Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for transporting at least one item of media. The apparatus includes at least one guide member providing a first guide surface that guides at least one item of media as the item is transported, at least one elongate slit in the guide surface and at least one belt member each extending along a respective slit and comprising a first belt portion that extends outwardly from the slit beyond the guide surface and a further belt portion that undercuts a region of the guide surface.

Abstract: A device for changing a pallet car in a plant for the treatment of bulk materials where pallet cars that are continuously conveyed by means of a lifting wheel and a lowering wheel on an outer rail and an inner rail in an endless chain includes, in a regions of a bottom and top strand of the lifting wheel, first and second outer curve links of the outer rail openable such that the pallet car is removable from the chain and another pallet car is insertable into the chain. The device includes a removal switch disposed in the region of the bottom strand of the lifting wheel, via which the pallet car is movable out from the chain, and a supply switch disposed in the region of the top strand of the lifting wheel, via which the pallet car is insertable into the chain.

Abstract: A device and a method provide for the non-destructive simulation or reproduction of driving situations involving collisions and/or near-collisions between a test vehicle and a target object, while testing driver assistance systems or anticipatory vehicle sensor systems of the test vehicle. The target object is moved along a guide rope, for example by a drive rope. If a load exceeds a threshold value during a collision of the test vehicle with the target object, then the target object decouples from the guide rope.

Abstract: A work piece conveying apparatus capable of conveying plural work pieces with differing transport pitches to each other. The work piece conveying apparatus includes a drive motor that includes an output shaft, plural drive pulleys that are fixed to the output shaft and have different diameters to each other, plural timing belts that are respectively entrained around the plural drive pulleys, and plural coupling plates that are respectively fixed to the timing belts and that move reciprocating with different transport pitches to each other accompanying forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft, and cause to convey work pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a harvesting device for facilitating harvesting of crops growing on a substrate or soil, the device comprising:—a harvesting conveyer comprising crop receiving members suitable for simple manual placing of the crops therein, wherein the conveyor is adapted to discharge the crops from a location within reach of the harvesting location,—transport means for transporting the harvesting conveyer relative to the substrate or the soil, wherein—the harvesting device is suitable for simultaneously harvesting from at least two seed-beds.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method include a pipe comprising a first end, a second end and an interior wall. The pipe is configured for rotation about an axis with a rotational rate sufficient for a cohesive material to remain stationary in a layer on the interior wall. A plurality of blades is configured for deflecting the cohesive material. Each of the blades includes a blade edge having a curvature corresponding to a portion of the interior wall. A support structure supports the blade edges with each of the blade edges proximate the interior wall and having an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis. An inlet apparatus feeds the cohesive material into the first end where a difference in rotational rate between the interior wall and the plurality of blades, and the angle determines a rate of conveyance of the cohesive material along the interior wall.

Abstract: An object transport apparatus comprises a transport conveyor. Objects are compelled to move through an object space adjacent to the transport conveyor. A plurality of flights is disposed along a variable path and constrained to move along that path. A variable portion of the path is disposed adjacent to the transport conveyor. The flights disposed along the adjacent portion occupy a portion of the object space of the transport conveyor. A first transfer element is disposed along the variable path. The motion of the first transfer element varies the length of the variable path adjacent to the transport conveyor. An object sensor is disposed to detect objects upstream of the transfer element in the object space of the transport element. A controller interacts with a transfer element drive to alter the position of the transfer element along the variable path according to the output of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device (1) for carrying products with a displaceable carrying surface, comprising: conveyor belt (3), a frame (2) provided with a belt guide (5-10) for holding the conveyor belt (3) displaceably, and a drive (4) for displacing the conveyor belt (3), wherein the belt guide (5-10) of the frame (2) is adjustable. The invention also relates to a method for allowing a conveyor belt (3) to connect to other devices.

Abstract: A value-document processing apparatus for documents of value, such as, e.g. bank notes, checks, etc. having a transport system and one or more sensors. The sensors have a sensor surface past which the bank notes are transported, where the sensor surface is provided with a plurality of elevations or depressions. Through the structured surface, the friction is decreased between the sensor surface and the transported document of value, so that the transport of the document of value is stabilized and the proneness to jamming is reduced.

