Abstract: A device and a method for transporting flat products comprising at least one feeder and a first transport unit having at least two transport elements that can be set against side edges lying opposite one another of the flat products. The flat products can be gripped by the transport elements and can be transported upright in the transport direction. In the transporting process, the flat products are received in the first transport unit, are transported within the latter, and are held upright at the side edges by the transport elements.

Abstract: At the battery exchange station a discharged battery is removed and a charged battery is inserted into an electric vehicle. The battery is inserted and removed along a vertical axis, i.e., into and out of the bottom of the vehicle. The battery exchange system is located in a service bay under the vehicle. A sliding door system creates an opening above the service bay. A vehicle is received over the sliding door system, such that at least one wheel of the vehicle rests on the conveyor system. The door slides in a first direction while allowing the conveyor system to slide in a direction opposite the first direction. The conveyor system also supports the at least one wheel of the vehicle while the door and conveyor slide in opposite directions. The sliding of the door and the sliding of the conveyor system occur at least partially simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for leveling metal stock, which is moved during operation from an infeed side of the device to an outfeed side, includes: an upper set of leveling rollers and a lower set of leveling rollers, each of which comprises a terminal leveling roller on the infeed side and another one on the outfeed side, wherein the upper and lower leveling rollers are arranged with an offset to each other, and wherein a plurality of upper and lower drive shafts for driving at least some of the leveling rollers. A plurality of lower backup roller support blocks, each includes a plurality of backup rollers, which serve to support the lower leveling rollers and are arranged in rows, wherein their axes of rotation are parallel to axes of rotation of the leveling rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring and securing a substrate is shown. A pressure source is provided that is adapted to provide positive and negative pressure. A vacuum chuck is provided having a top side with a plurality of vacuum chuck portals formed therein. Each vacuum chuck portal is in fluid communication with the pressure source. The substrate is secured to the top side of the vacuum chuck when the pressure source provides negative pressure to the vacuum chuck portals. An intermediate member that selectively cooperates with the vacuum chuck to support and transfer the substrate between the vacuum chuck and the intermediate member is provided. The intermediate member has a plurality of receiving spaces and a plurality of transfer members. The receiving spaces and transfer members are adjacent to one another in an alternating pattern, and each transfer member has a top side with a plurality of transfer member portals formed therein.

Abstract: A food processing system includes sweep belt transfer of food product from a conveyor to a food processor such as a cooker or chiller. The conveyor may include upstream conveyance around a turn having a moving fence. The system may include an upstream conveyor to conveyor transfer from a widening gap upper conveyor to a lower conveyor.

Abstract: A solids supply systems having a solids deaeration zone and a solids pump zone, and to methods for supplying the solids e.g., pulverized dry coal, to an application, e.g., gasification process. The solids deaeration zone includes a roller system containing a plurality of porous roller assemblies, or a belt system containing a plurality of porous belt assemblies. The solids deaeration zone is operable to deaerate and convey the solids to the solids pump zone. In the solids deaeration zone, the solids become sufficiently compacted prior to and upon entry into the solids pump zone to be effectively conveyed through the solids pump zone.

Abstract: A caterpillar traction apparatus (110), wherein two pairs of pulleys (122 & 123, 132 & 133) can be driven at different speeds, so that the linear member (40) being driven by the mechanism is subjected to either compression or extension forces.

Abstract: A conveyor including a plurality of individual conveyor units associated with a common conveyor frame and adapted for independent lateral and vertical position adjustment. The conveyor units form independent conveyors capable of conveying an object. The position of each conveying unit is adjustable along the conveyor frame in a direction substantially transverse to the conveying direction. The height of each conveying unit is also independently adjustable. Consequently, the conveying units may be arranged to form overall conveying surfaces of different configuration. The conveyor may also include a frame lift assembly capable of simultaneously and uniformly raising or lowering one end of all the conveyor units present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strand guide (1), in particular for a steel slab continuous casting installation having a number of segments (2) which support a strand (3) on two opposite sides (4, 5) with support elements (6, 7), wherein the support elements (6, 7) are arranged in a lower frame (8) and an upper frame (9), wherein the frames (8, 9) are formed to guide the strand (3) in a conveying direction (F). In order to be able to optimally adjust the strand support and to make it easier to change segment frames, the invention provides means (10) which can be used to adjust the upper and the lower frames (8, 9) relative to one another in the conveying direction (F).

