Abstract: A dog link for a sharp chain conveyor with at least one spike to impale into a log, where at least one forwardly and/or upwardly facing spike on each dog link is combined with at least one rearwardly facing spike and/or barb disposed on a spike to insure that wherever the log is impaled, the dog counteracts any forward surge and more securely impales the log.

Abstract: A controller of a robotic material handling system performs a method that conveys articles from a pile within a confined space. One or more articles per operation are robotically moved onto a vertically-positionable nose conveyor surface conveys toward a narrower rearward conveyor. Controller detects a jammed article that is at least partially supported by the nose conveyor and that has failed to fully convey onto the rearward. The controller attempts to dislodge the jammed article by causing at least one of: (i) vertically repositioning the nose conveyor surface; and (ii) activating at least one of the two or more parallel conveyors of the nose conveyor surface to run in a forward direction. After the attempt to dislodge, the controller activates at least one parallel conveyor that is contact with the jammed article in a rearward direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a jackladder flight member with replaceable or rotatable wear surfaces. Additional embodiments of the invention include a jackladder conveyer chain comprising flight members with replaceable and rotatable wear surfaces as well as a jackladder conveyer system comprising a jackladder chain comprising flight members with replaceable or rotatable wear surfaces and a method to replace or rotate or replace the replaceable or rotatable wear surfaces.

Abstract: One describes a feed-belt (100) for a sugar-cane harvester, comprising first (1) and second (2) belts that substantially overlap each other and define a space for passage of cut cane between them (1, 2), the first and the second belts (1,2) exhibiting a substantially curved profile. The invention has the objective of providing a feed-belt (100) for a sugar-cane harvester that can be used for the processes of both harvesting cane for grinding and harvesting seedlings for plantation, also providing a decrease in the total weight of the machine, lower hydraulic power required for the feed assembly, a smaller number of hydraulic components and lower final cost of the machine, besides simplicity and lower maintenance cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved stretching unit characterized, amongst other things by the following: the clip-chain unit is designed such that the forces which are exerted are decoupled and applied in a tilting-free and torque-free manner to the clip-chain unit in order to prevent an increase of the surface pressure between the clip-chain unit and the supporting rail.

Abstract: Conveyor system (1) for forage bales (2) comprising driving means (3) for said forage bales (2) and dragging means (4) for said driving means (3) for moving said bales (2) along a conveying direction, and it is characterized in that said driving means (3) are rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis (“Y”) of said dragging means, said driving means (3) being susceptible to freely rotate about said axis (“Y”) to permit the relative movement of the bales (2) with respect to said dragging means (4). The system prevents the breakage of tie threads, permits to auto-align the bales and permits the bales to trace curved paths with a very little rotation radius.

Abstract: A wood veneer diverter system comprises a plurality of veneer diverters operable to divert veneer downwardly and away from a belt based on the category or grade of the veneer. These veneer diverters are desirably rotated so that they pass through a veneer flow path in the direction of veneer flow. The veneer diverters may be configured to enhance their effectiveness in diverting veneer away from belts that move the veneer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for transporting a wood veneer are provided. The apparatus can include a belt. A plurality of spikes can extend from a first side of the belt. The plurality of spikes can be configured to detachably engage with a wood veneer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for conveying a strip of material (20) along a production line, and a production line provided with such a system, the system (1) comprising: a bearing means (10) for the strip of material (20); at least one chain (11) provided with means (111) for driving the strip of material (20); at least one return wheel (12) for the chain (11) to position the chain (11) facing the strip of material (20); characterized in that the return wheel (12) also forms a counter-bearing means for the chain (11) to press said chain against the bearing means (10), so that the means (111) of driving the strip of material can penetrate into the strip of material (20).

Abstract: A bean sprouts-like articles loosening supply device can exhibit a sufficient dispersing function even for fine and light weight bean sprouts-like articles liable to be entangled with each other, such as alfalfa sprouts. The loosening supply device includes two conveyors having both of their end portions constructed to turn so as to run endlessly, having their outer surfaces provided with needle members, and running at velocities different from each other. The conveyors are arranged to have their running paths opposed to each other so that their running directions are both downward and so that at least one portion of the needle members of the two conveyors mesh into each other. Alfalfa sprouts are supplied into the running paths from above and encounter the needle members of the two conveyors running at velocities different from each other and intersecting with each other. Each time the needle members intersect with each other, the alfalfa sprouts are separated upward and downward and dispersed.