Abstract: A replacement belt unit for use with an image heating apparatus which includes an endless belt for heating an image on a recording material at a nip, a rotatable member for forming the nip between itself and the endless belt and for rotating the endless belt by rotation thereof, and a holding member for holding the endless belt from an inside of the endless belt, includes: a replacement endless belt; a cylindrical member for supporting the replacement endless belt at an inner surface of the replacement endless belt; and an engaging portion provided in a longitudinal end side of the cylindrical member and engageable with the holding member so that the cylindrical member is maintained in a fixed state relative to the holding member when the replacement endless belt is fitted around the holding member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining a direction of transport of an item of media. The apparatus includes a diverter housing providing at least four openings through which an item of media is transportable, a pathway guide member in a central chamber region of the housing selectively locatable in at least three orientations, said guide member comprising a plurality of guide surfaces that each guide an item of media travelling on a respective transport pathway, and at least one selection element that selects an orientation of the guide member as each item of media is transported to determine an opening through which an item of media exiting the housing is transported.

Abstract: The invention can be used with an automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A take-away feeder is positioned over the vertical stacker table and is arranged to withdraw individual envelopes from the vertical stack in a sideways direction. The envelope is then redirected in a downward direction by ejecting the envelope into an open space. A downward tamping mechanism positioned above the open space moves downward to push on a top edge of the free-floating envelope. A downward transport positioned beneath the open space receives and transports envelopes pushed downward by the downward tamping mechanism.

Abstract: A multi link conveyor belt for the transportation of objects like containers, bottles, packs or the like, which is formed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected links. On the upper side of the conveyor belt at least one row of supporting rollers is mounted rotatable, whose axes of rotation are parallel to the joint bolts and to the longitudinal sides of the carriers of the links. Together with the supporting rollers of adjacent links a support plane for the transported objects is formed. In the region of at least one longitudinal side of the links deflection elements are provided, which project between the height levels of the supporting rollers and the upper side of the carriers and at least one side of the supporting rollers.

Abstract: A combine feeding system includes a lower conveyor roller configured to rotate around a lower conveyor roller axis, an upper conveyor roller configured to rotate around an upper conveyor roller axis and a drive shaft configured to rotate around a drive shaft axis. The lower conveyor roller axis, upper conveyor roller axis and drive shaft axis are substantially perpendicular to first and second housing walls. The feeding system also includes at least one chain configured to move over the drive shaft, the lower conveyor roller and the upper conveyor roller. The feeding system further includes at least one lower support arm coupled to the drive shaft and the lower conveyor roller and configured to pivot about the drive shaft axis. At least one force mechanism is configured to apply a force to the at least one chain in at least one of a first direction and a second direction.

Abstract: A system and method for skew correction of a mailpiece includes moving the mailpiece along a path of travel in a first orientation toward a first drive roller and a second drive roller. Control of the mailpiece is established in the first orientation by the drive rollers. A first skew correction of the mailpiece is implemented by employing the first drive roller and the second drive roller to align the mailpiece with respect to the path of travel. The first drive roller and the second drive roller may be employed to change the orientation of the stopped mailpiece from the first orientation to a second orientation with respect to the path of travel. A second skew correction may be implemented by employing the first drive roller and the second drive roller to align the mailpiece in the second orientation with respect to the path of travel.

Abstract: A system includes a solid feed pump configured to transport a solid feedstock. The solid feed pump includes at least one passage for the transport of the solid feedstock. The solid feed pump also includes at least one movable wall configured to move along the passage. The solid feed pump further includes a retractable gripping element configured to extend from the at least one movable wall into the at least one passage to grip a portion of the solid feedstock. In addition, the retractable gripping element is configured to retract away from the at least one passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller conveyor device used for transferring glass substrates. The device includes a plurality of transaxles arranged in parallel to each other and located coplanarly are incorporated with at least a pair of rollers and each of the rollers is labeled with a mark on its side. The present invention further provides a method for detecting synchronization of rotating rollers. By way of detecting the synchronization or the side marks, each of the rollers can be determined whether it is synchronized with others so as to avoid any detrimental consequences, i.e. breakage or cuts resulted from the asynchronization.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for automated beverage dispensing, for staging beverages, and a cup carrier. Based on beverage orders, a cup picker having a telescoping mast picks a cup and places it on a cup carrier typically having a plurality of slots in its base. The cup carrier moves the cup to an ice dispenser, to a beverage dispenser, and typically to one of a couple transfer locations. From the transfer location, the cup is moved down a lane to a staging position. The identity of staged beverages is displayed on a human-readable display.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position.