Abstract: A nailing mechanism for a packing plate comprises a middle feeding device, an upper feeding device, a lower feeding device, a first conveying belt, a second conveying belt, a third conveying belt, a first push panel, a second push panel, a plurality of first nail guns, and a plurality of second nail guns, wherein the nailing mechanism are used to automatically assemble a plurality of first, second, and third slabs together to make a finished packing plate, thus lowering production costs and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A device (10) for orienting tubular cores made of card for supporting rolls of toilet or kitchen paper includes elements for imparting an angular movement to each long item (11) in such a way that it is fed out of the device at a suitable angle. The elements for the angular orientation of the item (11) are designed to cause the item to be fed forward while keeping it substantially-transversal to the direction of feed and include first mobile members (12) for feeding a corresponding portion of the item (11) and extending along a respective path, which has a curved section (12a) , and second mobile members (14) for feeding a second portion of the item (11) and extending along a respective path having a curved section (14a) which is concentric with and radially inside the curved section (12a) of the first mobile feed members (12).

Abstract: A transport device for transporting sheet elements into a folder-gluer comprising two longitudinal support structures between which there extend one or more movement slides, one or more lead screws and a drive shaft for a belt. At least one longitudinal member supports at least one endless conveyor belt driven by the shaft. The longitudinal member is mounted in sliding connection on the movement slides and on the drive shaft and is in helical connection with the lead screws. A protecting device over the drive shaft blocks user access to the shaft. It is illustrated as a profile over the shaft and slide. The protecting device transversely connects the two longitudinal support structures.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus and a method of driving the same includes a first guide block and a second guide block, and a single ball screw shaft connected to the first and second guide blocks moves the guide blocks in an axial direction thereof. A first drive unit rotates the ball screw shaft to concurrently move the pair of guide blocks, and a second drive unit connected to the second guide block separately moves the second guide block with respect to the first guide block.

Abstract: A bean sprouts-like articles loosening supply device can exhibit a sufficient dispersing function even for fine and light weight bean sprouts-like articles liable to be entangled with each other, such as alfalfa sprouts. The loosening supply device includes two conveyors having both of their end portions constructed to turn so as to run endlessly, having their outer surfaces provided with needle members, and running at velocities different from each other. The conveyors are arranged to have their running paths opposed to each other so that their running directions are both downward and so that at least one portion of the needle members of the two conveyors mesh into each other. Alfalfa sprouts are supplied into the running paths from above and encounter the needle members of the two conveyors running at velocities different from each other and intersecting with each other. Each time the needle members intersect with each other, the alfalfa sprouts are separated upward and downward and dispersed.

Abstract: A conveying system for transporting materials, in particular bulk material, can comprise a first conveying element which is configured to receive the materials and to transport the same in a transport direction and can be moved in the same direction in the transport direction. A second conveying element which can be moved in the transport direction and is disposed at a spacing from the first conveying element. The second conveying element is provided with a plurality of transverse ribs which can be moved with the second conveying element in the transport direction, which transverse ribs are formed and disposed on the second conveying element such that they cover the first conveying element on the side thereof configured to receive the materials and, together with the latter side of the first conveying element, form compartments which are separated from each other in order to receive and transport the materials.

Abstract: In order to develop drawing machines for drawing a linear workpiece, the invention proposes a drawing machine with a caterpillar conveyor for drawing a linear workpiece through a drawing die, in which the caterpillar conveyor comprises a frame configured to be symmetrical with respect to the drawing plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container-transporting device which fundamentally avoids the problems caused by elongations and the structure of endless chains, which is inevitably created by using endless chains in the container-transporting conveyors for conventional filling-and-packaging machines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for conveying a stack of flat objects, in particular a stack of mail items, in a conveyance direction. The conveyor device comprises a base face, a side wall, which is perpendicular to the base face, a base face conveyor facility let into the base face and a side wall conveyor facility let into the side wall. The side wall is divided into two partial side walls. The rear partial side wall—viewed in the conveyance direction—is offset outward in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction in relation to the front partial side wall. The side wall conveyor facility is let into the rear partial side wall. The base face conveyor facility is embodied to exert a force on the objects, which moves the objects toward the side wall conveyor facility.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an absorptive article having a waistband member, includes: transporting a continuum (for example, second to seventh continuum) including waistband regions 1A and 1B corresponding to the waistband member. In the transporting, the continuum is asymmetric with respect to a center line CL of the continuum in a moving direction of the continuum, and is transported while being held on at least a first belt conveyor 110 and a second belt conveyor 120.

