Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a transport device (10) which has a number of identical transport means arranged one after another in a transport direction, which are able to transport product along an intrinsically closed transport path (33) between stations (28) arranged on the transport path (33). To identify the individual transport means, use is made of selected transport means (RK) which can be detected by means of first sensors (24) arranged or on the transport path (33) as the said transport means pass the first sensors (24), which are distributed over the transport path (33) and subdivide the transport path (33) into individual segments. The transport means may be assigned individually consecutive fixed serial numbers, which are counted from a single starting point (34), and in that the starting point (34) is defined by a specific arrangement of a plurality of detectable transport means (DRK).

Abstract: An extendable boom conveyor system having a first boom element, a controller, and a movement sensor. The controller, using the movement sensor, can detect cyclic movement of a distal end of the first boom element and, in response to the detection, move the first boom element to reduce the cyclic movement. A method performed by an extendible conveyor system can include detecting movement of a distal end of a first boom element, determining whether there is a cyclic movement of the distal end in one or more axes, and moving the first boom element when there is a cyclic movement of the distal end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw conveyor for introducing organic matter into a biogas digester that is under internal gas pressure. The invention further relates to a biogas plant provided with such a screw conveyor, and to a method for feeding organic solids to such a biogas plant. According to the invention, the plug section has an expansion region in which the passage cross-section between the conveying screw and the screw pipe widens in the conveying direction and a constriction region located downstream from the expansion region, in which the passage cross-section between the conveying screw and the screw pipe is reduced in the conveying direction.

Abstract: Introduction or Withdrawal of an Elongate Member to or from a Free Body A method of moving an elongate member (12) along a predetermined axis (A-A) for the introduction or withdrawal thereof to or from a free body (11). The method includes providing an elongate guide surface (18) extending parallel to the predetermined axis, and also providing a plurality of support elements (26) which are slidable on the support surface in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis. The elongate member is supported on the support elements so that at least a major portion of the mass is supported. The elongate member and the support elements are moved along the predetermined axis. Apparatus for moving an elongate member in this manner is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cable track configured to be coupled to a moveable object and to be pushed and pulled by the movable object without buckling. The cable track is configured to transport at least one signal or material to or from the moveable object. The cable track has a fluid compartment defined between walls of the cable track. The walls of the cable track are configured to be separated when fluid is inserted into the fluid compartment and to approach one another in a bent portion of the cable track. The cable track may further include a web coupled to the walls, where the web is configured to limit the separation of the walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cyclically shielding a work chamber opening (25) when loading and unloading workpieces using a conveyor device (10) that passes through the work chamber opening. A first shielding element (21) is placed at a workpiece loading station (11.1), and a second shielding element (22) is placed behind a second workpiece placement location (11.2), as viewed in the conveying direction. When the first workpiece is loaded into the work chamber (20), the first shielding element (21) is placed at or in the work chamber opening (25) by advancing the conveyor device (10). The first shielding element (21) is then removed from the work chamber opening (25) and placed behind the second shielding element (22). These steps are repeated with subsequent workpiece placement locations (11.2, 11.3, . . . ) of the conveyor device (10) and with respective cross-over changes of the shielding elements (21, 22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are utilized to transiently implement diamagnetic behavior in both permanently and transiently magnetized particles.

Abstract: A cylinder for conveying printed sheets along a UV or electron beam drier has inert-gas openings to which an inert gas is supplied at least temporarily during operation. A method for conveying printed sheets is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of conveying and selectively discharging food products by providing a feeding system. The feeding system (14) comprises an inlet end (20), an outlet end (22), a receptacle (24) below the outlet end, a determination unit at the outlet end (22) and a feeder (18) for conveying the food products from the inlet end to the outlet end. When no food product is present at the outlet or in the receptacle (24), the food products are conveyed at a first average velocity. When a food product is present at the outlet end (22) and no food product is present in the receptacle (24), the food products are conveyed at a second average velocity. The second average velocity is lower than the first average velocity. When the food product is leaving the outlet end or is received within the receptacle (24), the feeder (18) is stopped until the individual food product has left the receptacle.