Abstract: To provide a pin tip attachment structure that can engage a container with a bottom, such as a can or bottle, and convey the container without scratching it, a small diameter portion having a predetermined length is formed at a front end portion of a pin. A bushing is fitted in a lower end portion of a cylindrical hole of a pin tip having the cylindrical hole opened at a lower end side, and the bushing is vertically movably inserted onto the small diameter portion of the pin. A stopper portion for retaining the bushing is provided at a front end of the small diameter portion. A spring receiver portion is provided below the small diameter portion, and a coil spring is provided in a compressible manner between the spring receiver portion and the bushing or the lower end of the pin tip.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting objects sensitive to electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a roller conveyor with conductive rollers in electrical communication with an electrical ground. The rollers preferably have about 105 ohms resistance from the outer diameter to the inner diameter to ensure that electrostatic charges built up on the conveyed object can flow to ground, yet not flow too quickly. In another embodiment, the roller shafts are supported on highly conductive bushings that provide a path to electrical ground that is preferably less that 104 ohms. In yet another embodiment, the roller shafts are driven by a conductive pulley that minimizes the build-up of electrostatic charge as a result of a triboelectric effect with the drive belt.

Abstract: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transport of containers, in particular an airport baggage handling system, includes a conveyor having a curved transport path with one end defining an entry zone and another end defining an exit zone. The containers are moved by a container propulsion mechanism along the curved transport path between the entry and exit zones, wherein the curved transport path is constructed for movement of the containers in an inwardly inclined disposition for reducing centrifugal forces.

Abstract: An improved log charging system for a sawmill having a sharp chain infeed conveyor includes a log turning station for scanning and rotating a horizontally supported log about its longitudinal axis to a desired orientation that will produce maximum lumber yield, and a charging system for clamping the log in the desired position, lowering the horizontal log, while clamped in the desired orientation, forwardly and downwardly relative to the sharp chain, and pressing the log downwardly toward embedded engagement with the teeth of the sharp chain by a continued travel hand-off device. To increase the speed of the log charging operation, the log is preliminarily scanned prior to transport to the log turning station, thereby to permit adjustment of the log support device for size before it receives a given log.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a bed assembly for flat bed trucks has a square bale retriever at the rear of the flat bed that includes a pair of lift arms adapted to grasp a bale by its opposite ends and lift it up off the ground and onto a transverse feeder located at the front of the bed. Once deposited on the feeder, a pusher engages one end of the bale and pushes the bale along the feeder to progressively advance successive flakes of the bale into a discharging position off the remote end of the feeder. The bale can thus be progressively distributed one flake at a time, the frequency of flake discharge being controlled by the operator in the cab of the truck. Alternative embodiments for pushers for engaging and advancing the bale toward the discharge point are disclosed. The feeder may be utilized separate from the bed assembly and includes a ramp that causes the bale to move up an incline during feeding operations.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly (10) for conveying an object to be portioned (54) by a fluid jet (52) is disclosed. The conveyor belt assembly (10) includes a conveyor belt formed from at least a first and a second picket (12) each having a length comprised of a sequence of geometrically shaped links (20) disposed transversely across the conveyor belt. The pickets (12) are disposed in a nested relationship to each other. The pickets (12) include upper edge portions (22) that form a conveying surface (42) for supporting and advancing the object to be portioned (54). The upper edge portions (22) are tapered in the upward direction to reduce dispersion of the fluid jet (52) during impingement of the fluid jet (52) on the conveying surface (42).

Abstract: A conveyor/elevator web is provided and comprises transverse bars attached to rubber traction belts, wherein the transverse bars have a plurality of spaced outwardly extending fingers or projections in order to provide a means of attachment of either a flexible conveyor sheet and/or of the above rubber traction belts. Also at least some of the outwardly extending fingers or projections of the transverse bars provide a means of entrainment of the crop or material being conveyed/elevated.

Abstract: A conveyor (20, 120, 220, 320) for transporting objects sensitive to electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a slippable roller conveyor (20, 120, 220, 320) with conductive slippable rollers (30, 30′) in electrical communication with an electrical ground (60). The slippable rollers (30, 30′) preferably have about 105 ohms resistance from the outer surface (40) to the inner diameter (34) to ensure that electrostatic charges built up on the conveyed object can flow to ground, yet not flow too quickly. In another embodiment, the roller shafts (35) are supported on highly conductive bushings that provide a path to electrical ground that is preferably less than 104 ohms. In yet another embodiment, the roller shafts (35) are driven by a conductive pulley (65) that minimizes the build-up of electrostatic charge as a result of a triboelectric effect with the drive belt (70).

