Abstract: A fuel supply system for supplying pulverized feedstock to a gasifier includes a feedstock storage apparatus for storing pulverized feedstock. The feedstock storage apparatus operates at a first pressure. The fuel supply system also includes a mechanical conveyance apparatus linking the feedstock storage apparatus to a fuel distribution apparatus. The mechanical conveyance apparatus is operable to continuously convey the pulverized feedstock from the feedstock storage apparatus to the fuel distribution apparatus at a first flow rate. The fuel distribution apparatus operates at a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure. The fuel distribution apparatus includes at least one outlet communicably connected to at least one burner on the gasifier for transferring pulverized feedstock from the fuel distribution apparatus to the at least one burner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for conveying solid particulate biomass material to a reactor including: charging a quantity of solid particulate biomass material to a spool piece at a pressure P1; pressurizing the spool piece to a pressure P2, wherein P2 is greater than P1; conveying the solid particulate biomass material either directly to a reactor operated at or below P2 or first to a vibratory feeder and then to such reactor; isolating the spool piece from the vibratory feeder and or reactor and reducing the pressure in the spool piece to P1; and repeating these steps at least once. The vibratory feeder can include a bowl and an outlet spout extending tangentially from the bowl. Optionally, a hopper and a hopper-mounted solids conveyer, both resting on a mass measuring device, can be used to feed the solid particulate biomass material to the spool piece.

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: In one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to divert articles on the conveyor belt, and a drive mechanism that engages the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being configured to drive the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being adjustable such that the conveyor belt rollers can be selectively driven in a first angular direction and, optionally, a second, opposite angular direction so that articles can be selectively diverted to either side of the conveyor belt at a desired diverting angle. One version of the drive mechanism has drive rollers mounted in cartridges and rack gears engaging pinion gears on the cartridges to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers to drive them in selectively opposite angular directions.

Abstract: A method for installing lock levers for a beverage filling machine includes supplying a plurality of lock levers, including a plurality of regular size lock levers with a first dimension associated with the height of an engagement surface relative to the axis of rotation of the lever, and at least one other lock lever having a second dimension for the height such that the second dimension is reduced or increased relative to the first dimension, installing a plurality of regular size lock levers on the beverage filling machine, determining if the engagement surface of any of the regular size lock levers is not positioned at a predetermined position and thereby non-conforming, then installing at the location of any non-conforming regular size lock lever one of the at least one other lock lever having a second dimension to position the engagement surface thereof substantially at the predetermined position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clip (1) for capturing bottle necks, particularly of PET bottles in bottle-filling systems, wherein the clip arms (1a, 1b) can pivot in the horizontal plane, wherein a solution is provided by means of which a sideways deflection of the clip or gripper is made possible, while ensuring immediate return to the target position, such as a transfer star or the like. The aim is achieved in that the clip arms (1a, 1b) are jointly horizontally pivotally supported about a pivot axis (3), wherein an attachment (10) having at least one magnet (11) is provided on the side of the pivot axis opposite the clip arms (1a, 1b), and wherein a clip holding block (2) fixed to a star or the like has at least one magnet (12) on the side thereof facing the clip (1), wherein the magnets (11, 12), substantially opposite each other, have a distance from each other ensuring the horizontal pivot motions of the clip.

Abstract: A technique for the conveyance of solid combustible material, having at least one conveying means, wherein the conveying means is supported at least partially by bearing means and/or drive means, in particular on a stand, and the apparatus having at least one collecting space located below the conveying means and having a height, at least one deflecting means for the deflection of solid combustible material towards the collecting space being located below at least one bearing means and/or below at least one drive means. Such an apparatus is suitable most especially for the conveyance of solid materials presenting a fire and/or explosion hazard.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying containers with a guiding element which contacts the container in at least one area of the peripheral wall thereof and guides the container on a pre-set path, with a driving device which drives the guiding element in order to convey the container, and with a base support element which supports the container at least in part during the conveying in a base region of the container. According to the invention the base support element is vertically displaceable.

Abstract: A method for conveying material wherein a conveyor belt is guided over head drums so as to form a forward traveling and returning stretch. The conveyor belt is guided in such a way that the forward traveling and returning stretches intersect each other as seen in the horizontal projection, i.e., as seen in the direction of the drum axes, and the conveyor belt travels over both head drums from the top toward the bottom.