Abstract: Items of laundry (10) are fed, in laundries, to a laundry-treatment device with adjacent corners (25) of an upper edge (39) hanging beneath two clip carriages (22). It is customary for the items of laundry (10) to be stored in a sorted state on an interim basis upstream of the laundry-treatment device. The invention provides for adjacent clip carriages (22) of successive items of laundry (10) to be assigned in pairs to drivers (28) of a catch conveyor (26). The invention also provides for the sagging of the upper edge (39), and the lowermost location (40) of the lower edge (42), of the item of laundry (10) to be determined by a line-measuring device (26), in order for the item of laundry (10) to be identified in this way.

Abstract: A device for launching products into a feeding path, including a launcher; a detection sensor to detect the passage of products launched by the launcher; a launcher central control unit; conveyors to move forward the products in the feeding path, associated with a drive member; and at least one movement sensor to detect the position of the products moved by the conveyors. The central control unit is programmed to control the start position taken by each group of products, downstream of the detection sensor, and to impose on each group of products a forward movement according to the length of the group of products and to an adjustment factor determined by the error, if any, between the detected start position and a desired start position.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for transferring catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking apparatus. The process can include passing the catalyst through a conveyor wherein the conveyor contains a screw for transporting the catalyst.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of piece goods (70) to a conveying installation (1) comprises at least one goods piece receiver (51) for positioning a goods piece (70) in a transfer zone (Z) of the conveying installation (1). The conveying installation (1) comprises a plurality of conveying elements (10) which are moveable along a conveying path and are for conveying the taken-over piece goods (70). The device moreover comprises a slide mechanism (52) with a slide element (53), by way of which a goods piece (70) can be moved in a push movement out of the goods piece receiver (51) to the conveying element (10) and can be transferred to the conveying element (10).

Abstract: A card-shaped medium processing device may include an insertion port to which a card-shaped medium is inserted, a medium feeder capable of abutting with a card-shaped medium inserted from the insertion port to carry the card-shaped medium, and a motor for driving the medium feeder. A taking-in maximum value which is the maximum value of an output of the motor at the time of a taking-in operation of a card-shaped medium inserted from the insertion port is set to be smaller than an ejecting maximum value which is the maximum value of an output of the motor at the time of an ejecting operation of the card-shaped medium toward the insertion port. A control method for a card-shaped medium processing device may include the same relationship, i.e., the taking-in maximum value is set to be smaller than the ejecting maximum value.

Abstract: A system and method for material handling includes a first portable conveyor for feeding material to a mobile bridge conveyor for the material to be stacked via a stacker until a discharge end of the mobile bridge conveyor is at or within a predetermined distance of a discharge end of the first portable conveyor. The first portable conveyor moves away from the mobile bridge conveyor after the discharge end of mobile bridge conveyor is at or within the predetermined distance of the discharge end of the first portable conveyor. A second portable conveyor that feeds material to the first portable conveyor rotates such that a discharge end of the second portable conveyor is moved towards the mobile bridge conveyor until reaching a feeding position for feeding material to the mobile bridge.

Abstract: A conveyor having a conveyor belt with magnetic properties that allow the belt's position to be controlled by externally generated magnetic fields and methods for controlling such a conveyor belt. Sensors sense an operating condition of the belt, such as belt speed, belt tension, belt loading, belt lateral, or radial, position, or belt elevation, and send those measurements to a controller. Electromagnets in the conveyor frame generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic properties of the belt to apply selected forces to position the belt in the conveyor. The controller adjusts the strength and direction of the magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets to control the operating conditions of the belt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device (1) comprising a transport module (1a) comprising a helicoidal conduit (3) actuated in vibration by a vibration module (1b) comprising a support (4) with a rigid connecting piece supporting a plurality of n pairs of vibrating motors (5), said rigid connecting piece being a mecanowelded structure, in a recessed part, comprising a plurality of at least two n vertical structural elements (4ci) and a plurality of at least two n horizontal structural elements (4dj).

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The system comprises a plurality of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container containing a sample. The system also comprises a transport device. The transport device comprises a transport plane to carry the plurality of container carriers and a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier placed on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier. The transport device also comprises a control device to control the movement of the container carriers on top of the transport plane by driving the electro-magnetic actuators. The control device controls the movement such that more than two container carriers are movable simultaneously and independently from one another.