Abstract: A transport and alignment system is provided for handling stacked sheet material on a support deck including first and second belts each having a portion thereof disposed parallel to the support deck. Each of the belts includes a plurality of spaced-apart fingers which engage the edges of the stacked sheet material and define a pocket therebetween. The transport and alignment system further includes a drive mechanism for independently driving the first and second belts to effect concurrent and relative motion of the fingers. Concurrent motion of the fingers transports the stacked sheet material along the support deck while relative motion of the fingers opposed edges of the stacked sheets of material. The transport and alignment system is described in the context of a stitcher and chassis module of a mailpiece inserter.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving items in a direction is disclosed herein. The conveyor may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is not perpendicular to the direction. A first pulley and a second pulley may be located proximate the second end with a connector connecting the first pulley to the second pulley. A first belt extends between the first end and the first pulley. A second belt extends between the first end and the second pulley. The second belt is longer than the first belt.

Abstract: An arrangement for gathering and transporting print products, deposited straddling on a conveying device, includes a first conveying device including a first double chain having first and second strands and a second conveying device including a second double chain having first and second strands. A transfer region is provided in which the print products are transferred from the first conveying device to the second conveying device. The first and second double chains overlap in the transfer region such that the print products are transported in the transfer region with the aid of one strand on the first double chain and one strand on the second double chain.

Abstract: A transport system including a curved conveyance section configured for moving articles along a curved conveyance path. At least one turnstile wheel is configured to guide the articles along the curved conveyance path. In some embodiments, the turnstile wheel comprises a first surface configured to guide an exterior vertical belt along a continuous curve on an exterior edge of the curved conveyance path and a second surface configured to guide an interior vertical belt along a continuous curve on an interior edge of the curved conveyance path. The first surface and the second surface are configured to have a common axis of rotation outside the curved conveyance path and to rotate at a same angular velocity. The interior vertical belt and the exterior vertical belt are configured to support the articles as the articles are conveyed along the curved conveyance path. The articles are conveyed along the curved conveyance path without stopping or significantly slowing down.

Abstract: A transport system includes a curved conveyance section configured to move an article along a curved path without significantly slowing or stopping. Exemplary articles for conveyance include semiconductor wafers and substrates for display devices and photovoltaic devices. In some embodiments, the conveyance section includes a turnstile wheel including an interior surface and an exterior surface. The external surface is configured to guide an exterior belt that in turn supports one side of the article around the conveyance path. The internal surface is configured to either support an opposing side of the article, or guide an interior belt that in turn supports the article around the conveyance path. Instead of employing a turnstile wheel, other embodiments employ interior and exterior supports for supporting opposite ends of the article, such as interior and exterior belts, that move at essentially the same angular rate along the inside and outside of the conveyance path.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article through a hot air chamber of a shrink packaging machine comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor. Each conveyor includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the plurality are interconnected together to form an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for advancing the endless conveyor belt in a first direction, and a track member having a surface disposed in engagement with particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt. Each of the particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt rolls over the surface of the track member when advanced through the shrink packaging machine. The first conveyor is located over the second conveyor in opposing facing relation therewith such that a compressible item to be shrink wrapped may be compressed and conveyed through the shrink packaging machine between and by the first and second conveyors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a conveyer system configured to move material dumped from a rail-car positioned over fixed rails of a railroad track. The conveyer system includes a frame structure, at least one first conveyer belt system and at least one second conveyer belt system. The frame structure includes rails defined along an upper portion thereof. The frame structure is configured to be positioned on the fixed rails of the railroad track. The at least one first conveyer belt system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a feed end configured to deliver the material and is configured to extend longitudinally along and above the fixed rails of the railroad track. The at least one second conveyer belt system is coupled to the frame structure and configured to extend transverse to and below the feed end of the at least one first conveyer belt system.