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

Abstract: Provided are media vacuum transport systems including media vacuum transport members, methods of making media vacuum transport members, and method of transporting media. In accordance with various embodiments, there is a media vacuum transport system including a vacuum plenum one or more transport members configured to rotate around the vacuum plenum and wherein at least one of the one or more transport members can include a substrate, the substrate comprising a plurality of holes extending from a first side proximate to the vacuum plenum to a second side opposite the first side, and a top coat layer disposed over the substrate, wherein the top coat layer can include a plurality of particles dispersed in a polymer blend to provide an average surface roughness Ra of about 2 ?m to about 100 ?m.

Abstract: A star-shaped intermediate conveyor (13) between the feed conveyor (11) and the delivery conveyor (12). The intermediate conveyor (13) has a plurality of radial arms (26), which are fastened to a central part (28) of the intermediate conveyor (13). The radially outwardly pointing arms (26) are rotatable about an axis of rotation (29) of the intermediate conveyor (13). In this way it is possible with any given orientation of the transporting hanger for an arm (26) to be brought under the hanger hook (16) of the transporting hanger. This ensures reliable transfer of a transporting hanger from the feed conveyor (11) to the delivery conveyor (12) under any circumstances in a simple way.

Abstract: Assembly having a plurality of conveyors (7, 8, 11, 23, 25, 29) and a variable capacity store (2) with one inlet (3) and one outlet (4) formed on two neighboring levels, a lower one (5) and an upper one (6), closed with a common back plate (9), fixed to a slide (13) making reciprocating movements, the concave surface (10) of which, on the interior side of the store (2) constitutes a conveyor (11), provided with a rotary arm, fixed to a slide (13), the axis of rotation of which is coaxial with a centre of curvature of the surface (10) of the back plate (9), and at the inlet (3) there is a swing mounted valve element (18) and a swing limiter (26) for displacing rod shaped elements (1), whereas at the outlet (4) there is swing mounted valve element (20). Moreover the invention presents a method of controlling mass flow of rod shaped elements in the store (2) and self-filling and self-emptying of the store (2) constituting a part of the assembly disposed in a production line of products of tobacco industry.

Abstract: A convertible track system for providing additional support to a conveyor belt. The system includes convertible track sections which may be added/removed from the conveyor belt apparatus without disassembly of the existing track supporting structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transport foil/film as well as a transport system for holding and transport of at least one thin flexible substrate and a corresponding method and a use of a flexible transport foil/film for holding and for transport of at least one thin, flexible substrate, the substrates being able to be fixed or being fixed at least temporarily on the transport foil/film and the transport foil/film being drivable by driving means for transport of the substrates.

Abstract: A product transfer system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a rotatable transporter. The first conveyor conveys a series of products along a first axis. The second conveyor is oriented along a second axis. The second axis is spaced below the first axis. The rotatable transporter has a plurality of open compartments. The open compartments are positioned around the rotatable transporter. The rotatable transporter is adapted to move each of the open compartments along a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein an open compartment of the plurality of open compartments is substantially aligned with the first axis to receive products from the first conveyor when located at the first position, and continues to move after the receiving the products to the second position, wherein the products are dropped on the second conveyor when said open compartment of the plurality of open compartments moves from the second position to the third position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet (30) conveying device (D1, D2) comprising a transport roll (56, 58) for conveying a flat substrate (18, 30), said transport roll having a transport surface (82, 102) which comes into contact with the flat substrate and has a plurality of recesses (84, 104), and a vacuum device (64) for creating a depression in the plurality of recesses. The device also comprises a device (120) for cleaning the transport surface (82, 102). The invention is applicable to devices for ejecting sheets from printing presses.

Abstract: An arrangement for separating cylindrical bodies, such as parisons for hollow bodies, which have at least one protuberance at a first end, has a pair of parallel guide elements between which the cylindrical bodies can be erected in that the cylindrical bodies hang on the guide elements in each case by way of the protuberance. The separation arrangement here has a height guide, wherein a spacing between the height guide and the cylindrical bodies, as seen in the conveying direction, decreases to a predetermined spacing in relation to the guide elements, as a result of which vertically projecting cylindrical bodies, as they are being conveyed in the conveying direction, are forced downwards by the height guide and wherein the height guide can be raised briefly by means of a lifting device in accordance with a triggering signal.