Abstract: An improved system and method for moving an object includes a first correlated magnetic structure associated with a first object and a second correlated magnetic structure associated with a second object. The first and second correlated magnetic structures are complementary coded to achieve a peak attractive tensile force and a peak shear force when their code modulos are aligned thereby enabling magnetic attachment of the two objects whereby movement of one object causes movement of the other object as if the two objects were one object. Applying an amount of torque to one correlated magnetic structures greater than a torque threshold causes misalignment and decorrelation of the code modulos enabling detachment of the two objects. The number, location, and coding of the correlated magnetic structures can be selected to achieve specific torque characteristics, tensile force characteristics, and shear force characteristics.

Abstract: A system for conveying an article along a transfer path includes at least a first and a second vortex suction unit disposed in sequence in a direction of the transfer path. A conveyor is configured to support the article relative to at least one of the suction units and a main controller is configured to separately control the vortex suction units so as to convey the article along the transfer path using the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a track section including a control system, a drive system that is controlled by the control system and that is configured to provide power through a first electromagnetic field and through an alternating second electromagnetic field, a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system and that are configured to receive power through the first electromagnetic field, where at least one of the plurality of moving elements includes a pick-up unit configured to receive power through the alternating second electromagnetic field, a pallet support apparatus, and a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the plurality of moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-generational carrier platform is configured to carry substrate carriers of different sizes depending on processing needs. Multiple carrier adaptors are provided on one side of a support plate, and substrate carriers can be distributed among the carrier adaptors to mount a maximum number of substrates under the constraint of non-overlap of the substrates and the substrate carriers. The multi-generational carrier platform can be configured to provide rotation to each substrate carrier mounted thereupon, and is compatible with chemical mechanical planarization processes that require rotation of substrates against an abrasive surface. The multi-generational carrier platform facilitates maximum utilization of a processing area provided by a tool configured to process substrates of different sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting at least one item of media to a user from a media recycler module. The media recycler module may be included in a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The media recycler module comprises a pocket interface for presenting media items to a user, and a moveable member operable to move media items located within the pocket interface towards an opening of the pocket interface, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the media items within the pocket interface.

Abstract: A carriage for high magnetic field environments includes a plurality of work-piece separators disposed in an operable relationship with a work-piece processing magnet having a magnetic field strength of at least 1 Tesla for supporting and separating a plurality of work-pieces by a preselected, essentially equal spacing, so that, as a first work-piece is inserted into the magnetic field, a second work-piece is simultaneously withdrawn from the magnetic field, so that an attractive magnetic force imparted on the first work-piece offsets a resistive magnetic force imparted on the second work-piece.

Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process. The alignment pins are also used for the erection of a modular tower dryer.

Abstract: In a folding transport conveyor (2) for a construction machine (1), with a first transport conveyor section (4) articulated at the construction machine (1), a second transport conveyor section (6) articulated at the first transport conveyor section (4) in a pivoting fashion, with a conveyor belt (10) continuously revolving around both transport conveyor sections (6), and with at least one pivoting mechanism acting between the transport conveyor sections (4, 6), it is provided that the pivoting mechanism includes a cam mechanism (12).

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor with individually controllable zones may be controlled in a manner which efficiently reduces the gaps between accumulated articles, accomplished by control logic which determines the existence of conditions conducive to reducing the gaps and implements the control logic as appropriate. The accumulation conveyor may be controlled in a coast to stop mode. The accumulation conveyor may be controlled in manner to detect and clear jams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for sterilizing plastic parisons (1), with a sterilization chamber (3) and a transport device (2) disposed at least partially inside the sterilization chamber (3) for moving the plastic parisons (1) within the sterilization chamber (3), wherein the transport device (2) has at least one gripping system (4) for engaging round and supporting the plastic parisons (1) by means of a gripping clamp (41), wherein the gripping system (4) has a displacement means (5) for displacement during sterilization within the sterilization chamber of contact surfaces (1A) of the plastic parisons (1) which are shielded by the gripping system (4) from a sterilizing medium and/or sterilizing radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method which minimizes the gaps between packages to the minimum required by the sorter. The gapping required to allow scanning the identification label(s) will be done first, then another gap adjustment (to reduce gaps) is done immediately after scanning. The induction control system requires inputs from additional sensors which are necessary to obtain certain package dimensions. This information (dimensions of the packages) is used by the control algorithm to calculate or select from a table based on package geometry, the minimum (or optimum) gaps required for scanning and by the sorter.

