Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for inverting or turning-over articles in a product stream as they are transported by a vibratory conveyor. The articles are transported along a vibratory surface in a vibratory manner to a curved surface that is bounded by a tapered guide wall. The objects are transported along the curved surface in a vibratory manner and partially rolled so that, as they release or transfer from the curved surface to a vibratory surface, they turn-over and become inverted. The invention is shown and discussed in the context of an advantageous seasoning application.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a viscous or semisolid product. The device includes a versatile product holding tray for manufacturing or forming the product. This tray is a polygonal member that includes a top surface for receiving the liquid or semisolid product, and a plurality of sides wherein at least one side includes a registration recess that is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a retaining bar of an endless conveyor to facilitate positioning of the tray upon the conveyor so that the retaining bar advances the tray during manufacture of the product. The device also includes an endless conveyor that includes a plurality of spaced tray retainer bars thereon for holding and advancing the tray to one or more product forming stations for forming the product on the trays.

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: Method and system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfils predefined criteria as regards the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects, wherein the weight of each object is determined the objects are transported by means for object transport, a selective transferral of the objects from said means for object transport to batching means is performed by means of a plurality of handlings means of the robot type in as a group or batch of objects is produced in consideration of said predefined criteria, and wherein said group or batch of objects is transported further on by means of means for batch transportation. Preferably, said means for batch transportation may comprise a plurality of conveyor means.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus (10) includes lanes (L) in which articles (C) are conveyed and grouped. Each lane (L) is defined by lane dividers (16a, 16b, 18, 20) and includes an upstream portion (12) and a downstream portion (14). The upstream portion (16) is defined by lane dividers (16a, 16b) that are substantially parallel to a first axis (X). The downstream portion (14) is defined by lane dividers (18, 20) that are substantially parallel to a second axis (Y), which is at an angle (A) with respect to the first axis (X). The width (W2) of the downstream portion (14) of each lane (L) is adjustable as an adjustable one of the lane dividers (20) that define the downstream portion (14) translates parallel to the first axis (X).

Abstract: A roller assembly for a belt drive system of an agricultural machine, the roller assembly having a shaft, a roller rotatably mounted on the shaft, and adjustment means for adjusting the position of the shaft. The adjustment means includes means for angular adjustment of the position of the shaft in two distinct directions.

Abstract: A system for removing plastic wrapping from round cotton modules includes a gantry having a stationary base located in front of a disperser. A separate conveyor between the gantry and the disperser receives unwrapped round cotton modules from the gantry. Because the gantry is stationary while the disperser digests an upstream module, a gap is created between the upstream module and the module being unwrapped. This gap is closed up when the most recently unwrapped module is placed on the separate conveyor which is driven at a high rate of speed to abut, nor nearly abut, the modules.

Abstract: A conveyor, comprising a modular conveyor mat (2) driven by sprocket wheels (19), wherein the conveyor mat is driven by the sprocket wheel on the hinge pins (9). The modular conveyor mat comprises a number of modules (1) successive in conveying direction, which are each provided with a body part extending transversely to the conveying direction and having rows of hinge loops (6) reaching forward and rearward in the conveying direction, wherein the hinge loops of successive modules cooperate and are coupled using hinge pins.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conveyance and preferably also to the electrical contacting of an item to be treated (1), for example in the form of a printed circuit board or a conductor foil, in an electrolysis system. A device according to the invention comprises a large number of clamps (10) able to move along a conveyance path (4) and driven by a continuously revolving drive means (20). The device is configured in such a way that the clamps (10) at the start (4a) of the conveyance path (4) are brought from an open state into a closed state in order to grip and preferably also electrically to contact the item to be treated, and that the clamps (10) respectively at the end (4b) of the conveyance path (4) are brought from the closed into the open state in order to re-release the item to be treated (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting a transportation rack (12) through a conveyor-type dishwasher which has a plurality of treatment zones by means of transportation catches (10) which are accommodated on transportation rails (5, 6). The transportation catches (10) transport transportation racks (12) in the conveying direction (1.1), with the transportation rails (5, 6) being driven by means of a rotary shaft (3). The transportation catches (10) pivot (11) about a shaft (8), which runs parallel to the conveying direction (1.1), during a forward stroke (VH) of the transportation rails (5, 6) and during the return stroke (RH) of said transportation rails. The invention also relates to a conveyor-type dishwasher comprising transportation rails (5, 6) on which transportation catches (10) are held. The transportation catches (10) are mounted such that they can pivot on shafts (8) which are oriented parallel to the conveying direction (1.1) of the transportation rack (12).

