Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to multi-station conveying equipment which comprises a driving device, a conveyance coupling device and a station combination device, wherein the station combining device includes a plurality of conveying station mechanisms arranged side by side in proper order corresponding to a plurality of stations, wherein each conveying station mechanism is suitable for placing and supporting a material frame; the driving device can drive the plurality of material frames on the plurality of conveying station mechanisms to synchronously move through the conveyance coupling device; and the conveyance coupling device comprises at least one set of drawstring shifting fork mechanism. The driving device drives the drawstring shifting fork mechanism to reciprocate, and drives the material frame to move forward simultaneously.

Abstract: The hydroponic growing system may include a gutter assembly configured to manage flow of a liquid solution to one or more components of the hydroponic growing system. Further, the hydroponic growing system may include at least one growing trough movably engaged to the gutter assembly and configured to hold one or more plants. Moreover, the hydroponic growing system may include an automation assembly movably engaged with the at least one growing trough and configured to move the at least one trough from a first position on the gutter assembly to a second position on the gutter assembly via one or more engagement devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller conveyor jam break tool having a molded head member that is configured to clear a conveyor jam without the risk of the head member falling between two adjacent rollers and becoming lodged between those adjacent rollers. The molded head member is constructed of a lightweight durable, polymeric material, and the molded head member can be integrally fabricated with or selectively attached to a terminal end of an elongate handle.

Abstract: An indexing or ratcheting conveyor configured to advance loads includes a frame defining the inlet end and the outlet end of the conveyor, an indexing device with a gravity rocking pushers mounted on moving rails and pushing on the loads, the rails mounted for movement on receptacles and a powered member linked to carrying members and configured to advance the loads along a conveyance path in a direction from the inlet end to the outlet end of the conveyor. The conveyor can also include a second device configured to move the loads, disposed at the outlet end only, in a direction from the outlet end to the inlet end prior to discharge of the load outwardly from the outlet end. The conveyor can be used as a component of an oven configured to cook or bake dough in containers with electrical resistance.

Abstract: A transport apparatus transports sample holder racks. The apparatus employs a first transport unit that moves the rack in a path between two ends of the transport apparatus, a rack sender unit that extends in a first direction that intersects the path, a second transport unit dimensioned parallel to the first transport unit and with the rack sender unit interposed therebetween, which locates the sample container held in the rack at a sample loading position of a measurement device, and a first movable member capable of moving in the first direction between the first and the second transport units. The apparatus has movable portions that alternately stop the rack movement, and push the rack such that optimal movement is achieved whereby the rack moves beyond the rack sender unit to the second transport unit as the first movable member moves in the first direction.

Abstract: A chain driven gate and security system is provided. The system includes a gate which is opened and closed by a gate operator. The gate operator includes a chain and a motor having a rotatable sprocket for engaging the links of a chain. The gate and security system includes a sensor for detecting whether the chain has been severed, an alarm for producing a visible or audible alert, and a processor connected to the motor, sensor and alarm. The processor activates an alarm in the event that the processor indicates that the gates should be closed, but that the chain has been severed.

Abstract: A chain tensioning sprocket is moveable with a predetermined force into a U-shaped path of a chain to apply continuous tensioning force to the chain. The change in length of the chain is measured by detecting the movement of the chain tensioning sprocket into the U-shaped path of the chain, and measurement of movement of the chain tensioning sprocket indicates a change in the length of the whole chain, which, in turn, indicates the wear on the parts of the chain and the expected operative life of the chain.

Abstract: A dung scraping device includes a safety system, a dung scraper (13) and a driving mechanism (17, 18) adapted to drive the dung scraper along a floor surface (11a) for animals such that the dung scraper pushes dung on the floor surface to a cross channel (14) located at an end portion (11d) of the floor surface). The safety system includes height detecting unit (20-22, 29) arranged to detect the presence of foreign objects having at least a predetermined height (x) above the floor surface and an emergency stop device (19, 26) arranged to receive information from the height detecting unit and to deactivate the driving mechanism when such a foreign object having the predetermined height (x) above the floor surface is detected such that the dung scraper is automatically emergency stopped before the foreign object is pushed into the cross channel.

Abstract: A bulk materials pump feeder having a housing and a rotating drive rotor for transferring material from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. The drive rotor has a hub. Drive disks extend away from the hub toward a housing inner wall. Three structural features of the feeder reduce the tendency of material to jam between the drive rotor and the housing or other stationary parts. First, the distance between the circumferential edges of the drive disks and the housing inner wall increases from the inlet to the outlet in the direction of rotation of the drive rotor. Second, a low-friction brush seal disposed on the periphery of the drive disks seals the area between the periphery of the drive disks and the inner wall. Finally, a materials scraper having a flexible tip is mounted in the housing and extends into the drive rotor between the drive disks.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a plurality of rollers, and a flight. The rollers have lower surfaces configured to engage a roller-engagement surface, and upper surfaces that substantially form a plane, such that the rollers engage the roller-engagement surface and rotate to move an object supported by the rollers over the plane. The flight includes a cam configured to engage a cam surface below the conveyor belt to impart a moment on the flight, and a projection that responds to the moment by rotating from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A system for controlling stocked items to be picked in a warehouse. The system has a first support assembly upon which a plurality of items can be stored in a predetermined array, including a plurality of rows, and from which stored items can be picked from a first location. The first support assembly has at least (a) a first state with no item upon the first support assembly, (b) a second state with at least one item in at least one of the rows and no items in another of the rows and (c) a third state with at least one item in each of the plurality of rows. The system includes a repositioning assembly that is operable to cause an item upon the first support assembly to be shifted from a first position in a first row to a second position in a second row. An item upon the first support assembly is situated to be more accessible to an operator for picking from the first location with the item in the second position than with the item in the first position.