Abstract: A method for transporting articles (2) to a station, in particular preforms to a blow-molding apparatus, wherein each article has a protrusion (10) and is moved along a guide (16) by a drive means (18), the article (2), along at least part of the guide (16), should be retained on an abutment (19, 21, 23), and advanced along this abutment, by an air stream.

Abstract: A vertical closed loop link chain vacuum conveyor is provided. A conveying frame extends along a lane-like longitudinal conveying path. The frame has a vertical and longitudinally offset closed loop section. The closed loop section has a change in elevation including a decline and an incline, change in direction, and a central vacuum plenum. A multi-flex link chain is in guided support and travel in the conveying frame while running in trained contact about a link chain drive assembly. The multi-flex link chain is in evacuated communication with a suction generator is in ducted communication with the vacuum plenum.

Abstract: A system for spacing conveyed articles is generally provided. The system advantageously includes an apparatus for conveying articles characterized by a driven loop element and a plurality of article selectors, each article selector adapted for select reversible engagement with the driven loop element. A queuing station, characterized by an ingress and egress portions wherein article selectors are retained for select dispensing, is likewise provided and includes a first actuator to facilitate disengagement of article selectors from the driven loop element, and a second actuator to facilitate engagement of article selectors with the driven loop element. An assembly for selectively dispensing article selectors from the queuing station is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and an apparatuses for loading and unloading objects into/from corresponding cavities in holders at a high count rate. For loading, a plurality of objects are present on an object path which mutually converges with a holder path. For unloading, the object path mutually diverges from the holder path. Integration of this method and apparatus respectively into a method of manufacturing unleaky containers and a corresponding apparatus for leak testing containers is also proposed.

Abstract: A wear-indicating conveyor track including an upper surface configured to interface with a moveable conveyor and one or more indicators disposed on or in at least the upper surface of the track. The one or more indicators can be configured to be substantially obscured by a conveyor placed on the track upon initial use, and the one or more indicators can be configured to be substantially unobscured by the conveyor when the conveyor is moving relative to the track and the track is in need of repair or replacement.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. A system for transporting medication in a healthcare facility may include: a carrier; a plurality of clips disposed on the carrier; a shuttle configured to receive the carrier; and a track on which the shuttle is configured to advance. The shuttle may be configured to transport the carrier along the track from a first location to a second location proximate a patient. The system may include a loading device disposed at the first location configured to receive the carrier and load the carrier onto the shuttle. The carrier may include a plurality of receivers, each configured to receive a clip.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: Systems, feeder devices and methods for moving particulate hot melt adhesive from an adhesive supply to an adhesive melter. A feeder device includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, and an interior communicating with the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is configured to receive particulate hot melt adhesive from an outlet of the adhesive supply, and the outlet is configured to provide particulate hot melt adhesive to an inlet of the adhesive melter. The feeder device further includes a mechanical agitator positioned in the interior for urging the particulate hot melt adhesive in a flow direction toward the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for weighing containers (2) supplied along a conveying line (L). The device comprises: first weighing means (MP1) arranged on a first side (L1) of a stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) of containers (2) in a proximal position thereto; second weighing means (MP2) arranged at a side of the stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) of containers (2) in a distal position thereto; a supporting member (8) activatable between a first position (P1) in which it is arranged at the stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) for receiving the containers (2), a second position (P2) in which it engages with the first weighing means (MP1), and a third position (P3) in which it engages with the second weighing means (MP2); and first guide means (9) activatable between a guide configuration (C1), in which they are arranged at the stretch (T) in order to guide the containers (2) along the conveying line (L), and a disengaged position (C2).

Abstract: A system includes trays of a plurality of different widths and an unloading system for unloading cartons from the trays. The trays (20; 20?; 20?) each comprise a base (22) and a pair of end walls (30) extending upward from the base. The unloading system (200; 200?) comprises a plurality of fingers (202A-202I). Each of the end walls comprise a plurality of vertical slots (40) open to an upper edge of the end wall. The fingers are positioned and dimensioned to pass through the slots of the trays as the trays are delivered by the tray delivery conveyor to lift contents of the trays. The fingers are positioned so that some fingers pass through the slots of each of the different widths, but others pass only through slots of wider said widths.