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 product removal method that includes providing a blade adjacent a conveyor belt along a path of the conveyor belt and operating the conveyor belt. A product removal system that has a rod oriented generally parallel to a conveyor drum is disclosed. A frame is rotatably carried by the rod and has a first portion extending adjacent a conveyor belt curved path and a second portion extending adjacent a return plane of the conveyor belt. A blade is adjacent the first portion. A product removal system for an oven is disclosed that has scraper assemblies rotationally biased about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a gap between objects to be scanned by security scanning systems. In one aspect, a method is provided for maintaining a predetermined gap between successive objects to be scanned by a security scanning machine. The method includes measuring an initial gap defined between a trailing edge of a first object and a leading edge of a second object and, based on a comparison between the initial gap and the predetermined gap, controlling a speed of a first conveyor relative to a speed of a second conveyor operatively coupled to the first conveyor such that the predetermined gap between the first object and the second object is maintained.

Abstract: An item transport system includes a first transport element rotating around a plurality of first transport rollers in a first direction, a second transport element in opposing relation to the first transport element, the second transport element rotating around a plurality of second transport rollers in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a guide plate proximate to the first transport element for engaging the items during processing by an item processing element, and an item registration device configured to maintain the items in registration with the guide plate. The item registration device includes a plurality of independently articulating pivot assemblies biased to engage the second transport element with the first transport element and a plate associated with each pivot assembly. Each plate is fixedly constrained with respect to the pivot assembly at one end and slidably constrained with respect to the pivot assembly at another end.

Abstract: A conveyor diverter and method provides a device for diverting articles from a transport conveyor at increased throughput by urging a subsequent article onto the diverter before a prior article has been directed off of the diverter. The diverter raises a downstream portion of diverter surface while leaving upstream portions of the diverter surface in a lowered position, thereby permitting articles entering the diverter in a first direction to be diverted in a second direction. The diverter includes a transport conveying surface for conveying articles in the first direction and a lift assembly for raising and lowering the upstream portions and downstream portions of the diverter surface. The diverter may be configured to provide turn, cross-transfer, cross-transfer with increased throughput, and transport functions. Thus, a method is provided for achieving increased throughput and/or multiple divert functions.

Abstract: A device for eliminating fugitive material dust emanating from material being transferred from an upper conveyor, feeder or crusher to a lower position, or other location. The device allows adjustability of the chute's total flow capacity where increased capacity is required. The device has a sliding gate disposed in the hopper to control the rate of transfer of the material from the hopper. A chute is disposed below the hopper and is movable in both a lateral direction (transverse to the direction of belt travel), and movable in the axis of belt travel. A choke is slidably attached to the chute, and slidable therein. The gate is positioned to maintain a level of material in the hopper to prevent dust from emanating out of the hopper from the chute. The choke is positioned to reduce airflow through the material as it passes through the chute to a lower position.

Abstract: A bead feeder for serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel connected to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially and outwardly extending bead passageways connected to rotate with the bowl and dimensioned to receive a single line of beads from the bowl. A plurality of discharge openings in the bead supply bowl is spaced around a lower portion thereof with the openings in alignment with the radially and outwardly extending passageways, and each of the passageways has an outer exit end. A stationary blocking ring is directly below the outer exit ends of the passageways for receiving the lowermost bead from the single line of beads in each passageway. A drop-off on the blocking ring allows the lowermost beads to drop away in a downward direction while a stationary bead retainer above the drop-off of the blocking ring retained the bead adjacent the outermost bead.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for conveying an object to be conveyed, supported by a casing 1 by rotation of a screw 2, in which wear of a screw blade and decrease in conveyance efficiency are prevented without the need for extra power. Load on an electric motor 3 or the like for rotating the screw 2 or a value corresponding to the load is measured, and if the value is equal to or larger than a preset upper limit value, a screw shaft 2a is lifted up to increase a gap between an edge of the screw blade 2b and a bottom portion of the casing 1.

