Abstract: A system for transporting particles includes a substrate and a plurality of spaced electrically conductive electrodes carried by the substrate. Further included is a carrier medium adapted for the retention and migration of particles disposed therein, wherein the carrier medium is in operational contact with the electrodes, and a vibration generator is positioned in relation to the substrate to impart vibrations into the carrier medium. In an alternative embodiment, the vibration generator is configured to generate an acoustic traveling wave, which includes a vibration component and a motivation component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear conveyor device (30) for objects (20), whereby the objects are taken by drive tongues (40), arranged on circulating toothed belts (31, 32). The objects are secured against lifting off the conveyor device, particularly mechanically, by a cover strip (50). Light objects can thus also be conveyed at high rate in intermittent operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of delivering a container (103) to a marking apparatus (100), wherein the marking apparatus (100) is of the type having a marking device for selectively applying a mark to a container (103). The method comprises providing a plurality of containers within a staging assembly (104), and isolating at least one container (103) within a singulator assembly (112), wherein the singulator assembly (112) is in communication with the staging assembly (104). The method further comprises transporting the at least one container (103) from the singulator assembly (112) to a portion of the marking apparatus (100) with a shuttle (210).

Abstract: To provide a method of producing an electronic apparatus that is inexpensive, contributes to high productivity, and can achieve good communication characteristics. A method of producing an electronic apparatus composed of an IC chip (100) having an external electrode formed on each of a set of opposing surfaces of the IC chip; an antenna circuit (201) having a slit formed in it; and a short circuit plate (300) for electrically connecting the IC chip (100) and the antenna circuit (201). In the method, a disc-like conveyor (703) has hands (704) on its outer periphery, and each hand (704) is capable of holding a single IC chip (100). The hands (704) hold IC chips (100) individually, and the IC chips (100) are conveyed by rotation of the disc-like conveyor (703). As a result, a plurality of IC chips (100) whose maximum number is equal to the number of the hands (704) can be simultaneously conveyed.

Abstract: The device comprises: a moving member (5), positioned around which are engaging elements (9) to axially engage the trimmings (R). The moving member feeds the engaging elements continuously along a closed path, along which a device (20) is provided to detach the turns of web material from the tubular cores.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting a gap through which a product is to be conveyed, a rotatable element is driven with a predetermined torque, and the rotatable element is moved against the product located in the gap until the rotatable element stops.

Abstract: The method consists in: placing the products directly on the floor of the grouping station (3), in the aisles (5), in order to form the batch of products to be palletized; withdrawing the guide walls (6) that form said aisles (5) to an inactive position; moving the batch towards the palletization station (11); repositioning said guide walls (6) into an active position; and re-placing the means (10) for moving said rows into their starting position by turning them about said guide walls (6) in a kind of enveloping movement. The station (3) for grouping products (2) is arranged between the selection station of the receiving line (1) and the table (12) of the palletization station (11) proper.

Abstract: An adjustable item transport includes a deck for supporting items, a transport element for transporting the items along the deck on a transport path, a plurality of support elements rotatably supporting the transport element, and an adjustment member. Each support element may include a plurality of recesses configured to receive the transport element. Each recess corresponds to an operating position of the transport element. The adjustment member may include a handle portion, a first guide portion adjacent to a first edge of the transport element, and a second guide portion adjacent to a second edge of the transport element. Movement of the handle portion substantially perpendicular to the transport path engages one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion with a respective edge of the transport element to move the transport element between recesses in the support element to change the operating position of the transport element.

Abstract: A product stabilizing conveyor system for a continuous, segmented lane curvilinear conveyor having linear and curvilinear sections. The conveyor is configured to transport small products, e.g. 0.46 diameter glass vials, in circular fashion. Wedged-shaped diverter elements are positioned at the juncture between a linear section and curvilinear section of the conveyor, after the registry and outfeed area. The diverter elements serve to direct the minute vials away from the larger interstices which form on the outbound paths of travel of the curvilinear section and towards the smaller sized interstices on the inboard paths of travel. Diverting the vials in this manner ensures they do not cross over the edges of the larger sized interstices and fall over onto the conveyor surface. Instead they remain upright as they travel around the curvilinear section and hence around the entire conveyor.

Abstract: Provided is a low-cost electrostatic attraction transfer apparatus which can perform high-speed transfer, stabilizes a contact status of an electrostatic attraction board with a film and the like and does not generate fine defects on an object to be transferred.

Abstract: A tunnel dryer apparatus and method is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a drying chamber having an infeed end for receiving articles to be dried, and a conveyor for conveying the articles through the drying chamber along a drying path to a discharge end of the drying chamber. The drying path includes at least one portion having a gradient for causing the articles to be tilted to distribute accumulated liquid on surfaces of the articles thereby facilitating drying of the article. In another aspect the apparatus includes a nozzle, operably configured to direct a pulsating jet of air toward passing articles thereby causing accumulated liquid on surfaces of the articles to be dispersed to facilitate drying of the article.

Abstract: A sorting deck for paper, board, or pulp rolls has a plane (1) for transporting the rolls and controllable stops (2) for holding the rolls in place and releasing them. The stops (2) are positioned to form at least one line (3) in placed consecutively in the longitudinal direction (4) of the plane (1), and at least one row (5), in which the stops (2) are positioned adjacently to each other along the lateral direction (6) of the plane (1). At least some of the stops (2) are a collector (41) and a feeder (42), both of which can be moved freely between the hold and release positions, so that the travel of the rolls over the stop (2) can be optionally prevented, freely permitted, or permitted one roll at a time. The same sorting deck can be used to handle rolls of different widths.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to a self cleaning belt conveyor for transporting a substrate through a chamber are provided. One embodiment of the apparatus provides a belt conveyor apparatus for transporting a substrate through a chamber comprising at least one endless belt having a conveying surface, wherein the conveying surface comprises one or more raised components for supporting the substrate and maintaining a gap between the conveying surface and the substrate, and two or more cylindrical shafts coupled with the at least one endless belt wherein the at least one endless belt is tensioned around the two or more cylindrical shafts and wherein the two or more cylindrical shafts are rotatable to move the conveying surface.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring a vehicle from a first dual belt conveyor to a second dual belt conveyor utilizes transitions between the belts of the first and second conveyors which are offset along a direction of travel. The offset transitions result in only one wheel of the vehicle at a time crossing a transition. The transitions utilize fixed rollers positioned on either side of a plurality of recirculation rollers. The fixed rollers minimize the gap between the ends of the belts and the transitions while permitting the belts, particularly with cleats, to pass by the fixed rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor and methods for turning cases. The conveyor includes a pair of side-by-side belts running preferably at different speeds. The different belt speeds cause the leading edge of a package straddling both belts to move toward the slower belt. The two belts include transverse rollers that can be selectively actuated in a series of actuation zones along the conveyor to push packages conveyed atop them to the right or to the left. A controller controls the actuation of the belt rollers in each zone sequentially so that the belt rollers supporting the leading edge of the package push it towards the slower belt and the belt rollers supporting the trailing edge of the package push it towards the faster belt to accelerate the turning of the package as the belts advance.

Abstract: A method and an automatic picking machine is provided for filling an order container by means of an ejector and conveyor belt. An ejector is provided configured as a revolving belt directly as a substantially horizontal product storage element. The stored products (3) to be picked are placed onto the conveyor belt (2) or directly into the order container (10) upon actuation of the revolving belt. The preferably bulky non-stackable products (3) are located preferably individually in product compartments (5) of the ejector and are ejected individually.

Abstract: A material stacking device including: an elevated truss supported at opposite ends by first and second pillars, the first pillar includes a pivot allowing the truss to pivot about the location of the first pillar and the second pillar moving in an arc as the truss turns about the first pillar, and a material conveyor extending at least part way along the truss and discharging material to be deposited to an upper section of a material pile below the truss.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting apparatus for transporting products, which includes a linear drive mechanism, a continuous conveyor system, having two parallel straight conveyor regions and two curved conveyor regions each connecting one end of the straight conveyor regions, and a plurality of conveyor elements. The conveyor elements extend along the continuous conveyor system and convey the products to be conveyed along at least a portion of the conveyor system while being guided along a guide path. The linear drive mechanism includes a first linear segment and a second linear segment, which are disposed parallel to the straight conveyor regions. The curved conveyor regions of the conveyor system are advantageously embodied as driveless.

Abstract: A device for transferring nonwoven material from a fleece-laying machine to a consolidation device having an endless circulating output conveyor belt of the fleece-laying machine for accepting card webs which are laid on the output conveyor belt from above by the fleece-laying machine, the laid card webs forming the nonwoven material. A first drive unit drives the output conveyor belt at variable speed. In addition, a second drive unit for driving the output conveyor belt at an essentially constant speed is provided at a point which, relative to the first drive unit, is closer to the consolidation device. A hanging storage buffer of the output conveyor belt is thus formed in a section of the output conveyor belt located between the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

Abstract: An item transport system includes a first transport and a divert module for diverting predetermined items. The first transport includes a first deck for supporting items and a first transport element for transporting the items along the first deck on a transport path. The divert module includes a second deck for supporting the predetermined items, a second transport element for transporting the predetermined items along the second deck on a divert path, and a fluid supply element selectively actuable to direct a fluid onto at least a leading edge of the predetermined items to divert the predetermined items onto the second deck.

Abstract: A collapsible decoy apparatus including a conveyor assembly mounted to a base, having a chain adapted to be driven in a generally elliptical pattern. A decoy support removeably attaches to a mount on the chain. The decoy support is configured to removeably attach to a decoy. The chain can move the decoy support and the decoy in a generally elliptical pattern that simulates the movement of walking wildfowl.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and arranging bakery products such as hot dog buns or breadsticks. The products are delivered with their length dimensions at a variety of angular orientations and some products inverted. An aligning conveyor receives misaligned products on adjacent belts or other drive members which are driven at differential speeds to rotate the products to the proper orientation. Inverted products are conveyed against guide rails which are arranged to interact with the curved edges on the tops of the buns to roll the inverted products over. The products are conveyed in discrete lanes to properly organize them for packaging.

Abstract: A ride vehicle loading interface system to allow guests in wheelchairs to access a ride vehicle and enjoy a ride attraction. The loading interface system includes a plurality of associated ride vehicles moving on a track. At least one ride vehicle including a tray extendable from and retractable into the ride vehicle through an opening, the tray for receiving a wheelchair and for allowing the wheelchair to be positioned in the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle loading interface system including a loading platform moving at about the same rate as the ride vehicle during loading and unloading.

Abstract: Non-contact, liquid-ejecting bearings (3) are provided for conveying flexible glass sheets (13), such as LCD substrates, at high conveyance speeds, e.g., speeds of 15 meters/minute and above. The operating parameters and physical properties of the bearings satisfy at least one of the following conditions: (a) the average flow rate from the bearing's orifices (22) is in the range of 100-800 milliliters/minute/orifice; (b) the orifices' average horizontal pitch (P) is in the range of 20-55 millimeters; and/or (c) the orifices' average size (e.g., D0) is in the range of 1.0-4.5 millimeters. The bearings (3) can reduce the time-averaged, peak-to-peak variation in the spacing between a LCD substrate (13) traveling at 15 meters/minute and the face (20) of the bearing (3) to less than 100 microns, thus reducing the chances that the bearing (3) will lose control of the substrate (13) or that the substrate (13) will hit the bearing (3).

Abstract: A conveyor belt training idler comprises a mount, a roller support frame, a roller, and a locking mechanism. The roller support frame is pivotally attached to the mount about a support frame axis for pivotal movement relative to the mount. The roller is rotatably attached to the roller support frame for rotation about a roller axis. The roller axis is pivotal with the roller support frame about the support frame axis relative to the mount. The locking mechanism has a plurality of discrete settings, each setting being configured and adapted to maintain the roller support frame at a discrete angular setting relative to the mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for processing objects (100, 110) with a plurality of tools (20), as well as with a tool drive arrangement (30). The tools (20) in each case comprise at least one lever (21) as well as an acting element (22) which may cooperate with the object (100, 110). The levers (21) are pivotably attached on tool drive arrangement (30) on bearing points (23) and may be driven along a closed revolving path by way of the movement of the tool drive arrangement (30). The acting elements (22) are distanced to the bearing point (23). The pivot position of the levers (231) relative to the tool drive arrangement (30) may be set in dependence on their position along the revolving path with a guide mechanism. According to the invention, the guide mechanism (40) is adjustable, wherein different distances (d, d?) of adjacent acting elements may be realised in a predefined reference region by way of the adjustment.

Abstract: A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a skirt, and a wear liner. The belt forms a continuous loop having an upper transfer run and a lower return run. The belt defines a theoretical, vertically oriented, center plane about which the belt is generally symmetric. The skirt has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run. The wear liner is removably attached to the skirt in a manner such that the skirt lies between the wear liner and the center plane. The wear liner has a lower edge that that extends above the transfer run and beneath the lower edge of the skirt.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the conveyor comprises an upper side, an under side, a first end, a second end, and a frame comprising a first side and a second side. At least one roller is located in the underside, the at least one roller extends between the frame first side and the frame second side. A belt extends between the first end and the second end, wherein the belt contacts the at least one roller. A bracket connects the first side of the frame to the at least one roller. The bracket comprises a first portion that is pivotally connected to the first side of the frame and a second portion pivotally connected to the roller, the bracket enables the roller to pivot relative to the first side of the frame.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and a method for providing a conveyor belt with rollers that rotate on axes oblique to the direction of belt travel. Axles are mounted on rods extending perpendicular to direction of belt travel. The axles have cylindrical outer bearing surfaces that define a central axis that is oblique to the direction of belt travel when mounted on the rods. Rollers mounted on the axles rotate on the outer bearing surfaces in a direction oblique to the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system, method and apparatus for turning a bedded product to enhance the temperature uniformity of the product. In one aspect, the system is directed towards using a flow wheel to turn over a bed of hot product exiting a dehydrator. The improved system, method, and apparatus lowers the variability of temperature, moisture content, oil content and acrylamide levels in a bedded food product.

Abstract: Method and device for transport of a substrate 6 where the substrate is supported by one or several elongated transport elements 2 and is moved forwards in a substrate transport direction 22 by moving the elongated transport elements 2 and where the elongated transport elements 2 perform a shift in respect to the substrate 6 which is directed laterally to the substrate transport direction 22.

Abstract: The intermediate storage device (18) for taking stacks (14) of flat products (16) from a supplying device (10) connected upstream, for storing the stacks (14) in a temporary manner and for the subsequent delivery of the stacks (14) to a stack processing device (20) connected downstream, has at least one conveying means (36) with an upper run (34), which is displaceable in a conveying direction (T) and on which, for conveying the stack (14), a bottommost flat product (16u) of the stack (14) rests at least in a partial manner. The intermediate storage device (18) has, in addition, a control device (68), which generates a signal for controlling a conveying speed of the conveying means (36).

Abstract: A method of operating a production line comprises the steps of supporting equipment in the production line on a plurality of crawlers comprising at least one rolling track and a structural support for supporting the equipment. A first plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an interior surface of said at least one rolling track is configured to oppose a second plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an exterior surface of said structure support to lift the structural support, such that the structural support floats between and within said at least one rolling track. The magnetic fields experienced by the first and second plurality of lift magnets are adjusted to translate the at least one rolling track, such that the crawlers move along the production line.

Abstract: The lifting system includes a lifting portion and a hinging portion for lifting a conveyor The lifting portion is fixed to a structure and extends from the structure to mate with the conveyor at a lifting point. The lifting portion moves the conveyor vertically upward and downward at the lifting point with no horizontal movement at the lifting point. The hinging portion is pivotally connected to the conveyor at a conveyor pivot and extends from the conveyor to engage the structure. The hinging portion is further pivotally connected to the structure to allow for controlled movement in an arced path at the conveyor pivot of the conveyor. The controlled movement of the conveyor along the arced path at the conveyor pivot varies the angular position of the conveyor and maintains the position of the conveyor over the transportable container as the lifting portion moves the conveyor vertically at the lifting point.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for combining overlapping flows (S1, S2) of flat products (10, 20), particularly of printed products, to common product flows (P3). The products (10, 20) from the first or second overlapping flows (S1, S2) are received by an intermediate conveyor (50), and transported to a first product flow (P1), or a second product flow (P2), by means of the intermediate conveyor (50). The distance (d) of the product flows (P1, P2) is successively reduced so that the product flows (P1, P2) form the common product flow (P3). The products (10, 20) are conveyed at least directly before combining the product flows (P1, P2) such that a space (12, 22) is located at least between the groups of products (10, 20) within the first, or within the second product flow (P1, P2).

Abstract: A conveyor is mounted on a tractor and extends from a hopper at the front of the tractor to an outlet behind the tractor. An agricultural harvester unloading system is operated to deposit grain from the harvester into the hopper of the conveyor. The conveyor is operated to transfer the grain into a cart pulled by the tractor.

Abstract: A method and a device for the conveyance of planar products (10, 10?, 20, 20?), in particular printed products, are provided wherein a product group (100) composed of at least two products (10, 10?, 20, 20?) is gripped by a gripper (42) in the area of a product edge (12, 12?, 22, 22?) and conveyed in a direction of conveyance (F2). At least one of the products (10, 10?, 20, 20?) is displaced relative to the other product or products (10, 10?, 20, 20?) in the product group (100) in a direction of displacement (A) defined by the gripped product edge (12, 12?, 22, 22?), such that in each case a projection (14, 24) is formed in the direction of displacement (A). Thus a first projection (14) is associated with at least one displaced product (10, 10?, 20, 20?) and a second projection (24) is associated with the remaining product or products (10, 10?, 20, 20?) of the product group (100).

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus for forming a stable arrangement of bottles so they can be moved on an inline conveyor system. This is accomplished by an apparatus for nesting bottles comprising a first conveyor having lanes of bottles, and a second conveyor, wherein a fixed number of bottles from each lane is released from each lane in a staggered arrangement to facilitate nesting of the released bottles and then pushing and guiding the released bottles from the first conveyor onto a second conveyor so that the bottles form a nested bundle.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus, which conveys a large-sized substrate and saves space, is provided. The vacuum apparatus of the present invention comprises pluralities of lower rollers, pressing rollers and pressing mechanisms. Since the substrate is sandwiched by the lower rollers and the pressing rollers at a position between the conveying roller and the conveying roller, the substrate does not fall down. The substrate contacts the pressing rollers and pushes the pressing roller back, and is sandwiched between the pressing roller and the lower roller, so that the substrate is not damaged when sandwiched.

Abstract: A reconfigurable transport system includes a transport device for receiving items in a first orientation in one of a first portion and a second portion and releasing the items from the other of the first portion and the second portion. The transport device includes rotating transport elements in opposing relation. Items received between the transport elements are conveyed along a transport axis. The transport system further includes a positioning device for selectively moving the second portion between a first position in which the transport device maintains the items in the first orientation, and a second position in which the transport device rotates the items substantially about the transport axis to a second orientation.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a bulk material belt conveyor system and a carryback sampling device. The bulk material belt conveyor system comprises a belt and a structural frame. The belt is supported by the structural frame and has a downwardly facing portion. The belt is configured to traverse relative to the structural frame. The carryback sampling device comprises at least a first support member, a carryback receptacle, and a carryback scraper. The first support member is pivotally attached to the structural frame about an axis. The carryback scraper and the carryback receptacle are attached to the structural frame via the first support member in a manner such that pivotal movement of the first support member about the axis relative to the structural frame brings the carryback scraper into engagement with the downwardly facing portion of the belt with the carryback receptacle positioned therebeneath.

Abstract: An accumulation device (4) serves for accumulation of a stream of flat objects (2) conveyed in a conveying direction (3) in an accumulation region (22) of the stream. For this purpose it includes a base (12) of constant length, which is pressable by means of a pressing mechanism (5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16) against the stream, wherein the pressing mechanism (5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16) is laid out to first press a first end (10) of the base (12) against the stream and then to press the rest of the base (12) against the stream with a tilting movement and thus, by means of the tilting to form an accumulation region (22) being enlarged in the direction opposing the conveying direction (3).

Abstract: A signature transport device is provided. The signature transport device includes a saddle conveyor for transporting signatures, an escalator tucker for lifting the signatures off the saddle conveyor and a linear gripper conveyor located adjacent to the escalator tucker and having a plurality of grippers for gripping the signatures. The linear gripper conveyor has a velocity component that is equal to or greater than a velocity component of the escalator tucker when the signatures are gripped from the escalator tucker. A method for transporting signatures is also provided.

Abstract: A manufacturing chain includes a plurality of modular manufacturing stations positioned in series. A first position tracking device of a first modular manufacturing station is configured to detect a first position of a carrier being transported along a first article transportation device through the first modular manufacturing station. A control system is in communication with the first position tracking device and is configured to receive a signal indicative of the detected first position. The control system is also configured to issue an operation signal to a second article transportation device of a second modular manufacturing station based, at least in part, on the detected first position.

Abstract: A manufacturing line includes a first line and a second line. The first line includes a first plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a first path through the first line, and a first friction drive system for transporting an article along the first path. The second line includes a second plurality of stationary modules positioned in series and defining a second path through the second line. The second line also includes a second friction drive system for transporting the article along the second path. A mobile module is supported by ground-engaging elements and includes a third friction drive system for transporting the article along a third path defined by the mobile module. The mobile module is movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first path and third path, and a second position defining a second continuous path along the second path and the third path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving objects, such as pallets, between an upper horizontal conveyor and a lower horizontal conveyor. A lift raises the pallet from a lower conveyor, and a clamp disposed above the lift with inwardly and outwardly pivotable arms, having inwardly facing fingers at the ends of the arms, clamps the pallet and raises it up to be substantially coincident with the upper conveyor's pallet-supporting surface. A pusher displaces the pallet from the fingers to the upper conveyor. The apparatus can also be operated in reverse to lower pallets from an upper conveyor to a lower conveyor if a fastener, such as electromagnets, is mounted to the end of the pusher.

Abstract: A manufacturing chain includes a building defining a manufacturing area and having a planar floor. A plurality of modular manufacturing stations are positioned in series within the manufacturing area and above the planar floor. An article transportation system includes a plurality of carrier tracks defining a transportation path, having at least one vertical discontinuity, through the plurality of modular manufacturing stations. A first vertical lift device moves a first carrier track, adjacent the vertical discontinuity, in a vertical direction relative to the transportation path.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder for delivery of material in different directions comprising a set of vibrators that are vibrationally isolated from each other to enable activation of one of the vibrators to vibrationally direct conveyable material in a first direction and activation of another vibrator to vibrationally direct conveyable material in a second direction while at the same time the vibrators are vibrationally isolated from each other through a set of isolators.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a mounting assembly for moving a material to be conveyed. The mounting assembly is movable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. At least one resiliently deformable spring member is provided for storing energy therein responsive to a motion of the mounting assembly in the second direction. Energy stored in the spring member is usable to urge the mounting assembly and the associated material in the first direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slide gate 201 for use in conveyor systems that include permanent magnets 221 to hold slide gate components in place relative to a conveyor trough 202, while allowing the slide gate 201 to slide between open and closed positions relative to an opening or cutout 219 formed in the conveyor floor. The slide gate 201 is controllably opened and closed by an actuator system and can be magnetically attached to the actuator system 215 such that the slide gate 201 is attached to the conveyor system entirely through magnetic force. Magnetic attachment of the slide gate 201 provides improved performance, ease of cleaning, and safety compared to known slide gate systems.