and the pivoted flag is then moved horizontally away from the trough.

Abstract: An inverted horizontal wrapping machine is provided with an article infeed system which includes a horizontal feed trough with an open exit end positioned closely adjacent the inlet end of the wrapping material tube being continuously formed by the machine's forming box. Offset to one side of the trough is a looped drive chain structure which is rotated in an essentially horizontal plane. A spaced series of flag-type pusher members are pivotally secured to the chain structure for movement therewith, the flag portions of the pusher members along the inner side of the chain structure being swept through the trough to slide articles therein sequentially into the tube inlet. As each pusher flag reaches the exit end of the trough, a first cam element upwardly and rearwardly pivots the flag to disengage it from its associated article, and the pivoted flag is then moved horizontally away from the trough.

Abstract: A system for the order collection of boxes, cases, crates and containers having gravity roller tracks arranged in adjacent rows, provided with a crate supplier along the high feed-in side and an order discharge track along the low discharge side. According to the invention, the boxes, cases, crates and containers are transferred by a transfer device from the lower end of a gravity roller track either onto an order discharge conveyor extending along the lower discharge side or over this discharge track onto a short storage track aligned with the gravity roller conveyor.

Abstract: The continuous can printer and transfer apparatus is provided with infeed means devoid of moving parts, whereby cans move in a guided path by gravity through an inclined chute to stationary pockets on a rotatable pocket mandrel wheel where they are drawn from the pockets and seated by vacuum on mandrels which carry the cans to a printing blanket cylinder. Before contacting the rotating printing blanket, the surface speeds of the mandrel and printing cylinder are precisely matched by a pre-spin belt on the printing cylinder and rollers. Decorated cans are transferred to suction cups on a transfer wheel and discharged to a pin chain conveyor by a transfer assembly wherein all motions of the transfer cups are controlled in a radial and axial direction by a single cam motion.

Abstract: A bulk material handling conveyor comprising an overhead conveyor which supports containers in the form of magazines for the material. Each magazine has a filling opening surrounded by a gasket, and a movable closure for the filling opening which in closed position covers the filling opening and coacts with the gasket to tightly seal the magazine against leakage from within and without. A filling spout is located adjacent the path of travel of the magazines and comprises a fixed section and a movable section. The fixed section is suitably supported and the movable section has means for moving it from a position where it is out of the way of the movable closure to a position where it tightly contacts said gasket and covers said filling opening to completely prevent any escape of material and dust during the filling operation. A vent is associated with the filling spout to allow air to escape from the magazine during filling.