Abstract: A device and method for precision loading and gentle loading of particles into vertical chemical reactor tubes in order to help ensure that the particles are not damaged while being loaded to the desired elevation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a product within a diffuser during a continuous lixiviation process. The apparatus comprises at least one screen deck for the continuous lixiviation process and at least one longitudinal transport zone, the longitudinal transport zone extending between an inlet and outlet of the diffuser. The transport zone may include a plurality of transport zones. A drive means is arranged to move the longitudinal transport zone at a first speed towards the outlet end of the diffuser and to retract the longitudinal transport zone at a second speed which is substantially faster than the first speed towards the inlet end of the diffuser, so that the transport zone drive the product towards the outlet of the diffuser.

Abstract: A method of assembling pushbuttons for a liquid dispensing system, in which each pushbutton comprises an actuation body and at least one other component assembled with said body in a given position, said method making provision for using bodies on which a positioning cavity is formed, and continuously supplying a station for assembling the bodies and the other components by means of a path for conveying said bodies, said path having a complementary profile intended to cooperate with the cavities in order to carry out the positioning of said bodies in said conveying path, so as to carry out the assembly of the other components on the bodies thus positioned during their conveying to the assembly station. The invention also concerns an installation for implementing this method, and a pushbutton assembled by implementing said method.

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 bottle inspection machine is disclosed which has a starwheel feeder and an outfeed mechanism for receiving bottles from the starwheel feeder. The outfeed mechanism has an inner belt conveyor which has a pickoff wheel adjacent the starwheel feeder and a second wheel. At least one drive belt is supported by the pickoff and second wheels for defining a linear outfeed belt portion. The outfeed mechanism also has an outer serpentine belt conveyor which has an idler wheel located radially inwardly from the pick off wheel which defines an opening for receiving a bottle displaced by the starwheel feeder and a third wheel. At least one flexible serpentine belt is supported by the idler and third wheels which are located to define a location where a bottle will be discharged from the outfeed mechanism.

Abstract: The method relates to products such as bottles (1) whose horizontal cross section of contact is oval and which are conveyed in the longitudinal direction, in single file and spaced apart, on a conveyor (2). This method consists in: introducing said bottles one by one into a neck, at the downstream end of which are motorized rollers (5), (7), applying said rollers to the opposite faces of each bottle to be orientated, and giving the roller (5), termed the passive roller, a peripheral speed equal to the speed of conveyance of the bottles (1) and giving the other roller (7), termed the active roller, a higher peripheral speed so as to position the bottle (1) diagonally on the conveyor (2). The invention also relates to the device for carrying out the method, comprising a neck consisting of two arms (6) and (8) forming a V, at the end of which are the motorized rollers (5) and (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for moving paper, board and cellulosic web rolls in a roll packaging system having a plurality of roll handling stations and at least one indexing conveyor capable of operating on at least two elevation levels. According to the method, the rolls are moved in the packaging system by an indexing conveyor car, which is adapted to move synchronously at each roll handling station. The car is moved in a return motion when the indexing conveyor car is in its lowermost position. The position of the roll is measured. At least one roll is admitted onto the indexing conveyor car while having the car driven into its lowermost position (base elevation level 0) and the roll is transferred by the movement of the indexing conveyor car driven into its base elevation level 0 in such a fashion that the roll is positioned into an appropriate position in regard to the function of the roll handling stations for moving the rolls to the roll handling stations.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present inventions provide a rubber composite having an abrasion resistance better than about 125 mm3 under DIN 53516 and comprising a natural rubber, between about 15 to about 25 parts per hundred rubber (PHR) of a butadiene, between about 20 to about 40 PHR of a silica; and between about 0.4 to about 4 PHR of an organosilane polysulfur cross-linking agent. Also provided in various embodiments are multiply rubber materials having a first ply of the above composite and a second thinner ply of a styrene-butadiene rubber.