Abstract: A machine for processing printing material sheets has a signal generator for position monitoring and a sheet delivery. The sheet delivery has a first conveying device, for example with a holding crossmember, for leading sheet ends and a second conveying device, for example with a holding crossmember, for trailing sheet ends. The signal generator is disposed in the sheet delivery.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system and method employs a primary product transporting conveyor with accumulation and re-circulating sections. The conveyor is configured to receive products from an upstream destination and discharge products to a downstream destination. A second conveyor, operable at a considerable slower speed than the first conveyor, is located in the same transverse plane as and is aligned adjacent to the first conveyor. Both conveyors travel in the same direction at the adjacent alignment. As products are discharged from the system, a wall of product is formed on the slower moving conveyor. As a result, products on the inner lane of the faster moving conveyor which would otherwise tend to move inward towards the discharge point, causing product turbulence and disruption, are urged back onto the inner lane by the product wall and then smoothly discharged from the system to the downstream destination.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel device that is used with material handling machines. This is a special compliant urethane wheel for use especially in the corrugated cardboard industry. The wheel relates generally to a transfer mechanism that permits the cardboard and other materials to be transferred from a processing line to accumulation devices such as a stacker and shuttle machine. This improved wheel device has a compliant and flexible surface which permits the cardboard units to be temporarily held in place on the conveyor without damaging or marking the units. The special triangular-like configuration of the apertures molded into the wheel provides an improved strength and durability when compared with other compliant wheels.

Abstract: An unloader that includes a pad replacing device provided adjacently to at least one of an upper carrying device and a lower carrying device. Each of the carrying devices includes an endless rotating member and plural unloader pads, the endless rotating member having a plurality of first pad attaching portions at intervals in a rotational direction, on which the unloader pads are detachably attached by sliding the unloader pads in a direction orthogonal to the rotational direction. The pad replacing device includes a pad setting portion and a pad moving portion, the pad setting portion having a second pad attaching portion on which a replacing pad is attached by sliding the replacing pad in the direction orthogonal to the rotational direction. The unloader pad is detached by being pushed by the replacing pad by moving the replacing pad to the unloader pad.

Abstract: A device for continuously delivering bags includes at least one bag transferring device and at least one linear conveyor. The bag transferring device transfers the bags to the at least one linear conveyor. An objective of the invention is to provide a device for delivering bags, which ensures a continuous subsequent processing of the bags at a high rate and with a high degree of reliability. To this end, the device includes a continuously operating linear conveyor with bag holding fixtures. The width of the bag holding fixtures, in the direction of conveyance, is greater than the width of the bags to be held. This enables the linear conveyor to avoid having to be stopped during the delivery of the bags by the bag transferring device, and a continuous delivery of the bags to a next bag handling device can be ensured.

Abstract: A film conveying mechanism comprises a base, a belt capable of conveying the films, a spring plate, a fixing pin, and a stopper. The spring plate includes an opening on a second end and is longitudinally disposed with respect to the belt. The fixing pin is on the base and holds a first end of the spring plate. The stopper, which is narrower than the opening, protrudes through the opening and limits the movement of the second end of the spring plate in a first direction. The stopper restricts the lateral and longitudinal horizontal movement of the spring plate, allowing the spring plate some retraction or expansion space according to the amount of belt pressure. Using the stopper reduces film jams, makes the spring plate longer lasting, and keeps the film conveying mechanism running efficiently regardless of possible wear and tear or minor manufacturing defects in the spring plate.

Abstract: A stacking conveyor conveys packets so that the conveyed packets become stacked together in a standing up configuration as an array of packets. First and second gripping members are automatically controlled so that the first and second gripping members mechanically move independently of each other to grip the array between the first and second gripping members and move the gripped array to a different location such as, for example, to a packaging station for packaging the array.

Abstract: A casted concrete block surface-roughing machine having an in-line conveyor displaceable over a stationary horizontal support surface for slidingly supporting a lower surface of concrete blocks displaced thereon by the conveyor. At least two pairs of spaced-apart vertically supported conveyor belts are disposed to engage opposed side faces of the concrete blocks to displace them along the stationary horizontal support surface. One of the pairs of the conveyor belts engages the opposed side faces in a lower surface section thereof to expose an upper surface section thereof to be abraded by respective surface abrading devices. The other of the pairs of conveyor belts engage the opposed side faces in the upper surface section of the concrete block to expose the lower surface section thereof to be abraded by further respective surfaces abrading devices.