Abstract: A spiked H-style link for a sharp chain conveyor where the single centrally-placed saddle of the prior art is replaced by a double saddle with a centrally-located opening shaped to receive a sprocket tooth. The double saddle moves each saddle outward from the central portion of the spiked link to enhance the rigidity of the legs between which the connecting pins act. The legs are provided with a thickened offset step on the lower inner portion of each leg. There is a corresponding decrease in the thickness of the legs in the region where the connecting link works. By decreasing the thickness of the legs in the region outside the offset step, the connecting link may be widened, allowing for a greater bearing surface on the connecting pin and thus reducing the rate of wear on the connecting pin.

Abstract: A feed roller for use in feeding timber includes a body and has disposed around its periphery friction elements with anti-slip elements for improving the engagement between the feed roller and the log. A transfer element is arranged between the friction element and the body to transfer the motion of the feed roller to the friction element. The friction element swings around a pitch point formed in the transfer element, adhering to the surface of the log conveyed in the device and always directing an even pressure to the surface of the log. The transfer element preferably includes lugs, which are disposed in grooves at the bottom of the friction element.

Abstract: A rotary conveyor comprises a rotatable drum-shaped shell, an eccentric axle located in the drum-shaped shell, finger supports mounted to the eccentric axle, and a plurality of fingers mounted to the finger supports that extend outwardly through openings in the drum-shaped shell. The finger supports are rotatively mounted to and spaced radially outward from the eccentric axle by annular bearings. The finger supports are parallel to the eccentric axle and are provided with a plurality of fingers, such that several fingers arranged next to one another in the axial direction are attached to finger supports. The finger supports are distributed around the circumference of the eccentric axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a timber harvester (10), which includes two opposing jointed feed devices (14), stripping blades (15), and a cutting device (16). The frame (21) of the feed device (14) is set on articulated arms (13), and in which the feed device (14) in a roller chain (17) of one or more rows of links, set to rotate round a drive cog (24), a turning member (25), and slightly curved slide guides (22, 23).

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for stacked articles, such as stacked plastic or paper bags, includes a frame, and a plurality of sprocket assemblies about which one or more conveyor chains extend. The apparatus includes a plurality of wicket wire holding assemblies mounted on the chains at spaced apart intervals for intermittent, incremental movement along a conveyor path defined by the conveyor chains. Each of the holding assemblies includes a pair of support arms, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the arms. The apparatus includes an arrangement for simultaneously adjusting the spacing between the support arms of all of the holding assemblies, including an adjustment drive chain trained about the sprocket assemblies, and a mechanism for moving the adjustment drive chain relative to the conveyor chains of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for placing spacing sticks or lath onto an upper surface of a lumber stack includes a stick holder for holding, in gravity fed abutment, a singulated array of parallel, adjacent, elongate spacing sticks or lath, a stick presenter for receiving a lower-most spacing stick or lath, gravity fed from the array of spacing sticks or lath held in the holder, and for presenting the lower-most spacing stick or lath into alignment beneath a selectively actuable stick spiker, wherein the stick spiker includes at least one spike having a longitudinal driving axis, a driver for selectively driving the spike along the longitudinal driving axis between a retracted position and all extended position so as to penetrate, when in the extended position, the spike into releasable engagement with the spacing stick or lath when in the alignment, the spacing stick or lath positioned in the alignment when positioned adjacent and beneath the at least one spike when in the retracted position so as to intersect the longitudinal

Abstract: A sideweld bag making machine utilizing a rotary transfer device and wicket conveyer is equipped with screw adjustable transfer wicket pins. The bases for the transfer wicket pins are mounted on a threaded rod having two sections of thread, each of opposite hand. Rotation of this threaded rod affects the separation of the wicket pins. Adjustment of vertical position is accomplished by means of two jacking screws or a screw adjustment in conjunction with a motion limiting rail element.