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: A vernier adjustor for a conveyor system is provided. The vernier adjustor includes first and second longitudinal members moveable in slidable relation and a pin, the first and second longitudinal members each including a plurality of slots separated by respective first and second spacings. The pin is adapted for placement within an aligned slot pairing to fix movement of the first longitudinal member relative to the second longitudinal member. The first and second longitudinal members are positionable in increments less than the first and second spacings. In particular, the first and second longitudinal members are positionable in increments substantially equal to the difference between the first spacing and the second spacing. Movement of the first longitudinal member relative to the second longitudinal member provides an incremental tensioning of an endless belt associated with the conveyor system.

Abstract: A positioning conveyor including an input section and a receiving section. The input and receiving sections define a conveyor line along which piece goods can be transported. The input section includes a length measuring device for measuring a length of a piece good which is to be received from a load-handling device of a storage and retrieval device and which is to be delivered to a rack. The receiving section includes a location-detector pair that defines a receiving location on the positioning conveyor and includes a first location detector and a second location detector. The detectors are spaced apart such that a conveying velocity of the conveyor line, after the upstream detector has detected a leading edge of the piece good, can be reduced so that the piece good, as soon as the leading edge is detected by a downstream detector, is immediately stopped at the downstream detector.

Abstract: An aerial conveyor system for transporting bulk materials is provided. The aerial conveyor system includes, among other things, a first anchor tower disposed proximate to a loading end, a second anchor tower disposed proximate to a discharge end, at least one support cable extending between the first anchor tower and the second anchor tower, a belt conveyor system extending between the loading end and the discharge end and at least one pivot tower disposed between the first anchor tower and the second anchor tower. The at least one pivot tower includes a support structure connected to the at least one support cable, a base and a pivot structure configured to allow the support structure to pivot relative to the base to substantially equalize dynamic tensions of the at least one support cable between the first anchor tower and the pivot tower and the second anchor tower and the pivot tower.

Abstract: Conveying systems and method for measuring accelerations in a conveyor advancing through process equipment and taking remedial and prophylactic action in response. The conveyor system includes a conveyor with embedded accelerometers making measurements conveyor accelerations. A controller uses the measurements to control the speed of the conveyor to compensate for unwanted accelerations or to damp the unwanted accelerations. The controller can also use the measurements to warn of unwanted accelerations or to predict the failure of associated or nearby equipment so that maintenance can be scheduled and to detect imminent failures and shut down the process.

Abstract: A conveyor control apparatus of liquid crystal panel substrates and a control method thereof is disclosed. The apparatus has multiple first side pillars and multiple second side pillars mounted opposite to the first side pillars. A movement control assembly is mounted outside the first side pillars and the second side pillars. The movement control assembly is used to move to a slot where the liquid crystal panel substrate is to move is inserted, and control the certain liquid crystal panel substrate inserted in the slot to move out from the conveyor control apparatus.

Abstract: A method for channeling upright containers, which are loosely queued in a row, into a transport device is performed by a rotatable separating device, which has the purpose of separating the loosely queued containers, and a stationary accumulating device for the containers downstream of the separating device. The accumulating device has a plurality of stoppers arranged in a row in the transport direction, which can be extended individually in the direction transverse to the transport direction and, in the extended state, define holding positions for the containers. The stoppers are extended one-by-one based on sensor results to sequentially fill the holding positions of the accumulating device starting from the holding position arranged farthest from the separating device.