Abstract: Methods for removing a belt from a telescoping conveyor having a plurality of spaced apart idler rollers in communication with the belt include: (a) translating an idler associated with a telescoping conveyor downward from an operative position to a belt removal and/or belt load configuration while one end portion thereof remains attached to the conveyor frame to thereby allow a conveyor belt to at least partially collapse from an operative configuration; and (b) removing the conveyor belt from the telescoping conveyor after the translating step. 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: A synchronized carrying system comprising: an overhead conveyor which transports a vehicle body; a floor-side conveyor which transports an underbody part; a control device which operates and controls the overhead conveyor and the floor-side conveyor; and a carrying device on which the underbody part is mounted, wherein the synchronized carrying system synchronizes the overhead conveyor and the floor-side conveyor during a process that loads the underbody part to the vehicle body.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an operating unit, which can be a welding unit for welding a closing film to an edge zone of a containing element or a separating unit for separating containing elements from portions of sheet material. The apparatus includes a control unit programmed to enable the operating unit to selectively process a continuous strip of containing elements or discrete groups of containing elements.

Abstract: Fluidizable potassium fluorozincate which is very suitable for dry fluxing applications can be prepared from a diluted potassium base selected from the group consisting of KOH, KHCO3 and K2CO3, ZnO and HF. The cumulative volume of the particles has an X10 value of equal to or greater than 1.5 microns, preferably, equal to or greater than 2 microns. It is very suitable for pneumatic transport for aluminum brazing.

Abstract: A conveyor and associated method for shock-sensitive products and the like, includes a conveyor member having at least one individual compartment for receiving a product therein, as well as upward and downward conveyor sections. An upper conveyor deflector deflects the conveyor member from the upward to the downward section. The compartment includes a first support surface configured for supporting the product in the upwardly directed conveyor section, as well as a second support surface configured for supporting the product in a downwardly directed conveyor section. The compartment also includes a bottom surface that supports the product during movement of the conveyor member over the upper conveyor deflector.

Abstract: A method for forming a number of side by side lying rows of objects such as for producing sandwich biscuits. Firstly the products being supplied to the even channels are turned over and, as well as the not turned over products are brought on a conveyor belt. In a second step by means of a continuous rotatable first roller positioned above the conveyor belt and being provided with pins a product can be released from each channel and the next product can be stopped for the formation of rows of turned over and not turned over products running in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Thereupon by means of rollers at least one of which is movable in axial direction, the turned over and not turned over products are moved in longitudinal and transverse direction to obtain alternate transverse rows of turned over and not turned over products.

Abstract: A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor module to necessitate cleaning and maintenance. The endless conveyor belt tension is released by removing the side plates and pivoting the idler roller mounts. The belt may be removed for cleaning underneath and tightened by pivoting the idler roller mounts to their normal operating position. Further maintenance can be performed by removing the entire upper conveyor belt section from the conveyor subframe by releasing one or more retaining fingers.

Abstract: A conveyor having selectively actuated rollers whose only external contact is with conveyed articles and a method for rotating such rollers. In one version, the rollers are driven by motors that are selectively energized by a wireless signal or a sensed conveyor position. In another version, the rollers are geared to a drive wheel that engages a bearing surface underlying the conveyor along the conveying path. The rollers are selectively actuated to push conveyed articles along the conveyor as it advances.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying sheet material along a feed path. The transport system includes an electro-dynamic propulsion system for moving sheet material, or a stacked collation of sheet material, along a support deck which defines the feed path. More specifically, the electro-dynamic propulsion system includes at least one guideway and a ferromagnetic element disposed internally of the guideway. The guideway includes a magnetic coil to produce a variable magnetic field. By varying the flux density and polarity of the magnetic field the ferromagnetic element may be propelled within the guideway. An abutment member is coupled to the ferromagnetic element, extends through the elongate opening of the support deck and engages an edge of sheet material. A processor is operative to control the electro-dynamic propulsion system and, accordingly, the rate of travel and position of the sheet material along the feed path.

