Abstract: Technologies are described herein for an automated chicken sorting conveyor belt system. Conveyor belts that move chicks from a loading area into bins move laterally (or horizontally) as the chicks fill up the bins. This reduces various impact, acceleration, and other forces imparted on the chicks.

Abstract: A feeder assembly can be mounted on a platform such as a transport vehicle that includes a main boom assembly for moving material at a destination site. The main boom assembly is both telescoping and rotatable about a rotatable mount on the platform. The feeder assembly is mounted on the platform and can be raised from a transport position in which the feeder assembly lays horizontally on the platform, adjacent the rotatable mount, to a raised and angled position that allows the feeder assembly to convey construction material from a feed hopper at the rear of the feeder assembly to a feed point of the main boom assembly.

Abstract: A robot system includes a track that extends along an axis between a first location and a second location. The track includes a pair of rails and a power transmitter and a radiating cable each extending along the track. A carriage is configured to convey a robot arm along the track. The carriage includes a plurality of wheels configured to roll along the pair of rails, a motor configured to drive at least one of the wheels along one of the rails, a power collector configured to translate along the power transmitter while maintaining contact with the power transmitter so as to conduct electrical power from the power transmitter to the motor, and a transceiver configured to receive and send electronic information from and to the radiating cable.

Abstract: Roller chain outer plate links including a cable support portion are disclosed. Example roller chain outer plate links include a link portion, a cable support portion oriented projecting from an outer face of the link portion, and a joint at one of the lead/tail ends of the link portion. The link portion, joint, and cable support portions each comprise portions integral with remaining portions of the outer plate link. Cable support portions of the roller chain outer plate links support a cable extending between components of an apparatus.

Abstract: A plural-mode automatic medicament packaging system. In embodiments, the system may include an automatic dispensing machine including an automatic medicament dispensing unit and may further include pouch packaging and blister package packaging units. The medicament dispensing unit may include one or more storage and dispensing units which store and dispense medicaments. Medicaments output from the medicament dispensing unit may be packaged in a pouch package by the pouch packaging unit. Alternatively, a diverter may direct medicaments output from the medicament dispensing unit to the pouch package packaging unit for packaging in a blister package. A single automatic medicament packaging system can package medicaments in different types of packaging providing a pharmacy with the opportunity to package medicaments in the form of packaging most appropriate to meet patient needs.

Abstract: In an extendible belt conveyor with a boom mounted for movement with respect to a penultimate section and a cable extending from user controls on the boom to the penultimate section, a cable management system may include a first pulley mounted to an underside of the penultimate section and a second pulley mounted to the underside of the penultimate section, with a distance between the first pulley and the second pulley adjusted to maintain tension in the cable. The cable management system may also include a first shoe mounted to an underside of the boom near the penultimate section and a second shoe mounted to the underside of the penultimate section near the boom. The first shoe defines a channel for receiving the cable and the second shoe defines a channel for receiving the cable, with the cable passing around the first shoe and then around the second shoe.

Abstract: A plural-mode automatic medicament packaging system. In embodiments, the system may include an automatic dispensing machine including an automatic medicament dispensing unit and may further include pouch packaging and blister package packaging units. The medicament dispensing unit may include one or more storage and dispensing units which store and dispense medicaments. Medicaments output from the medicament dispensing unit may be packaged in a pouch package by the pouch packaging unit. Alternatively, a diverter may direct medicaments output from the medicament dispensing unit to the pouch package packaging unit for packaging in a blister package. A single automatic medicament packaging system can package medicaments in different types of packaging providing a pharmacy with the opportunity to package medicaments in the form of packaging most appropriate to meet patient needs.

Abstract: Drive systems for extendible conveyors are disclosed. An example conveyor includes a major conveyor section mountable to the support surface, an intermediate conveyor section, and a distal conveyor section. A motor is located on the distal conveyor section. A linear actuator is to couple the distal frame to the intermediate frame. The linear actuator to be driven by the motor to move the distal frame in translation relative to the intermediate frame. In response to the motor moving the distal frame in translation relative to the intermediate frame, the intermediate conveyor section and the distal conveyor section are to move at least sometimes simultaneously in the forward direction as the conveyor moves from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position.