Abstract: The device for channeling out upright containers from a first transport device, which moves the container in a transport direction, includes a lateral guide section, which extends in the transport direction, and a gripper unit, which has a plurality of grippers for gripping the containers. The lateral guide section and the gripper unit are moved from a pickup position for the containers jointly in a direction transverse to the transport direction. After this joint movement the gripper unit is moved towards a discharge position for the containers. The lateral guide section and the gripper unit are then moved back to the pickup position.

Abstract: Conveyor apparatus and methods of conveying a foodstuff. A foodstuff conveyor apparatus may include a foodstuff inlet, a foodstuff outlet, and a conveyor chamber coupling the inlet to the outlet. A conveyor screw having an axis oriented longitudinally in the conveyor chamber may be configured to urge the foodstuff from the inlet towards the outlet. The conveyor screw may have a spindle at each end, with a spindle free portion between the spindles. The screw may be positioned in the conveyor chamber so that one spindle is near the outlet, and the other spindle is near the inlet. The spindles may be configured so that the pitch of the screw near the outlet is less than the pitch of the screw near the inlet to provide a mixing and compacting effect as the foodstuff is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus adapted to transport and article is provided. The conveyor apparatus has a belt section including a plurality of slots and a plurality of T-shaped stiffeners extending in the slots. Respective belt sections may be spliced together using a plurality of T-shaped stiffeners extending through slots in diagonally-formed ends of each belt section. Methods of the invention are described as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A conveyor system having a roller-engagement mechanism and a method for conveying articles. The conveyor system includes an infeed conveyor feeding articles to a conveyor belt advancing in a direction of belt travel. The conveyor belt comprises obliquely rotatable rollers—single rollers or stacked sets of rollers—selectively activated by the roller-engagement mechanism. The roller-engagement mechanism has a rack supporting a plurality of flat belts. The flat belts advance in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt. The rack is movable between a first position in which the flat belts advancing with the conveyor belt contact the belt rollers to inhibit their rotation and carry articles atop the belt in the direction of belt travel and a second position in which the flat belts are out of contact with the belt rollers.

Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process.

Abstract: A system, mechanism, and method for physically manipulating media, especially in a data storage environment.

Abstract: A device for conveying packaged goods and/or bulk goods from and/or into a transport device includes a boom. The boom has a conveying unit, which is mounted to be vertically movable, for conveying the packaged goods and/or the bulk goods, and a force transmission unit. The conveying unit and the drive are arranged between fastening devices and/or between force deflection devices. The conveying unit can be moved substantially vertically by the drive.

Abstract: A gripper for grasping and conveying objects while retaining the objects, and to a corresponding conveyor system and an operating method. The gripper has a gripper body and first and second gripper jaws. The gripper jaws each include at least one respective clamping region, can assume an open state and a closed state relative to each other, and can exert a clamping force on each other or on the object to be grasped. At least one of the gripper jaws includes a jaw body that is elastically deformable and is supported on the gripper body such that the body assumes a defined spatial position (resting position) when force is not applied to a control element and deforms and is deflected from the resting position when force is applied to the control element.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and a related method for automatic transfer of socks (4) from a linking machine (2) to a sock-modeling piece for boarding operation (36) according to a predetermined orientation, the apparatus comprising reversing means (20) comprising feeding means (21) for picking up the sock (4) from a sewing station (22) of the linking machine and loading means (31) for automatically loading the sock (4) onto the sock-modeling piece, the reversing means (20) comprising a supporting element (23) and at least one pair of lower rollers (24) disposed around said supporting element (23).

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention generally provide tensioner for varying tension applied to a continuous drive member based on temperature changes. In one embodiment, a temperature compensating chain tensioner is provided. The temperature compensating chain tensioner includes a fixed support member, a first idler sprocket coupled to the fixed support member, a support arm having a proximal end pivotably coupled to the fixed support member, a second idler sprocket coupled to a distal end of the support arm, and a spring form coupled intermediate of the fixed support member and the support arm, wherein the spring form has a spring constant that increases with increasing temperature, which causes the distal end of the support arm to move relative to the fixed support member.

Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface.