Abstract: A flatwire conveyor belt system that can include a flatwire belt with a plurality of flatwire pickets wherein each individual flatwire picket has a plurality of longitudinal members and a first plurality of lateral members extending between and connecting the plurality of longitudinal members. Each of the first plurality of lateral members can have a first lateral member length, and the plurality of longitudinal members and the first plurality of lateral members can define a first flatwire belt portion. A flight with a set of tabs defining a tab distance can be affixed to the flatwire belt, and the tab distance can be substantially similar to the sum of the lateral member lengths of at least a portion of the first plurality of lateral members.

Abstract: A conveyor roller turn for establishing a curved path for a conveyor chain includes a frame supporting a rail defining a curved conveyor path, and a roller body supported rotatably on the frame along the curved conveyor path. The roller body has an outside surface positioned to provide horizontal support to the conveyor drive chain. At least one bearing supports the roller body on the frame, the at least one bearing including: a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.

Abstract: A pick-up web for an agricultural machine, in particular, for picking up and transporting nut fruit in a nut harvester along a conveyor device. The pick-up web comprising at least two endless circulating belts for driving the pick-up web and several rods extending perpendicular to the direction of transport of the pick-up web creating a sieve-type transport surface. The pick-up web further comprising several tappets and sweeping teeth each projecting perpendicularly away from the sieve-type transport surface.

Abstract: A continuous bar conveyor includes a plurality of bars, constrained at their ends by chains having links adapted to be engaged by motorized toothed wheels, so as to move the conveyor along fixed guides, and a plurality of spirals wrapping the bars in pairs, the links of the chains and the spirals limiting the maximum distance between adjacent bars, but also allowing their reciprocal movement, wherein, between adjacent successions of at least two bars wrapped by a spiral, there is at least one bar that is not wrapped by spirals, and to which a sheet of plastic material is constrained, having an elevated resistance to the operating temperature of the conveyor and a smooth, non-stick surface, the sheet resting on the upper surface defined by the spirals and having a dimension in the advancing direction of the conveyor smaller than the distance between successive bars not wrapped by spirals.

Abstract: A multi joint slider device may include a center slider arranged at a center in a length direction thereof, the center slider having at least one roller, a front slider arranged in front of the center slider connected thereto with a first joint to enable relative rotation, the front slider having at least one roller, and a rear slider arranged in rear of the center slider connected thereto with a second joint to enable relative rotation, the rear slider having at least one roller, thereby permitting smooth rolling and sliding on the rail having a curved portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting feeder having a series of travelers (2) joined together by a hinge, and guidable and displaceable along a track (4), each comprising a guide unit (8) and a supporting unit (10) joined thereto by a hinge, wherein each guide unit (8) comprises a support roller (16) on each side at matching longitudinal positions for interacting with the track (4), and wherein each support roller (16) is associated with two guide rollers (18), of which a first is disposed at a first longitudinal position at a distance ahead of the support roller (16) and a second is disposed at a second longitudinal position at a distance behind the support roller (16), wherein a coupling hinge (12) pivotable about a pivot axis (12a) aligned perpendicular to a track plane is disposed between the guide unit (8) and the support unit (10) of each traveler (2) and a connecting hinge (26) rotatable in every direction is disposed between adjacent travelers (2), and wherein the connecting hinge (26) and the coupling h

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted apparatus for running a cable harness, in more precise terms a ceiling-mounted apparatus for running a cable harness with a chain of guide carriages coupled to one another by means of spring elements, said guide carriages running in at least one guide rail in each instance, with a first guide carriage being connected to a cable harness source by means of at least one spring element and with the guide carriages comprising additional spring elements for attaching the cable harness.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus includes a hanger line that continuously conveys hangers that are suspended from the hanger line at predetermined intervals and a guide unit installed in the line and driven in synchronization with the line while holding at least one of the objects, thereby maintaining the attitude of the object and guiding the attitude maintained object along the line.

Abstract: Suspension devices for suspending strings of sausages in loops. The suspension device may include hooks configured for carrying a loop of the string of sausages and a guide and drive device coupled with the hooks. The guide and drive device is configured for guiding and driving the hooks along a path of movement. The guide and drive device has a drivable circulating drive element for spaced receiving of the hooks and for driving the hooks. The suspension device may include a height-altering device that alters the height of the hooks during the movement of the hooks along the path of movement.