Abstract: A chute system for selectively moving articles with little to no damage to such articles from a supply source oriented at a first level to a transversely moving conveying system oriented at a second lower level. The chute system includes a powered conveyor belt adapted for advancement of the conveyor belt at a known velocity and a guide operatively associated with the conveyor belt and adapted to shape the conveyor belt in a selected arcuate configuration to accommodate and facilitate translation of motion of such an article on the belt from a substantially vertical direction to a substantially horizontal direction. In a preferred embodiment the chute system includes a stop member to provide a stop for such articles upon movement of such articles from the conveyor belt to such conveying system in order to accommodate selective lateral deposition of such articles onto such conveying system.

Abstract: A method of changing a width of a variable-width substrate conveyor including a feeding device for feeding a circuit substrate along the guide rails, a pair of guide rails having guide surfaces for guiding the circuit substrate being fed by the feeding device, in a longitudinal direction of the guide rails, and a width changing device for moving the guide rails relative to each other toward or away from each other, to change a distance between the guide rails, wherein an image-taking device is operated to take an image of a portion of at least one of the guide rails, and the width changing device is controlled on the basis of the image taken by the image-taking device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curve element (1) for a transfer system for transporting products, having a curve-going outer track (2) and an inner track. An outer guide (5) is disposed on the outside of the outer track (2). The outer track (2) is embodied in continuous form in the curved region, and the inner track is formed in two parts of a first inner track (3) and a second inner track (4). At least one of the first or second inner tracks (3, 4) protrudes rectilinearly into the curved region of the curve element (1).

Abstract: A device for conveying flat objects in series and edge-on, in which the flat objects (12) are moved in a conveying direction (D), while at the same time being separated each from the next by a spacing which is normally constant, has a synchronization system (2) capable of compensating for any variations in spacing between two consecutive objects. The system includes two parallel rows (3, 4) of driven wheels (3A-4C) made of elastically deformable elastomer and between which each object is gripped and moved in the conveying direction. Each wheel has a rotation spindle (6), the position of which is fixed, and the wheels are rotated by a motorization system which is controlled to accelerate and/or retard the movement of each object between the two rows of wheels on the basis of a detection whether the front edge of the object has been early or late in passing a determined position upstream of the two rows of wheels compared with a time reference indicating the spacing between objects.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly 18 that detects bags that leak. The assembly 18 includes a first conveyor 24 that operates in unison with a second conveyor 29. The conveyors 24 and 29 confine the bags in chambers, with the bags being engaged by pressure assemblies 50 so that the bags that leak are reduced in volume. The bags are engaged at a downstream position and at an upstream position by detection devices 44 that provide a signal indicative of the volume of each bag. These signals are compared to thereby identify bags that leak.

Abstract: For bartending, in order to avoid batch chilling of beer glasses and the like in which the last glasses put into a refrigerator are the first pulled out and are thus not properly chilled, a last in, last out glass chilling system provides a supply of properly chilled beer glasses even when newly washed warm glasses are to be chilled. In one embodiment, the last in, last out glass chilling system includes a series of trays on a conveyor in the cabinet, with each tray loaded with glasses. The conveyor moves the trays upwardly in the chill cabinet, with the chilling occurring during the time that the tray of glasses moves from a bottom position to a top position. This assures that, unlike batch chilling, properly chilled glasses are always available. In one embodiment, a tray of glasses is in inserted at the base of the chill cabinet, with the conveyor being motorized to move the trays within the chill cabinet in an upward direction.

Abstract: The device for the high-speed conveying of post envelopes (2A, 2B) comprises a fixed sole plate (11) extending along the path which the conveyed envelopes follow and along which the envelopes, standing on edge and arranged in series, glide, a motorized endless reference belt (12) stretched along one side of the sole plate, a motorized endless press belt (14) stretched along the other side of the sole plate, and a series of elastically deformable elastomer wheels (16) for elastically pressing against the reference belt in such a way as to grip the envelopes arranged on the sole plate between the reference belt and the press belt. The wheels (16) each have a hub mounted to rotate on a stationary spindle, and an annular tread strip in contact with the press belt, the hub and the annular tread strip of each wheel being connected by elastically deformable circular-arc-shaped fins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying at least one supply roll, comprising a roll support surface on which the supply roll can be placed with its longitudinal axis extending essentially horizontally. The supply roll can be rolled out in at least one conveying direction with its lateral surface on said roll support surface. The device has at least one transport element with at least one rotating drive device. The carrying run of said drive device can be brought into contact with the lateral surface of the supply roll from below, directly or indirectly, and can be driven in at least one conveying direction.