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: A conveyor device has a sequence of two vibrating screens vertically separated (d) from each other and supplying an alignment bowl, to eliminate chips and residue from nuclear fuel pellets stored in bulk in a boat and to align them in order to fill fuel rods. Due to these two screens, pellets are set aside and turned over, and chips are efficiently separated in a pot, without any congestion of the system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat may be mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.

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: Apparatus (1) for transporting containers (10) with a transport device (2), which transports a multiplicity of holding devices (4) for the containers individually along a pre-specified transport path (P). According to the invention at least one of these holding devices (4) comprises at least two holding elements (14a. 14b) for gripping the containers and the holding device (4) can be rotated in relation to the transport device (2) about a pre-specified common rotary axis (D).

Abstract: A support device for the support of conveyed objects, includes a roller body with a series of rollers, which run along a path and support the conveyed objects in a support region. The rollers roll in the support region on a support surface. Thereby, the following steps are carried out: relieving the rollers on entering into a part region of the support region; aligning the relieved rollers; renewed loading of the rollers on leaving the part region of the support device. For this, at least one recess of the support surface is present in the support region, wherein a roller which is located in the region of the recess, may be moved into the recess.

Abstract: A method of operating a transfer station in a container filling plant. The transfer station comprises a plurality of spaced apart webs between which containers are to be conveyed. A plurality of vertical directing elements are disposed upstream of and adjacent to the webs. The directing elements contact and deflect containers into the receiving spaces in between the webs to minimize backing up or jams of the containers, to thus minimize interruptions in the container handling process.

Abstract: Silicon granules are conveyed in an encapsulated conveying channel by swaying movement of the channel produced by a permanent magnet excited by an external alternating electromagnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting substrates. The apparatus being characterized by a removeable and positionally reversible control unit, to permit use of the apparatus as a bi-directional conveyor. The apparatus has a perforated transport belt, supported by a slotted deck, both of which allow passage of air downwardly through the belt. Dryer mounts on the apparatus are designed to allow tool-free adjustment of the dryer height for various types of sheet-like media. Further, an adjustable clip-on catch tray is easily changeable to accommodate the outfeed of various types of media.

Abstract: A method for sorting objects using a continuous loop conveyor sorting system having two or more feeders. In one embodiment, the method includes sorting a batch of objects to form a first group of objects and a second group of objects, using a first feeder to feed all of the objects from the first group onto the conveyor, using a second feeder to feed all of the objects from the second group onto the conveyor, removing the objects from the first group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the second feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor, and removing the objects from the second group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the first feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor.

Abstract: An automatic conveyor shutoff system for a farm implement, such as a grain cart or seed tender, includes a conveying device and a storage bin. The conveying device is configured to convey material into or from the storage bin. A weighing device measures the weight of the storage bin and outputs a signal representing the weight to a controller. The controller is configured to disable the conveying device when the weight reaches a preset limit.

Abstract: A conveyance system that utilizes an electromagnetic levitation motor acting as a mass driver to transport mined materials via a small shaft wherein multiple small skips are in transit simultaneously and which allows for return of the skips via the same route wherein the mass driver is used as a braking mechanism. The system also includes guideways to keep the skips in the correct position during transit, a safety system to prevent skips from falling back during a power failure, a system for feeding the skips to the mass driver at the lower end, and a headframe system for capturing skips at the upper end, unloading them, and feeding them back to the mass driver for the descent to the bottom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conveying particulate material during the manufacture of patterns in layers, wherein powder is conveyed out of a reservoir into a spreader unit and, if applicable, excess powder fed to the spreader unit is again conveyed back into the reservoir and wherein this conveying takes place in a closed conveying circuit.