Abstract: A segment pickup apparatus for handling material segments. The apparatus includes a frame and at least one pair of picker assemblies coupled to the frame. Each of the picker assemblies includes a linear array of carding elements, and each of the carding elements is resiliently coupled to one of the picker assemblies and is positionable relative to the frame in a resting position and in a picking position. Each of the carding elements includes a base portion and a linear array of substantially parallel, elongated, resilient needle-like elements extending from the base portion to a distal tip. When a carding elements is positioned in the resting position, the distal tips of that carding element lie above a picking plane, and when a carding elements is positioned in the picking position, the distal tips of that carding element lie substantially in the picking plane.

Abstract: A high precision feed chain includes multiple support platforms that are each rigidly attached to master links in a drive chain. The master links are pivotally coupled together forming a single continuous drive chain capable of advancing in a longitudinal direction. The support platforms and the drive chain run along a channel in a guide assembly. The guide assembly allows the chain to advance in the longitudinal direction while at the same time maintaining the support platforms in a stable latitudinal and horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A chain for conveying slices of a food product comprises a series of interlocking U shaped links each having a crossbar and two legs. The legs are provided with loops which partially surround the crossbar of an adjacent link. Some of the loops have an endpiece which is bent through at least 270.degree. and is provided with an elongated tip which extends appreciably from and at substantially right angles to the plane of the chain. These tips penetrate the slices and ensure that they are carried by the chain without slippage. Preferably each endpiece having a tip is adjacent the outer portion of a leg so that the mechanism for lifting the slice from the chain can operate in the closest possible proximity to the tip in order to reduce bending of the slice.

Abstract: An easily transportable self-powered conveyor device, for use e.g. in transporting pieces of wood over rough terrain, has a drive chain and driven disc installed on a chainsaw in place of a saw chain and bar, the drive chain being in driving engagement with the driven disc. A sheave is connected to an output of a reduction gearing for rotation thereby and a rope extends around the sheave, with securing devices attached to the rope and spaced apart along the rope for temporarily securing objects to the rope for conveyance thereby as the rope is pulled by the sheave. A retaining device anchors the sheave to any suitable support, e.g. a tree.

Abstract: A sharp chain charger and infeed device for feeding logs in a desired orientation to a sawing machine is characterized by alignment and displacement assemblies for accurately positioning a succession of logs on a sharp chain drive mechanism. The alignment assembly includes a pair of pivotal arms for laterally aligning a log with the longitudinal axis of the sawing machine. A pair of longitudinal rollers are connected with the alignment arms to rotate the log to a selected rotary position. The displacement assembly displaces the alignment assembly longitudinally in the direction of the sawing machine and downwardly beneath the sharp chain, whereby the log is deposited on the moving chain with both longitudinal and vertical components while the desired rotational and aligned orientation of the log is retained for transport to the sawing machine.

Abstract: According to the invention, a conveyor belt, especially fit for application in a water jet cutter, consists of a number of distanced strip-shaped members extending transversally to the conveyor belt. The edge of the strip-shaped member defining the transporting surface of the conveyor belt is provided with a serrated profile. Thus, rebounding of a waterjet is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A conveyor for use with a machine which applies covers to books of the type where the individual pages are loosely bound by means of mechanical binder elements having rounded teeth. The conveyor includes multiple saddle plates, coupled to endless chains, which are caused to move into engagement with the bound batches of pages. The saddle plates are provided with serrated leading edge portions which fit between the teeth of the binding elements to accurately position the bound pages relative to the saddle plates.

Abstract: A wicket post mounting in a bag stacking machine includes a base unit bolted to a conveyor plate. The base unit includes an upstanding wall with a plurality of machined, vertical post receptacles or openings. Each receptacle is identical to receive and physically support one post in precise accurate relation to a longitudinal location on the station plate of a second post. The spacing of the receptacles and posts is selected to receive bags with spaced holes. A releasable latch pin is secured to each receptacle. The pin projects into an appropriate opening in the post and locks the post in the receptacle. The base unit may include a pair of post mounting bases each having an offset edge wall abutting the station plate to accurately locate the base. Bolts pass through the mounting base into threaded holes in the station. Each base has two spaced receptacles, providing for post spacing of 4, 5 and 6 inches.

Abstract: The invention relates, in particular, to the field of plastic bag treatment.The method consists in releasably connecting brackets 29 for holding together stacks 15 to a stack conveying device 21, stacking the individual bags 11 on the legs 31 of the brackets 29 in a stacking station 14 and then taking off the stacks 15 held together by the brackets 29 in a take-off station 22.The apparatus comprises the stack conveying device 21 to which the brackets 29 are connected by a releasable holding device in such a way that each stack 15 can be taken together with the bracket 29 off the stack conveying device in the take-off station 22. The brackets 29 are fed to the stack conveying device 21 in a bracket delivery station 70 preceding the stacking station 14. The legs 31 of the brackets 29 then serve in the stacking station 14 as wicketing pins on which the individual bags 11 are stacked.

Abstract: A conveyor chain trackway to receive a chain. The chain has first and second links, the latter alternating with the first. Each first and second link comprises a pair of spaced side members. There is a pivotal joint between neighbouring links. Spikes are formed on a plurality of first links to receive and locate a load. The trackway comprises a base member in the low friction layer on the base member and dimensioned to receive the second links. Side plates are spaced from each side of the base member. The side plates extend upwardly to be alongside the chain when the chain is in position. The side plates can be adjusted on the base to vary the distance from the base. Low friction distance pieces on the inner side of the side plate extend to contact and locate the chain. The chain is thus held on a fixed course and movement inwardly of the low friction distance pieces can compensate for wear in the chain.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting shredded solid waste material to a boiler is provided. The system includes a flighted drag chain conveyor positioned within a trough-like enclosure. The conveyor includes a number of drag elements mounted to each flight, the drag elements including spring mounted tines which urged the shredded waste material through the enclosure. The tines are deflectable about the axes of the respective springs so that they can deflect about difficult to move items within the conveyor enclosure. The drag elements are preferably arranged in a staggered configuration to aid in dislodging items which may be stuck within the conveyor enclosure. One or more discharge outlets are mounted to the conveyor enclosure for receiving the shredded solid waste material from the enclosure.

Abstract: A chain guide structure for guiding a conveyor chain through a thermoforming machine to protect the chain from plastic chips and other debris. The chain guide includes a support rail structure for supporting an upper run of conveyor chain, and a spring steel cover sheet overlying a track defined by the support rail and in close proximity with the chain to serve as a cover and thereby protect the chain from contamination from foreign material. Additionally, the chain includes a series of spikes to penetrate a plastic sheet and thereby carry it through the machine, wherein the chain guide structure has a width sufficient to permit lateral outward expansion of the plastic sheet as it is heated in the thermoforming machine. An upwardly inclined portion of the guide structure provides a cooling section to permit the plastic sheet to cool as it is carried away from a forming section of the machine.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed which serves for transporting bales of hay or the like material in a curve. It is made up of a frame, having a bale-receiving and a bale-discharging end; of an endless link chain extending between the frame ends and following the conveyor curve, and of an upright shoulder plate, mounted on the frame between its ends. This plate follows the chain on the chain side facing inwardly of the curve and is provided, on one face, with a plastic chain support for carrying the chain. This chain support is formed with a pair of parallel grooves longitudinally extending between the frame ends. Each groove has an opening on the side of the support facing away from the shoulder plate. These grooves are configured and spaced from one another for slidably supporting the chain strands between the frame ends. The strands are fitted into the grooves and protrude partly out through their openings.

Abstract: A steeply inclined conveyor comprising an endless elastic conveyor belt extending around guide rollers to define a conveying portion and a returning portion, and support rollers for supporting the returning portion of the belt, is provided with longitudinally spaced stops on the belt for preventing slippage of material carried by the conveying portion, each stop being mounted on a tongue formed in the belt and having two longitudinal side edges, a trailing transverse edge with respect to the direction of travel of the belt, and a leading edge transition portion parallel to the trailing transverse edge and merging flush into the belt, the tongues having the same thickness as the belt, and the stops being disposed at the trailing edges of the tongues.

Abstract: A system is provided for installing, retaining and replacing the saw-teeth strip inserts of rotatable, cylindrical feedrolls, without concomitant damage thereto. More specifically, a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending grooves are formed in the body of the feedroll. Each groove is adapted to receive a pair of spaced, parallel saw-teeth strip inserts and maintain them at a predetermined position therein. A wedge is insertable into the groove between the inserts. The wedge is adapted to abut the lower portion of the inserts to clamp them against the groove side walls. A plurality of fasteners, such as allen head screws, are inserted through spaced, aligned bores formed in the wedge and are secured in the groove floor. The fasteners function to releasably secure the saw-teeth strips and wedge within the groove.