Abstract: A multi-directional roller assembly for directing articles in a conveying system. The multi-directional roller assembly has a rotatable roller frame housing at least one set of mutually-actuating rollers. The multi-directional roller assembly directs an article supported by the assembly along a trajectory determined by the orientation of the multi-directional roller assembly relative to an input force. The orientation of the multi-directional roller assembly may be changed to change the trajectory. A conveyor system may include an array of multi-directional roller assemblies. An actuator controls the orientation of the multi-directional roller assemblies individually and may also control an array of multi-directional roller assemblies as a group.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles uses tunable standing surface acoustic waves includes a channel defined on a substrate and a pair of variable frequency interdigital transducers. The channel is disposed asymmetrically between the transducers such that the zero order node location is outside of a working region in the channel.

Abstract: A position adjustment assembly for an agricultural product conveyor, which delivers a product to a storage system, such as an air cart, includes an inner arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the air cart and a second end. An outer arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the inner arm is rotatably coupled to the outer arm proximate to the first end of the outer arm. An intermediate link has a lateral positioning assembly to vary the length of the intermediate link.

Abstract: An adjustable guide rail assembly for a conveyor system includes an adjustable guide member having a face extending between opposite sides, a large radius face segment and a small radius face segment. The large radius face segment and the small radius face segment extend widthwise between the opposite sides of the adjustable guide member and each define an arcuate guide path for a three dimensional article. A radius of the arcuate guide path changes by rotating the adjustable guide member from a large article configuration where the large radius face segment having a larger radius defines the arcuate guide path to a small article configuration where the small radius face segment having a smaller radius defines the arcuate guide path.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes pulleys spaced mutually along a length of the conveyor system; and roller assemblies, each roller assembly aligned with one of the pulleys, including a first ring driveably connected to one of the pulleys, a second ring surrounding the first ring, and a third ring located radially between and contacting the first and second rings, and alternately transmitting rotary motion from the first ring to the second ring and discontinuing said transmission of rotary motion depending on presence and absence of frictional engagement between the third ring and at least one of the first ring and the second ring.

Abstract: A method for transporting printed products is provided. The method includes the steps setting a nip to a first size for printed products having a first thickness, sensing a printed product having a second thickness different from the first thickness, the printed product sensing occurring prior to the printed product entering the nip, adjusting the first size of the nip, to a second size different from the first size, to receive the printed product having a second thickness; and transporting the printed product having the second thickness through the nip.

Abstract: A separator system includes a conveyance assembly and one or more blocking components. The conveyance assembly moves a leading group of product and a trailing group of product along a feed direction toward a packaging system to separately package the leading group of product into a first container and the trailing group of product into a second container. The one or more blocking components are disposed upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction. The one or more blocking components stop movement of the trailing group of product upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction while allowing the leading group of product to move toward the packaging system.

Abstract: An open frame design of conveyors that will allow inspection access as well as sanitation access to all surfaces of conveyors that carry products that could contain Food Allergens, materials that could cause reactions as well as provide proper sanitation access. For proper and safe operation these allergens and offending materials must be removed and therefore proper access to all surfaces must be provided so as to be able clean and remove allergens and offending materials from all surfaces as well as to provide access to visually confirm proper removal has been carried.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding sand molds from multiple sand mold forming stations to a common metal pouring station. The method and apparatus of this invention utilize walking-beam-type conveyors having spaced apart fixed outboard rails and a central reciprocating rail. Transfer devices are provided for moving the sand molds onto and off of the conveyors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for processing and/or transporting food products (3), in particular meat and sausage products, comprising at least one constructional unit (7) and at least one pressure monitoring device (15). The invention is characterized in that the at least one constructional unit (7) comprises a housing (10) which is sealed in a pressure-maintaining manner and that in the housing (10) an excess pressure compared to the surroundings of the housing can be generated and monitored by the at least one pressure monitoring device (15).