Abstract: Cable robots may be used to automatically load items onto one or more surfaces in any environment. An item may be received on a carrier that is connected to tensioning actuators of a cable robot by one or more cables in tension. The actuators of the robot may be manipulated in concert to move the carrier from a first position to a second position, which may be fixed or in motion, at which the item may be expelled from the carrier. The carrier may include induction wheels and/or conveyors for receiving the item thereon and for expelling the item therefrom. The cable robot may be provided in series with a conveyor and mounted to a frame, and used to load items onto a delivery vehicle, such that the frame may be withdrawn as items are loaded.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a base unit and a mechanically extendable section, which is adjustably positionable between a nested position within the base unit and an extended position telescoped forwardly from the base unit. The conveyor includes a conveying surface for conveying articles extending at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. The mechanically extendable section is an outmost mechanically extendable section and the outmost mechanically extendable section has a modular front end portion which can carry a loading set and an unloading set.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a frame, and a pivoting conveyor coupled to the frame. The pivoting conveyor includes a pivotable conveyor section having a free end shaped for supporting objects and a first conveying surface. The first pivotable conveyor section is pivotally coupled to the frame about a vertical axis for pivoting the free end from side-to-side, and a horizontal axis for pivoting the free end up and down. The pivoting conveyor also includes a second non-pivotable conveyor section having a second conveying surface. Furthermore, the pivoting conveyor includes a fixed transition plate located adjacent to the second conveying surface, and a shuttling transition plate located adjacent to the first conveying surface. The shuttling transition plate is configured to move laterally from side-to-side relative to the first conveying surface as the first pivotable conveyor section pivots about the vertical axis.

Abstract: An aggregate processing apparatus comprising a conveyor support structure having a base section located at a side of the apparatus, a mid-section pivotably coupled to the base section and a head section pivotably coupled to the mid-section. The conveyor support structure is operable between a deployed state, in which the mid-section and the head section project from the side, and a transport state in which the mid-section is folded to extend across the first face and the head section is folded with respect to the mid-section to extend across an end face of the apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly (26) includes a first frame (50) supporting a first conveyor (28) for feeding material in a first conveying direction. The conveyor assembly (26) also includes a second frame (60) supporting a second conveyor (30) for feeding material in a second conveying direction parallel to the first conveying direction. The second frame (60) is movable with respect to the first frame (50) along the second conveying direction between a retracted position and an extended position. A side shield (70) is connected to a side of the second frame (60) and shields the second conveyor (30) laterally. An elongate, flexible seal (94) is mounted to the side shield (70), the flexible seal (94) bridging a gap between the side shield (70) and the second frame (60).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for loading goods into and/or unloading goods from a loading space 25, particularly a container, with a conveyor arm 1 that features a transfer station 5, 7, 9 for receiving the goods in the region of its proximal end and a transfer station 21, 23 for delivering the goods in the region of its distal end, wherein the conveyor arm 1 features a transport section 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 for transporting the goods from the transfer station 5, 7, 9 to the transfer station 20, wherein the transfer station 20 is realized in the form of a transfer and/or removal head 21, 23 that automatically deposits the goods at a predefined position in the loading space (25) and/or automatically picks up the goods from a predefined position in the loading space (25), and wherein the conveyor arm 1 is able to continuously transport the stream of successive goods to and/or from the predefined position.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first compartment and a second compartment is disclosed through which livestock animals move. The first compartment includes a first extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. The second compartment is vertically movable and includes a second extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. A method includes positioning a first end of an apparatus proximate a doorway of a building that contains a plurality of livestock animals; extending a first extension to the doorway; positioning a vehicle proximate a second end of the apparatus; moving at least one of the livestock animals from the building and into a first compartment; moving the animal from the first compartment to a second compartment; vertically moving the second compartment to a level of a deck of the vehicle; extending a second extension to the deck; and moving the animal from the second compartment onto the vehicle deck.