Abstract: A log-transporting conveyor chain is described. The conveyor chain incorporates log-transporting links with attached guide blocks which, in combination with an enclosing chain raceway, prevent undesirable play in the chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feeder apparatus for timber harvesters, said apparatus being intended to pull the log in for trimming and preferably featuring a three strand roller chain rotating around a turning wheel and a cog wheel with log grabbing members attached to the outer plates to the roller links of the roller chain. It is the intention of the present invention to realize a track-operated feeder apparatus simpler yet sturdier than conventional designs. In a feeder apparatus in accordance with invention, the chain is powered by a cog wheel driving the center strand of roller links, and all strands of roller links are supported essentially for a grab length sufficient to provide a firm contact to the logs by rolling beds supporting the rollers.

Abstract: A sorting installation for separating a first type of articles from a second type of articles fed mixed to the sorting installation. The articles of the first type are relatively light and substantially two-dimensional, while the articles of the second type are relatively heavy and substantially three-dimensional. There is provided an article-supporting surface which receives the first and second type of articles in a generally mixed state and which has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The article-supporting surface is inclined to the horizontal in a direction parallel to the width dimension for causing primarily the second type of articles to move by gravity downwardly on the article-supporting surface transversely to the length dimension and laterally off the article-supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feeder apparatus for timber harvesters, the apparatus being intended to pull the log in for trimming and preferably featuring a three strand roller chain rotating around a turning wheel and a cog wheel with log grabbing members attached to the outer plates of the roller links of the roller chain. It is the intention of the present invention to realize a track-operated feeder apparatus simpler yet sturdier than conventional designs. In a feeder apparatus in accordance with invention, the chain is powered by a cog wheel driving the center strand of roller links, and all strands of roller links are supported essentially for their total grab length by rolling beds supporting the rollers.

Abstract: A feed roll for a log debarker or delimber wherein the roll is square-shaped in cross-section. Rows of gripping teeth are provided along each corner. The teeth are varied in height along the feed roll to form a sinusoidal or serpentine wave. Successive rows of teeth are offset so that the valleys of one row is aligned with the peaks of the succeeding row. The feed roll thus configured induces bouncing and side-to-side movement of a bundle of logs deposited thereon to induce spreading and side-by-side arrangement of the logs for processing.

Abstract: A first unit positions and then rotates an apple with a randomly oriented core. Rotation is stopped when any one of a series of aligned probes enters into one of the indents in the core of the apple. A second unit with axis of rotation at 90 degrees from the axis of rotation of the first unit takes and holds the positioned apple, and then rotates it. Rotation is stopped when a positioned probe enters into the indent in the core to align the core of the apple in the desired position to provide apple core alignment.

Abstract: A pallet for feeding components to a robotic assembly system at accurate reference locations and orientations includes a pair of parallel sheet members rigidly secured together. One sheet member has an array of locating apertures for receiving and locating a plurality of the components in the reference locations and orientation. The other sheet member has an array of rubber grommets, a grommet corresponding to each locating aperture for automatically receiving and releasably, frictionally engaging a component placed in a locating aperture.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying veneer sheets with spacings therebetween comprising a sheet supply conveyor for feeding a train of cut veneer sheets of a predetermined length in contact with one another, the cut sheet length measured in the direction of sheet feed; at least first and second conveyors arranged downstream of the supply conveyor to carry the cut sheets; a stick-and-carry conveyor spanning between the downstream end of the supply conveyor and the upstream end of the second conveyor, the circumferential length of the stick-and-carry conveyor being equal to an even number of times the specified length of the cut sheet, the stick-and-carry conveyor having nailing, or sticking, areas and non-nailing areas arranged alternately at the interval of the specified cut sheet length, the nailing area having a large number of nails embedded therein the stick-and-carry conveyor being driven so that the front of the nailing area will meet the front end of the cut sheet at a sticking operation start position; an

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary vacuum arm bag or sheet transferring and stacking device and a stack-handling system enabling an indexing of counted bag stacks. The transferring device grasps and retains the bags adjacent margins transverse to the direction of web advance while at least a portion of the opposed margins parallel to such directions are spaced inwardly from the arms to define a slot or gap thru which stack-retaining fingers project contributing to remove a bag from a pair of arms and retaining the bag in a stack wherein respective margins overlie each other. Also disclosed is a stack-handling system having the ability to remove a completed stack from the stacking station and yet allow, if desired, continuous bag machine operation and, as a result, uninterrupted transfer of sheets or bags to the stacking stations.