Abstract: In value-document processing apparatus documents of value, such as e. g. bank notes, checks, etc. are conveyed by a transport system along one or more sensors. The bank notes guided past the sensors touch the sensor surface at least temporarily. To improve the transport the sensor surface past which the bank notes are transported is provided with a plurality of elevations or depressions. Through the structured surface the friction is decreased between the sensor surface and the document of value transported past, so that the transport of the document of value is stabilized and the proneness to jamming is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the treatment of bulk material, comprising a platform 24?, 24?, 28 for supporting bulk material and at least one outfeeding device 28 arranged on the platform for feeding bulk material placed on the platform towards an outlet 29 arranged on the platform, wherein the feeding device has a feeding direction towards the outlet, a first and a second beam 30, 31, 32, 33 is arranged on the platform above the outfeeding device, which beams extends transversal to the feeding direction of the outfeeding device and at least a portion in over of the width of the outfeeding device, wherein the second beam 32 being arranged at a higher level above the outfeeding device than the first beam 31.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing products by chilling or freezing includes a conveyor for conveying the products along a plane of travel; lifting means disposed for intermittent contact with the conveyor during processing; cam means rotatable for contacting and displacing the lifting means to contact and displace the conveyor from the plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor to prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor and other of the products; and drive means operatively associated with the cam means to impart rotational movement to the cam means for intermittently contacting and displacing the lifting means.

Abstract: A carrier bar for conveying at least one caplet along a predetermined conveyer path includes at least one pocket adapted to receive a caplet. Each pocket includes a longitudinal axis that is angled or offset from a direction of travel of the carrier bar in use. Each caplet includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides.

Abstract: A drive rail includes a sealed interior cavity and an exterior drive surface that extends along a length of the drive rail. A first magnetic member is disposed within the interior cavity and adjacent to a surface of the interior cavity that is immediately opposite the exterior drive surface. A drive mechanism is disposed within the interior cavity and in connection with the first magnetic member, and is configured to move the first magnetic member within the interior cavity along the length of the drive rail, such that the first magnetic member remains immediately opposite the exterior drive surface. The first magnetic member is configured to magnetically couple through the exterior drive surface to a wafer carrier disposed adjacent to the exterior drive surface. Movement of the first magnetic member within the interior cavity along the drive rail causes corresponding movement of the wafer carrier along the exterior drive surface.

Abstract: A belt installation guide is disclosed which accommodates the loading of a new belt around drive rollers in a belt module assembly. The guide is placed opposite the end portions of the rollers, the belt is slipped over the guides and held by the guides until the belt is pushed over the rollers. Once in place over the rollers, a tension is exerted on the belt to make it taut over all of the rollers. The guide is removed from near the rolls after the belt is in place over the rollers. The guide when not in use is positioned in housings internal to the rollers, or in housings adjacent to the rollers. The guides are enabled to be removed or pulled out from these housings when ready for use in installing a belt in a belt module.

Abstract: A conveyor belt lifting device for use on a belt-type conveyor comprising a conveyor belt supported by a support structure includes an inflatable bag and is operable between a retracted condition in which the inflatable bag is deflated and an operative condition in which the inflatable bag is inflated and its operably upper surface adopts a shape generally to conform to an underside of the conveyor belt. The invention extends to a method for providing access to components of a belt-type conveyor comprising a conveyor belt supported by a support structure.

Abstract: A compliant conveyance system for processing mailpieces along a feed path, e.g., printing on a first surface of a mailpiece, while being registered against a contact surface of a registration plate. The conveyance system comprises at least one conveyor belt opposing the contact surface of the registration plate, a continuous, uninterrupted, compliant deck disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, and a spring biasing device operative to bias the compliant deck and the conveyor belt toward the contact surface of the registration plate. The conveyor belt includes a drive surface for engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along the feed path. As each of the mailpieces pass the registration plate, the compliant deck and spring biasing device urge the second surface of each mailpiece into engagement with the contact surface during processing.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyance/manifold system is provided for processing mailpieces. The vacuum conveyance/manifold system includes at least one conveyor belt and a compliant deck disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt has rows of aligned apertures disposed therein and a drive surface for engaging a face surface of each of the mailpieces. The compliant deck defines a neutral axis in bending and has a high elongation, low modulus material in a portion of the deck which is distal from the bending neutral axis, and a high yield strength, high modulus material in a portion of the deck which lies coincident with the bending neutral axis. Furthermore, the compliant deck has a plurality of elongate slots formed in the high elongation, low modulus material, which elongate slots are aligned, and in fluid communication, with the rows of apertures in the conveyor belt.