Abstract: A conveyor using a roller belt with rollers arranged to rotate on oblique axes to urge articles toward a side guide. The conveyor includes an oblique-roller belt supported on a carryway for running in a direction of belt travel. Rollers extend above an outer conveying surface of the belt without contact with the carryway. Each roller rotates on an axis oblique to the direction of belt travel and intersects the side guide downstream of the roller's position. A retractable stop is movable to and from a blocking position along the carryway. In the blocking position, the stop blocks the conveyed articles from advancing in the direction of belt travel. The rollers underlying the blocked articles rotate as the belt runs by contact with the articles. The rotating rollers provide a component of force to the blocked articles directed toward the side guide to push the articles against the side guide or other articles as they accumulate under low pressure upstream of the stop.

Abstract: The invention comprises a conveying device for mail piece goods, and a method for the automatic oriented placement of such piece goods in a container. The piece goods are discharged individually into the container via a slide. The slide is has two rolls in the region of the lower planar section of the conveying area. The rolls are power-operated at speeds that are different from each other, have a great section of the conveying area. The rolls are power-operated at speeds that are different from each other, have a great coefficient of friction on the surface thereof, and provide the piece goods with a defined speed in order for the piece goods to be dropped into the container in a targeted manner, be oriented properly, and be stacked. The closer one roll lies to the discharge end, the greater the speed of said roll is selected relative to another roll.

Abstract: Provided herein are various suspension devices and associated methods and apparatus to open loops (or form opened loops) in a chain of linked products suspended from one or more suspension devices in a conveyor system. In one implementation, a suspension device for a chain of linked products includes a link support portion pivotally coupled to a conveyor, the link support portion configured to suspend a portion of the chain of linked products therefrom and comprising a lower portion downwardly extending from the link support portion. The lower portion is configured to engage a portion of a respective link of the chain upon a pivoting motion of the link support portion about a pivot axis in order to open a respective loop suspended from the link support portion to an unloading orientation for unloading.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for positioning articles, comprising multiple unloading operations per cycle. The inventive apparatus comprises means for placing articles in housings that move along the length of a closed circuit provided with at least first and second drop sites through which the correctly oriented articles fall from each housing into a corresponding alignment conduit placed under and moving together with each housing. In addition compartments are positioned between the alignment conduit. According to the invention, transfer means transfer each article from a conduit to a compartment after said article has fallen through the first drop site, but before it has reached the second drop site. Subsequently, extraction means extract the correctly oriented and aligned articles from said conduits and compartments and transfer same to an outfeed conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to automated handling of baggage objects of variable sizes, shapes and consistencies, including baggage in an airport. The invention involves measuring at least length in two directions of the objects while supported on conveyor means, turning selected objects in an angle according to a selection in response to the measured lengths in relation to a predetermined value, and transferring objects to a storage device to collect a plurality of objects, and preferably while said objects are supported on conveyor means. The selection in response to at least one predetermined value provides one basis for deciding whether to turn the objects before the objects are transferred to the storage device. This facilitates automatic transfer of baggage objects without manual intervention.

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 maybe 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 weighing machine that uses a plurality of pivoting conveyors to deliver product to a plurality of weigh hoppers the sum of which make the desired total weight required for a package. Each pivoting conveyor may supply product to a plurality of secondary conveyors by rotating or changing the pivoting conveyor belt speed. The machine uses a calculated number of front or rear weigh hoppers positioned beneath corresponding accumulation hoppers to produce the desired total weight. The accumulation hopper rapidly fills the weigh hopper after the weigh hopper is emptied. The front and rear accumulation hoppers are positioned below a diverter plate that directs product from the secondary conveyor. Access to the front and rear accumulation and weigh hoppers is made possible by hinging the front set of hoppers. Maintenance and cleaning of the conveyors is accomplished by releasing locking members to allow the conveyor module to be removed.