Abstract: A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first apparatus is provided for inter-station overhead transport of a substrate carrier. The first apparatus includes (1) an overhead transport mechanism; (2) a substrate carrier support suspended from the overhead transport mechanism and adapted to receive and support a substrate carrier; and (3) a stabilization apparatus adapted to limit rocking of the substrate carrier and substrate carrier support relative to the overhead transport mechanism. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The invention proposes a suspension-type conveying arrangement in the case of which conveyable-article carriers (1) are supported, by way of running rollers (9) on guide rails (3) for movement along a conveying route. Arranged on a drag chain/drive chain (15) guided along the conveying route are driver elements (17), preferably brush elements (17), which can be moved between a driving position and a non-driving position. The invention proposes various concepts in order, in the case of a build-up of conveyable-article carriers (1), to transfer the driver elements (17) into the non-driving position, with the result that they act on the built-up conveyable-article carriers (1) at most to a slight extent, if at all. In the driving position, it is possible for driver elements (17) to act on the conveyable-article carriers (1) in order to drive them along the conveying route.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus suitable for driving a number of carriers in such a manner that the front end of each carrier thrusts the rear end of the preceding carrier is provided. The conveying apparatus comprises a guide rail and carriers. The rail includes a U-turn path section. Each carrier includes a load bar assembly including at least three load bars connected end-to-end by vertical pivot shafts in such a manner that the bars can pivot horizontally relative to each other. Each carrier also includes a load support supported by the associated middle load bar. Each carrier further includes a front trolley supporting at least the front end load bar and a rear trolley supporting at least the rear end load bar. The trolleys are supported movably on and guided by the guide rail. The trolleys are fixed to and in parallel with the end load bars.

Abstract: A conveying system for conveying items along a conveying line (1, 2) includes a guide device (3) extending along the conveying line and at least one conveying element (5) movable along the conveying line and guided by the guide device (3). The guide device (3) and conveying element (5) are designed for conveying the items substantially independent of gravity. For selectable connection of the conveying line to a plurality of connecting points (A.1-A.3) the conveying system includes, connected to a invariable conveying line region (1) with a fixedly mounted guide device, a variable conveying line region (2) in which the guide device (3) is reversibly bendable and twistable. For bending and/or twisting the guide device and for supporting the guide device in a bent and/or twisted position necessary for a specific connection, a drivable connector (8) is provided. The variable conveying line region (2) may be an end region of the conveying line.

Abstract: A horizontal conveyor chain is guided along a curved section in the path of the conveyor by an elongated guide strip. The guide strip is mounted in a fixed horizontal position closely adjacent to and on the radially inner side of the curved section of the path in sliding contact with the chain. The guide strip is made of a hard, slippery plastic material, preferably nylon or Teflon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveying system such as in an assembly line, more particularly to a plurality of transport cars without motor that are driven in close contact with each other on an endless path on guide rails having curved sections, and a friction feeder for moving the transport cars. The cars have a main body and a support for objects to be conveyed. The main body has a plurality of movable bodies and means for coupling the movable bodies to allow a relative yielding motion between the movable bodies at the curved sections in the conveying paths. Driven faces are formed on the movable bodies parallel to the running direction, and a feeder along the conveying path and having a motor driven feed roller that acts on the driven faces of the movable bodies.

Abstract: A system for the storage of early baggage includes a storage conveyor with multiple tray carriers for receiving early bags from the baggage handling system, for example, of an airport and for discharging early bags onto the baggage handling system. The storage conveyor is arranged in a serpentine fashion for efficient use of horizontal space and includes evenly spaced entry and discharge stations. The system can deliver bags to the baggage handling system in a selected period of time to account for changes in flight departure times or changes in a passenger's travel plans.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor wherein the driving force acts on casters of a carriage, comprises a drive-transmitting assembly having a resiliently deformable drag material with its rear side supported by a backup support. During drive-transmitting operation, the drag material is compressed between the carriage and the drive-transmitting member resulting in the exertion of a perpendicularly oriented force.

Abstract: A plastic arcuate turn wheel structure for a plastic monorail conveyor structure is disclosed. The turn wheel structure is driven by a plastic chain drive and comprises a supporting structural framework, an arcuate inverted T-bar track section, a disc supporting plate, a turn wheel which is either an idler or a driven wheel, an axial bearing hub for said wheel, and a bearing thrust collar for said wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying cigarettes by means of one or more fluted drums has a frame including spaced front and back walls defining between them a suction manifold; a fluted drum in front of the frame; a tubular drum-carrying member which extends through an opening in the front wall of the frame, engages and seals in or around an aperture in the rear wall of the frame, and has a flange by which it is secured to the front wall of the frame, the drum being rotatable around the tubular member; and a drive shaft which extends axially through the tubular member, is secured to the front end of the drum, is supported by bearings carried by the tubular member, and carries at its rear end behind the rear wall of the frame a gear or other means by which it is driven; suction being transmitted to ports in the flutes of the drum from the manifold via a passage contained within the thickness of the wall of the tubular member in the region where it extends through the front wall of the frame.

Abstract: A universal joint-link chain comprising a plurality of chain links, one end of each chain link being provided with a hinge body and the opposite end with a hinge socket, the hinge socket of one chain link receiving the hinge body of the neighboring chain link. Each hinge socket and each hinge body is formed as an equatorial spherical segment, and a respective shaft mounts each hinge body. Travelling wheels are provided at opposed ends of the shaft. There is also provided a substantially C-shaped guide channel which is downwardly open, has spaced apart confronting flanges and a rear channel wall oppositely spaced from said flanges. A guide wheel is arranged at the region of the travelling wheels, said guide wheel having an axis extending essentially perpendicular to a related connection element and through the center of the associated spherical segment. The confronting flanges both guide thereon the travelling wheels and therebetween the guide wheels.