Abstract: Bandoliers of pouches or separate pouches are carried by suction cups on a transfer wheel and operated to hold and release pouches through solenoid valves, each coupled to a respective cup. The solenoid valves are operated by a controller to release pouches from the respective cups at precise angular positions of the wheel to control the configuration of the bandolier in a package or tray. Embodiments provide lateral shifting or rotation of pouches held by the cups. Fold-leading or fold-trailing bandolier configurations are produced. Solenoid valves are disposed proximate cups at the wheel periphery or elsewhere and operably coupled to the cups.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt, a detector, a determining section, a skew correcting section, and a storage section. The belt is stretched around rollers and provided with an index. The detector provides an output value. The determining section determines the index that is passing through the detection region on the basis of a change in the output value, the change exceeding a threshold. The skew correcting section performs control relating to skew correction of inclining the roller and correcting the position of the belt. The storage section stores the threshold having a value between the measured maximum amount of change in the output value when the skew correcting section inclines the roller at the maximum angle and the amount of change in the output value resulting from the index when the index arrives at or passes through the detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling a pivoting auger spout of an auger tube from an operator console in a cab of a combine harvester, the auger tube at least partially encompassing an auger, the method comprising receiving a first signal corresponding to user activation of a first interface element of the operator console to a first state; and if the auger is engaged, causing the pivoting auger spout to pivot about a first axis responsive to receiving the first signal, otherwise, if the auger is disengaged, causing the auger tube to swing toward a first position responsive to the first signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for distributing tablets on a support strip having a determinate number “n” of compartments or alveoli organized in parallel rows and each able to hold at least one tablet. The machine comprises a separation, preparation and alignment device, a conveyor device with transfer pipes and a rotating transfer drum provided with seatings on an external surface. The seatings are made on distinct gripping and transport elements, disposed peripherally and axially to the transfer drum.

Abstract: A system includes a solid feed pump configured to transport a solid feedstock. The solid feed pump includes at least one passage for the transport of the solid feedstock. The solid feed pump also includes at least one movable wall configured to move along the passage. The solid feed pump further includes a retractable gripping element configured to extend from the at least one movable wall into the at least one passage to grip a portion of the solid feedstock. In addition, the retractable gripping element is configured to retract away from the at least one passage.

Abstract: Methods of mounting a conveyor belt to a telescoping conveyor include: (a) providing a conveyor belt configured to mount to a telescoping conveyor mechanism; (b) pivoting a first idler roller to an operative fixed position; and (c) translating an idler residing below the first idler roller upward and rearward into its respective operative fixed position to thereby mount a telescoping conveyor belt.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a system for transferring a plurality of non-oriented items. The system includes a feeding area, a conveyor and a rail. The conveyor has a first end, a second end, a conveyor length disposed between the first end and the second end, a conveyor first side, a conveyor second side, a conveyor width disposed between the conveyor first side and the conveyor second side, and a conveyor ledge along the second side. The rail is disposed above the conveyor and from the conveyor ledge at a distance equal to one of the item height, the item width and the item length. A first portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will convey along the conveyor path. A second portion of the plurality of non-oriented items will fall off the conveyor ledge.

Abstract: A compact modular mobile aggregate processing system configured with no stand-alone inter-plant conveyors for decreasing the footprint of the system and an infinitely adjustable flow diverter(s) for increasing the control of and variation of output characteristics of the system; the system further including specialized folding conveyors.

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: 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: A sheet lifting device is provided for lifting a sheet or web of material in a press. The device can include a base portion and a resilient, bendable arm extending from the base portion. The base portion can include a merge portion that connects the resilient, bendable arm to the rest of the base portion. A system is provided that includes the sheet lifting device mounted in a slot of a support frame, for example, in a blanking press. Methods of conveying a sheet or web of material using the system are also provided.

Abstract: An article-handling system and method of handling articles with article trays having a support surface and a plurality of generally parallel grooves in said support surface includes loading articles on trays with an article-traying subsystem and unloading articles from trays with an article-detraying subsystem. The article-traying subsystem has a tray conveyor and a loading article conveyor. The loading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of a tray traveling on the tray conveyor at the article conveyor. An article is transferred to the tray support surface with the loading article conveyor. The article-detraying subsystem has a trayed article conveyor and an unloading article conveyor. The unloading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of the tray of a trayed article traveling on the trayed article conveyor at the unloading article conveyor.