Abstract: A roller transport conveyor and method provides a device for conveying items along a plurality of rollers, in which the device may be set up and operated and serviced by manually raising and lowering one or more contact members that transmit force from a spring to urge a drive belt into contact with an underside of the rollers. The contact member is adjustable by raising and lowering the contact member to expand and contract the spring, or by raising and lowering a base on which the spring is supported, so that the drive belt may be engaged with and disengaged from the rollers. A gravity take-up includes a mass suspended from a cable that is routed to a pulley having the drive belt reeved thereon. The cable is wound upon a winch that compensates for belt stretch, or for belts of various lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the controlled transfer of unit loads from a first conveyor onto a second conveyor which is partially projected over by the first conveyor, the transport directions of which conveyors run at an angle with respect to each other. In order to permit controlled transfer of the unit loads in a defined position from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor, it is proposed that a negative pressure which acts on the upper side of the conveyor belt of the second conveyor can be generated below the first conveyor in the transfer region onto the second conveyor.

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

Abstract: A water ride for transporting ride participants between portions of a water attraction disposed at different heights, for example, pools situated at various levels in a water leisure park, includes an outer support tube within which a hollow spiral coil (screw) is constructed internally of the tube and securable to the tube. Advantageously, the manner of securement permits removal of at least a portion of the spiral coil as necessary or desirable for performing maintenance and/or replacement. The spiral coil sufficiently engages the inside of the tube, thereby creating at least a restriction to the passage of water between adjacent pockets contained between the thread pitch defined by the spiral coil. Ride participants are moved along with water pockets trapped between the pitch of the internal profile presented by the combination of spiral coil and tube from one end of the tube/spiral coil combination to the other end by rotation of the tube in an appropriate direction.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a surface having an input end and an output end, and a vibratory generator coupled to the surface to cause material to move along the surface. The apparatus also includes a barrier coupled to the surface and having a plurality of openings disposed therethrough to provide for controlled passage of materials from an upstream side of the barrier to a downstream side, and a solid gate disposed to one side of the barrier, the gate moveable relative to the barrier between a first position wherein a first portion of the plurality of openings are occluded and a second position wherein a second portion of the plurality of openings are occluded, the first portion being different than the second portion. A method of operating such an apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting piece goods may include a receiving surface which can rotate about a predefined rotation axis and is designed to receive the piece goods. The apparatus may include a first guide rail for guiding the piece goods, wherein this guide rail has a gap through which one region of the piece goods passes and by means of which another region of the piece goods is held. The apparatus may include a turning device which pivots the piece goods with respect to a longitudinal direction of the piece goods. The apparatus may include a separating device which separates out some of the sorted piece goods which are not guided in a predefined manner by the first guide rail or by the turning device. The turning device may be arranged upstream of the separating device in the movement direction of the piece goods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for aligning food products in a plurality of rows for feeding a subsequent processing operation in a production process. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belt conveyors adjacent to each other, a dispensing plate operable to delay movement of the plurality of food products and cluster the food products together. The food products are then periodically distributed onto the second continuous belt conveyor, improving dispersion of the food products thereon. Guide fingers that extend and retract over the second continuous belt conveyor contact and displace the food products into rows within channels formed by longitudinal members extending over at least a portion of the second continuous belt conveyor. The rows of food products are then conveyed to the next processing operation.

Abstract: A rotating shaft drive system is configured to propel a load along a conveying path of an overhead conveyor system. A stationary frame extends along the conveying path and supports the rotating shaft drive system. A movable carriage is suspended from the stationary frame and engages with a rotating shaft of the shaft drive system to propel the carriage and the load. The rotating shaft comprises a plurality of shaft segments supported pillow blocks at each end of the rotating shaft segments, and the pillow blocks create a gap between adjacent shaft segments. The movable carriage has at least one canted driven roller configured to engage with adjacent rotating shaft segments and to create a helical loci of tractional engagement that provides sufficient drive force to propel the carriage and the load along the conveying path. The drive system is further configured to provide continuous propulsion as the canted driven roller moves across the gap between adjacent shaft segments.