Abstract: An inserter system including a first station operative to output personal inserts for inserting in envelopes, an inserter operative to insert the personal inserts in the envelopes, and a dynamic buffer operative to convey the personal inserts from the first station to the inserter, the dynamic buffer including a partition-less adjustable length conveyor and an inserter-interface conveyor, wherein the adjustable length conveyor conveys the personal inserts from the first station to the inserter-interface conveyor and the inserter grabs the personal inserts from the inserter-interface conveyor, and wherein the inserter grabbing the personal inserts determines a speed of operation of the inserter-interface conveyor, including a timing at which the inserter-interface conveyor grabs the personal inserts from the adjustable length conveyor.

Abstract: An extendable boom loader and system. The extendable boom loader includes a distal boom element and a package tray. The boom element includes a package stop that moves to a first position blocking passage of packages and a second position allowing passage of packages, and a securing mechanism that holds the package stop in the first position. The package tray moves to first and second positions, respectively retracted within and extending from the boom element. The tray includes a tray package stop apparatus that prevents packages from sliding off a distal end of the tray. The distal boom element further includes a drawer unit that moves to first and second positions, respectively retracted within and extending from the tray. The drawer unit is configured to pivot down, while in its second position, to reach a floor of a container being loaded using the extendable boom loader.

Abstract: An adjustable chain drive system is adapted for uses such as moving product through a conveyor system, and can be configured using a chain, belt or similar structure. Two driven sprockets are movable on a slide, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted. In one example, such adjustment allows conveyor belts to be separated by a desired distance. A drive sprocket and endless chain is used in the drive system. In one configuration, the endless chain includes an adjustable chain segment separating the first and second driven sprockets. To compensate for movement of the first and/or second driven sprockets and change in length of the adjustable chain segment between them, lengths of first and/or second secondary adjustable chain segments adjacent to the adjustable chain segment are varied.

Abstract: A telescopic belt conveyor includes a base conveyor unit (4), an outer conveyor unit (10) and optionally one or more intermediate conveyor units (6, 8). The outer conveyor unit (10) and any intermediate conveyor units (6, 8) are mounted on the base conveyor unit and extendable telescopically therefrom in an extension direction. The outer conveyor unit (10) includes a pivotable conveyor section (12) that is mounted for pivoting movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. A conveyor belt (14) is supported by the base conveyor unit (4), the outer conveyor unit (10) and the intermediate conveyor units (6, 8), the conveyor belt providing a conveyor surface that extends continuously along an upper surface of the base conveyor unit (4), the outer conveyor unit (10) and the intermediate conveyor units (6, 8). The pivotable conveyor section (12) has a free end remote from the pivot axis whose height relative to a ground surface may be adjusted by pivoting movement of the pivotable conveyor section.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for loading and unloading loose cargo, such as preferably pieces of luggage or the like, in a cargo hold of a plane, including conveying the loose cargo towards the inner end of the cargo hold during loading, or away from it during unloading, and including transport of the loose cargo between the level of the tarmac and the cargo hold opening. The loose cargo may during loading be conveyed into the fuselage in a direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the plane and also in the longitudinal direction of the plane, and deposited, in the cargo hold. Loose cargo conveyed back into the plane of the cargo hold opening during unloading may be conveyed off transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plane through the cargo hold opening. Moreover the invention proposes intermediate conveyor means herefor.

Abstract: Example conveyor systems are disclosed herein. An example conveyor system includes a main conveyor with a frame supporting at least one conveyor extension. Some conveyor extension examples include a powered conveyor belt supported by one or more conveyor sections that are articulated for assisting one or more workers in transferring items (e.g., boxes, parcels, luggage, parts, etc.) to and from the main conveyor. A single main conveyor supports two conveyor extensions mounted alongside each other with someone working at each extension to allow two workers to service a single main conveyor with minimal or no interference, thereby increasing the conveyor system's overall transfer rate. Example conveyor system disclosed herein includes various elements of positional adjustment (e.g., lateral, longitudinal, vertical, angular) to make the conveyor system particularly suited for transferring parcels between a loading dock and the interior of a truck, trailer, aircraft or container.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for loading and unloading loose cargo (6), such as preferably pieces of luggage or the like, in a cargo hold (1) of a plane, including conveying the loose cargo (6) towards the inner end of the cargo hold (1) during loading, or away from it during unloading, and including transport of the loose cargo (6) between the level of the tarmac and the cargo hold opening. In the system of the invention, the loose cargo (6) may during loading be conveyed into the fuselage in a direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the plane and also in the longitudinal direction of the plane, and deposited in the cargo hold (1). Loose cargo (6) conveyed back into the plane of the cargo hold opening during unloading may be conveyed off transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plane through the cargo hold opening. Moreover the invention proposes intermediate conveyor means (2) herefor.

Abstract: A device for discarding trims formed by cutting machines during the cutting of paper logs, including an advancing plane on which paper rolls (R) and trims (RT, RC) advance along a given direction (A), wherein the trims can fall through a discontinuity provided on the advancing plane. The advancing plane is formed by a first extendible conveyor (1) and a second extendible conveyor (2). Each of the conveyors (1, 2) is connected with an extension and retraction device. The discontinuity on the advancing plane is realized or eliminated depending on the extended or not extended configuration of the conveyors (1, 2).

Abstract: Communications systems and methods for transmitting extendible conveyor control signals along an extendible conveyor. A conveyor communication system includes a first transceiver for use on a stationary boom of an extendible conveyor system, configured to communicate with a conveyor main control of the extendible conveyor system. The conveyor communication system includes a second transceiver for use at an end boom of the extendible conveyor system, configured to communicate with a control station on the end boom. The second transceiver is configured to receive wireless communications from the first transceiver over a wireless communications link.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprising a frame removably connectable to an extendable conveyor and a pivoting conveyor coupled to the frame. The pivoting conveyor includes a slewing conveyor section pivotally coupled to the frame for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis, and a tiltable conveyor section having one end pivotally coupled to the slewing conveyor section for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis and an opposing free end shaped for receiving objects being unloaded from the shipping container. Each section includes a conveying surface for conveying the objects from the free end of the tiltable conveyor section, and toward the extendable conveyor. The free end of the tiltable conveyor section can be moved from side-to-side by pivoting the slewing conveyor section about the vertical axis, and can be moved up and down by pivoting the tiltable conveyor section about the horizontal axis independent of the slewing conveyor section.

Abstract: An extendable boom conveyor system and method. The extendable boom system includes first and second boom elements, an operator control, and a controller. The first boom element includes a brake mechanism, which includes a pin configured to be positioned in an engaged position and a disengaged position. The second boom element includes a feature configured to engage the pin in the engaged position and prevent motion of the first boom element relative to the second boom element in at least a first direction. The controller is configured to receive an operator signal from the operator control and activate the brake mechanism responsive to the operator signal.

Abstract: An auger assembly is disclosed that comprises an extendable auger section that includes an auger trough having first auger, an auger tube having a second auger and configured to couple to a grain-receiving hopper, and a drive mechanism configured to move the auger tube and the second auger substantially parallel to the auger trough.

Abstract: A cargo handling system for handling cargo in an area of operation is disclosed. The system comprises at least one extendable conveyor having at least one fixed end and at least one movable end and at least one multi-axis means coupled with the extendable conveyor to enable the conveyor to span the entire area of operation. The multi-axis means comprises at least one linear movement means to control the linear movement of the conveyor and at least one pivotable two-axis means to control lateral and vertical movement of the conveyor. Further, the system comprises at least one two-axis loader cart coupled with the extendable conveyor and co-operating with the multi-axis means to minimize cantilever of the extendable conveyor and position the moving end of the conveyor to a desired location and controlling means adapted to control the multi-axis means for automated operation of the extendable conveyor.

Abstract: Device for discarding trims formed by cutting machines during the cutting of paper logs, comprising an advancing plane on which paper rolls (R) and trims (RT, RC) advance along a given direction (A), wherein the trims can fall through a discontinuity provided on said advancing plane. The said advancing plane is formed by a first extendible conveyor (1) and a second extendible conveyor (2). Each of said conveyors (1, 2) is connected with extension and retraction means. The said discontinuity on the advancing plane is realized or eliminated depending on the extended or not extended configuration of said conveyors (1, 2).

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprising a frame removably connectable to an extendable conveyor and a pivoting conveyor coupled to the frame. The pivoting conveyor includes a stewing conveyor section pivotally coupled to the frame for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis, and a tiltable conveyor section having one end pivotally coupled to the slewing conveyor section for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis and an opposing free end shaped for receiving objects being unloaded from the shipping container. Each section includes a conveying surface for conveying the objects from the free end of the tiltable conveyor section, and toward the extendable conveyor. The free end of the tiltable conveyor section can be moved from side-to-side by pivoting the stewing conveyor section about the vertical axis, and can be moved up and down by pivoting the tiltable conveyor section about the horizontal axis independent of the stewing conveyor section.

Abstract: An extendable support apparatus for supporting an endless conveyor belt has an extendable frame, and a rest for supporting the conveyor belt relative to the frame. The extendable support apparatus is able to be extended and retracted by respectively extending and retracting the extendable frame while the conveyor belt circulates relative to the extendable support apparatus and while the conveyor belt is supported by the rest.

Abstract: A telescoping conveyor for particulate materials, particularly agricultural materials, uses an elongate support frame to support a telescoping conveyor. A top tube section is telescopically connected to a bottom tube section, the top tube section sliding over the bottom tube section and being supported by the support frame. The bottom and top tube sections respectively have inlet and discharge ends. A conveyor belt runs inside the bottom and top tube sections and has a return portion exteriorly of the tube sections. A belt take up mechanism is positioned in the belt return portion and has direction change rollers affixed to the support frame and to the top tube member and movable therewith in order to maintain belt tension in all telescoping positions of the conveyor.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor system includes a conveyor having a portion with a first dimension, the first dimension having a value falling within a predetermined range of values. The system also includes a mobile frame assembly for mounting the conveyor thereon. The frame assembly defines a conveyor mounting bed having a second dimension that is adjustable for receiving therein the portion of the conveyor having the first dimension, for mounting the conveyor to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for diverting product from a single lane to one of a plurality of lanes includes a wall having an upstream portion positioned proximate the single lane and a downstream portion positioned proximate the plurality of lanes. The upstream portion is stationary relative to the single lane and the downstream portion is configured to be movable relative to the plurality of lanes. A length of the wall is configured to vary in response to movement of the downstream portion.

Abstract: A belt conveyor comprising a telescopic frame (1), an endless conveyor belt (9) which is supported by idlers (12) connected to the frame (1), a drawing drum (10), and a tilting drum (11), via which the conveyor belt (9) is arranged to run, and an actuator (14) mounted to the frame (1) for changing the length of the frame (1). The frame of the belt conveyor comprises frame blocks (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g) installed to each other in a slidable manner and a lattice mechanism (20) installed to them in a pivotal manner to effect a change in the length of the belt conveyor as a result of the operation of the actuator (14). The frame blocks (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g) comprise at least one frame pipe (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g), wherein at least one frame block (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g) comprises a supporting beam (4a, 4b, 4b? 4c, 4d, 4d?, 4e, 4f, 4g) connected to at least one frame pipe (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g).

Abstract: A belt loader assembly includes a belt loader and an extension assembly. The belt loader includes a conveyor belt and a frame. The extension assembly includes an extension portion, a connection portion, and a bumper portion. The extension portion includes a plate having a first end portion and a second end portion. The connection portion is engaged with the first end portion of the plate and with the frame of the belt loader. The bumper portion is engaged with the second end portion of the plate. An extension assembly includes a plate having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. The extension assembly further includes a bumper portion engaged to the plate at the second portion. The bumper portion includes a bumper. A connection portion is engaged with the first end portion and adapted for engagement with a belt loader.

Abstract: An extendable belt conveyor system designed to be installed under a self-propelled windrower between the front and the rear wheels suitable for multiple windrowing operations. The self-propelled windrower with the extendable belt conveyor system deliver a swath at a variable distance from the windrower, either on left or on the right, as the machine moves through the field. The conveyor can be directed on the left or on the right at variable distances with no need to manually change a part. The extendable belt conveyor system has at least two conveyors disposed one above the others and are connected with a trolley between each conveyor. The extendable belt conveyor system is driven by a single driving means and by a single reversible motor.

Abstract: An automated adjustment system is provided for positioning a speed reduction belt assembly to receive an elongated wood article exiting a processing machine. The speed reduction belt assembly has opposite first and second ends. The automated adjustment system includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism operable to adjust an angle of the speed reduction belt assembly in a horizontal plane. The automated adjustment system also includes a vertical adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the height of one of the first and second ends of the belt assembly relative to the other of the first and second ends of the belt assembly, thereby adjusting an inclination of the belt assembly. The automated adjustment system further includes a control unit in communication with the horizontal and vertical adjustment mechanisms for sending control signals thereto. The control signals determine the angle and inclination of the belt assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a universal interface is provided for operatively connecting and feeding sequential copy sheet output of various selectable first sheet processing machines to various selectable second sheet processing machines spaced apart horizontally or horizontally and vertically from the first sheet processing machines by widely varying ranges of horizontal distances. The universal interface includes a frame and a universal interface module providing a sheet feeding path repositionable relative to the frame therethrough, from one side to the other of the module, for transporting the copy sheet output of the first sheet processing machine to the copy sheet input of the second sheet processing machine. Further, the universal interface module includes an integral horizontally or horizontally and vertically repositionable sheet receiving and sheet discharging sheet path ends opening at opposite sides of the universal interface module.

Abstract: An adjustable conveyor bed that is adjustable in length to span a gap between two devices of a conveyor system includes a primary section and a secondary section that is extendable and retractable relative to the primary section. The primary section has opposite primary sidewalls and a plurality of primary rollers mounted thereto. The primary rollers include a primary motorized roller and a plurality of primary idler rollers interconnected with one another via a plurality of drive members. The secondary section has opposite secondary sidewalls, with the secondary section sidewalls being nestedly received within the primary sidewalls and being adjustably mounted to the primary sidewalls and extendable and retractable relative to the primary sidewalls to adjust a length of the adjustable conveyor bed. The secondary section is configured to support at least one secondary roller when extended a sufficient amount from the primary section.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly with ejecting provision, wherein the assembly comprises an upstream and a downstream belt conveyor defining a conveying surface, which are arranged for operatively conveying a series of products at a conveying speed in a conveying direction, wherein the upstream belt conveyor connects by a discharge end to a feed end of the downstream belt conveyor, wherein the discharge end is defined by a discharge end return pulley and wherein the feed end is defined by a feed end return pulley, wherein the discharge end return pulley and/or the feed end return pulley are arranged displaceably along the conveying direction in a plane parallel to the conveying surface of the respective conveyor for forming an ejection opening between the two return pulleys. The invention further relates to a document processing line with such a conveyor assembly and to a method of ejecting products.

Abstract: A cargo conveyor for use in loading and unloading a cargo compartment comprises: a plurality of conveyor units for being disposed within the cargo compartment and for being temporarily arranged to support a loading or unloading conveyor path having a length that varies during a same loading or unloading operation, the conveyor path for being lengthened during the unloading operation and for being shortened during the loading operation, the plurality of conveyor units for being coupled with and decoupled from the conveyor path for lengthening the conveyor path during the unloading operation and for shortening the conveyor path during the loading operation, respectively.

Abstract: Powered and steerable telescoping conveyors. The telescoping conveyors have an infeed section and a discharge section. The discharge section can be telescoped beneath the infeed section in a retracted position. In an extended position, containers can be conveyed over first and second conveying structures that are located on the infeed and discharge sections, respectfully. The conveying structures can include wheels, rollers, or belts. A power module can move the discharge section between the extended and retracted positions. The power module can be located at various positions along the conveyor, including at a discharge end of the discharge section. A steering assembly can be provided to orient the discharge section with respect to the infeed section. The steering assembly can include two wheels, each wheel having its own independent wheel-steering axis. A power module can be associated with each of the independent wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming any desired portions and sizes of products, comprising an aligning belt (1) that conveys the products (2) while transferring them, at a transfer edge (4), to a portioning belt (3), on which the portions (6) and/or sizes (5) are formed and with which the portions are conveyed onward in their corresponding sizes. The invention relates to a system comprised of the inventive device and of a packing machine (16), and to a method for producing any desired portions and sizes of products.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor includes a support structure, and at least one extendable unit that is supported in a cantilevered manner and that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position nested within the support structure. The extendable unit has at least one support roller for rollingly engaging at least one of another extendable unit and the support structure as the extendable unit is extended or retracted. The conveyor includes a braking device operable to limit rotation of at least one support roller via selective engagement of a braking element with the support roller. The braking device is activatable to disengage the braking element from the support roller in response to actuation of a user input. The braking element is biased to engage the braking element with the support roller when the braking device is deactivated.

Abstract: Powered and steerable telescoping conveyors. The telescoping conveyors have an infeed section and a discharge section. The discharge section can be telescoped beneath the infeed section in a retracted position. In an extended position, containers can be conveyed over first and second conveying structures that are located on the infeed and discharge sections, respectfully. The conveying structures can include wheels, rollers, or belts. A power module can move the discharge section between the extended and retracted positions. The power module can be located at various positions along the conveyor, including at a discharge end of the discharge section. A steering assembly can be provided to orient the discharge section with respect to the infeed section. The steering assembly can include two wheels, each wheel having its own independent wheel-steering axis. A power module can be associated with each of the independent wheels.

Abstract: An arcuate guide apparatus and method for collecting and moving material into or away from a selected bin (30a, 30b, 30c) that resides within an array of storage bins. The arcuate guide apparatus comprises three or more trolleys (90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95a, 95b, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) that move along at least one track (79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, 86f, 87a, 87b, 88a, 88b, 89) to create a guide assembly for a conveyor (60) or conveyor groups (67, 68, 69, 70).

Abstract: An guide apparatus and method for collecting and moving material into or away from a selected bin (30a, 30b, 30c) that resides within an array of storage bins. The guide apparatus comprises three or more trolleys (90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95a, 95b, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) that move along at least one track (79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, 86f, 87a, 87b, 88a, 88b, 89) to create a guide assembly for a conveyor (60) or conveyor groups (67, 68, 69, 70).

Abstract: A conveying device comprising at least a first conveying element and a second conveying element, each of the first and the second conveying element comprising a wire harness box having opposing box plates, the wire harness box including a pair of front tabs and a pair of rear tabs, the front tabs extending from box plates generally normal to the rear tabs; and a cargo roller positioned above the wire harness box; and a universal joint having at least two degrees of freedom, the universal joint including a rectangular hollow yoke, each of the front tabs of the at least first conveying element and each of the rear tabs of the second conveying element rotatably fastened to the yoke.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously grouping or marshalling objects together on a conveyor includes the conveyor being divided into a first and a second conveyor section, where the second conveyor section has a higher speed than the first conveyor section. The conveyor sections have a common plane on which the objects are advanced. The conveyor sections each have two bending rollers in the common plane, each of which have a bending roller lying closely adjacent one another. Between the rollers placed adjacent one another is disposed an arrest member. The arrest member is movable through 90 degrees in relation to the common plane. The arrest member is moreover, together with the bending rollers, displaceable along the common plane.