Abstract: A printed circuit board support comprising a support base and a base extension assembly. The support base defines a support surface. The base extension assembly is secured to the support base and is arranged to define a variable extension assembly height dimension and at least a portion of a height dimension of the printed circuit board support, wherein variation of the variable extension assembly height dimension results in variation of the height dimension of the printed circuit board support. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A printed circuit board support comprising a support base, a base extension and a magnetic source. The support base defines a support surface and a lower surface. The base extension is secured to the support base and arranged to define at least a portion of a height dimension of the printed circuit board support. The magnetic source is secured to the base extension and positioned such that the lower surface of the support base is arranged to secure the printed circuit board support to an object under magnetic force. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR §1.72(b).

Abstract: In a product supply apparatus 3 for successively receiving products X, transported from a previous processing station, and then supplying them towards a quality inspecting machine 4 positioned downstream thereof, there is provided upper and lower conveyors 33 and 35 for transporting the products X successively while sandwiching the products X from above and below; a photo-sensor 38 for detecting each of the products X; and a control unit 40 for controlling a motor 37, adapted to drive the conveyors 33 and 35, based on a result of detection by the photo-sensor 38 to adjust an interval between the forward and rearward neighboring products X and X to a target interval. Since simultaneously with adjustment of the interval while the product X is transported the product X is sandwiched from above and below by the conveyors 33 and 35, it is possible for the product X to be pressed by respective belts 33c and 35j of the conveyors 33 and 35 to flatten.

Abstract: An inlet rolling device of power exhaust conveyor for packing sheet used in sharing and packing device of medicine according to the present invention, wherein the power exhaust conveyor is so constructed that a sponge roller is mounted on the inlet side, a shaft is mounted at the central portion of the sponge roller, and a support is connected to the end portion of the shaft and to a hinge shaft fixed to a mounting plate so as to be rotated, thereby enabling the packing sheet containing medicine to be discharged to the outside, comprises a hollow shaft attached to the central portion of the sponge roller and mounted to a shaft so as to be rotated, a primary pulley mounted on the end portion of the hollow shaft, a secondary pulley mounted on a hinge shaft so as to be rotated, a primary belt interconnecting the primary and secondary pulleys, and a secondary belt interconnecting the secondary pulley and a driving pulley mounted on the shaft of a motor for driving the exhaust conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus to evenly distribute loose articles within a package. The apparatus includes a conveyor unit to convey and agitate the package and a pressing unit to press on and thereby smooth the package. The conveyor unit includes a plurality of tapered rollers which are tapered on alternating sides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conditioning of articles. According to one aspect of the invention, a conveyor conveys articles in a conveying direction along a path. A rotatable belt assembly extends adjacent to the path. The rotatable belt assembly includes a belt having a conditioning run extending generally in the conveying direction to contact articles being conveyed along the path. The belt is mounted so that it is capable of displacement to vary the spacing of the conditioning run from the conveying path. The rotatable belt assembly moves vertically and/or with a rocking movement to condition the articles contacted by the conditioning run. The speed of rotation of the rotatable belt assembly may be varied to adjust the spacing between the articles being conveyed.

Abstract: A hold-and-release singulator includes a conveyor having a transport mechanism for carrying a group of items such as parcels, packages, containers or the like from an entry end towards an exit end of the singulator, a hold and release system that can hold items that have entered the singulator on the conveyor so that such items are not transported by the conveyor while causing one item to be transported by the conveyor, and a control system that controls operation of the conveyor and the hold-and-release system in a manner effective to remove the group of items from the exit end of the conveyor one at a time according to a removal scheme, preferably with a predetermined minimum spacing.

Abstract: Mass handling methods for the continuous processing of masa type dough in conjunction with commonly available feed processing equipment, such as a masa extruder, an oven, or cooling apparatus. One masa handling method includes a masa separator having a pair of opposed, endless belt conveyors having facing surfaces spaced apart to receive a generally continuous masa stream output from a nozzle on the masa extruder. When the masa stream moves between the conveyors, it is gripped by their facing surfaces and moved away from the nozzle, causing the masa to be separated into individual pieces, or logs. The masa handling method can also include feeding the masa to masa hoppers fed by at least two endless belt conveyors arranged in upstream and downstream positions relative to each other.