Abstract: A conveyor system aligner, method of aligning and continuous aligning belt includes providing a belt support assembly having a generally vertical support surface and a channel defined in the support surface. A belt drive propels the aligning belt along the support surface and items, such as cartons, are conveyed past the aligning belt. A continuous aligning belt is provided that has a contact portion and a guide member. The contact portion has a contact surface and a glide surface. The glide surface is configured to travel along the support surface. The guide member is adapted to be captured by the channel and travels in the channel to support the aligning belt.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for transporting items, in particular postal consignments. A transport process is performed from an intermediate store to a continuation point. Each item that was conveyed to the intermediate store before generation of a start signal is removed from the intermediate store. The items transported are transferred from the intermediate store into a transport device. A record is stored of which items were conveyed to the intermediate store between generation of the start signal and generation of an end signal. The items transported in the transport device are removed from the transport device. For each item that was transported, a data record that has been stored for the item is determined. The stored data record is determined exclusively from the data records generated for those items that were conveyed to the intermediate store between generation of the start signal and generation of the end signal.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention relates to a method for transporting a particulate material from a container, down a chute (2) to a subsequent process step, in order to overcome a vertical distance. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of, providing a head (11) in the chute (2), which head is movable in the axial direction of the chute, moving the head (11) to the upper part of the chute (2), charging said particulate material onto the top of the head (2), lowering the head (11) to the lower part of the chute (2), and opening a passage (26) through the head (11) to the subsequent process step in order to let the particulate material there through. The invention also relates to a transportation device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A container processing machine (M) with at least one carousel (1, 1?) which defines a multiple-row processing section (2, 2?), processing devices (24, 25) which move concurrently in multiple rows with the carousel, container holding element groups which are attached to sections of a concurrently moving conveyor device (3), holding elements (H), at least within the processing section (2, 2?), that are positioned next to each other transversely to the conveyance direction, and feed and removal systems (Z, A) for the loading and the unloading of the holding elements (H). The feed and removal systems (Z, A) are designed with a single row, while the holding elements (H) of the groups are resettable between a single-row position, in which they are oriented at least approximately parallel to the conveyance direction, and, in the area of the loading and unloading zones (L, E), a position resetting device (U) for the holding elements.

Abstract: A conveyor for guiding and conveying a plurality of sheet-shaped thin plates in rows arranged side by side to a welding position at which ends of the adjacent thin plates are butted and welded to each other, includes a plurality of conveying paths, which are adjacent to each other, having different conveying surfaces which are placed on a same horizontal plane, and a guide unit disposed between the adjacent two conveying paths for guiding the thin plates on one of the conveying paths with respect to another one thereof toward the welding position. Each of the conveying paths is composed of a plurality conveying rollers, and the guide unit includes guide rollers each having a guide surface for guiding the thin plate on the one of the conveying paths in a state that the thin plate on the one conveying path is partially depressed with respect to the another one of the conveying path.

Abstract: A conveyor system for assembling and stacking sliced food products is provided. The conveyor system includes an assembly area, wherein groups of a predetermined quantity of sliced food products travel from a slicer on a conveyor and are deposited on discrete carrier sheets on a downstream conveyor. The assembly area is configured to delay advancement of the carrier sheets on the downstream conveyor until a group of the predetermined quantity is formed. The slicer is configured to calculate the number of slices in each group and determine whether a group is complete. A stacking area of the conveyor system includes a nose conveyor that extends and retracts to deposit each carrier sheet onto a pair of initial supports. The initial supports reciprocate away from each other in opposing directions to drop the carrier sheet onto a subsequent level, with the initial supports reciprocating each time a carrier sheet is deposited thereon.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

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

Abstract: A first detecting unit S1 for detecting a conveyed sheet at a first detecting position and a second detecting unit S2 for detecting the sheet at a second detecting position are provided. A calculation unit calculates a distance between the first and second detecting positions based on detection signals from the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit at the time when a reference sheet having a known length has been conveyed and a length of reference sheet.