Abstract: A control architecture for material handling includes multiple tiers of controllers, such as three. The lowest-level controllers interact directly with sensors and actuators used in the material handling system, such as photo-eyes and motors used with conveyors. The lowest-level controllers receive higher level commands from one or more mid-level controllers. The mid-level controllers, in turn, receive still higher level commands and information from at least one upper level controller. Each mid and low level controller is designed to include sufficient intelligence to deal with many of the signals and messages it receives without having to forward those signals or messages to the next higher level controller and await instructions from that higher level controller. The system thus distributes intelligence amongst the controllers. The system is well-adapted for application to conveyor control systems.

Abstract: The system and a method are for lengthwise positioning of transversally-oriented elongated articles as they are being longitudinally conveyed, the system and method comprising sliding a laterally extending end of the elongated article against a fence oriented in a converging angle relative to the conveyor, to thereby displace the elongated article lengthwisely. The fence is comprised of a plurality of adjacent gates which can be individually moved out of interference with the elongated article once the elongated article has been lengthwisely displaced to the desired transversal position. The fence can be provided as a fence assembly having the plurality of gates mounted to a common base, and having a plurality of actuators each connected between the base and a respective gate for moving the gate.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to conveyor systems and methods which can accommodate negative gap between articles (e.g., cartons, packages, products, etc.) conveyed upon a sortation conveyor. Negative gap is attained by placing articles side-by-side upon a conveyor (as opposed to single file) so that the trailing edge of a leading article can lag behind the leading edge of a trailing article in the movement direction. In one embodiment, a conveyor system comprises a main conveying line providing a conveying surface configured to carry articles, a plurality of pusher elements associated with the main conveying line, a controller configured to assign pusher elements to articles being conveyed and to determine whether two articles received can be placed next to one or more of the same pusher elements in an overlapping relationship, can be placed to receive contact from immediately adjacent pusher elements, or should be spaced by one or more pusher elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-feed control and dispersion apparatus, in the field of fresh food product industry. The apparatus receives a product from an in-feed device and delivers it to one or more receiver units. The apparatus includes a first product dispersion device, a weighing device and a second product dispersion device. Each first and second product dispersion device includes a base structure with a multiple through holes or slots, through which one or more associated moveable protruding structures move. During use of the apparatus, the top surface of the protruding structure is never moved lower than the bottom surface of the base structure.

Abstract: A bulk materials pump feeder having a housing and a rotating drive rotor for transferring material from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. The drive rotor has a hub. Drive disks extend away from the hub toward a housing inner wall. Three structural features of the feeder reduce the tendency of material to jam between the drive rotor and the housing or other stationary parts. First, the distance between the circumferential edges of the drive disks and the housing inner wall increases from the inlet to the outlet in the direction of rotation of the drive rotor. Second, a low-friction brush seal disposed on the periphery of the drive disks seals the area between the periphery of the drive disks and the inner wall. Finally, a materials scraper having a flexible tip is mounted in the housing and extends into the drive rotor between the drive disks.

Abstract: A control architecture for material handling includes multiple tiers of controllers, such as three. The lowest-level controllers interact directly with sensors and actuators used in the material handling system, such as photo-eyes and motors used with conveyors. The lowest-level controllers receive higher level commands from one or more mid-level controllers. The mid-level controllers, in turn, receive still higher level commands and information from at least one upper level controller. Each mid and low level controller is designed to include sufficient intelligence to deal with many of the signals and messages it receives without having to forward those signals or messages to the next higher level controller and await instructions from that higher level controller. The system thus distributes intelligence amongst the controllers. The system is well-adapted for application to conveyor control systems.

Abstract: A transferring apparatus is provided between a plurality of carrying apparatuses, each carrying apparatus comprising support means for supporting carried products Wf, guide means for controlling the moving direction of the support means, the guide means being provided along processing apparatuses for processing the carried products Wf, and moving means for moving the support means along the guide means. The transferring apparatus includes synchronization control means for synchronizing the moving means of the one carrying apparatus with the moving means of the other carrying apparatus; and at least one hand-over means for receiving the carried products Wf from the support means of the one carrying apparatus and handing over the carried products Wf to the support means of the other carrying apparatus.

Abstract: A transferring apparatus is provided between a plurality of carrying apparatuses, each carrying apparatus comprising support means for supporting carried products Wf, guide means for controlling the moving direction of the support means, the guide means being provided along processing apparatuses for processing the carried products Wf, and moving means for moving the support means along the guide means. The transferring apparatus includes synchronization control means for synchronizing the moving means of the one carrying apparatus with the moving means of the other carrying apparatus; and at least one hand-over means for receiving the carried products Wf from the support means of the one carrying apparatus and handing over the carried products Wf to the support means of the other carrying apparatus.

Abstract: A bulk materials pump feeder having a housing and a rotating drive rotor for transferring material from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. The drive rotor has a hub. Drive disks extend away from the hub toward a housing inner wall. Three structural features of the feeder reduce the tendency of material to jam between the drive rotor and the housing or other stationary parts. First, the distance between the circumferential edges of the drive disks and the housing inner wall increases from the inlet to the outlet in the direction of rotation of the drive rotor. Second, a low-friction brush seal disposed on the periphery of the drive disks seals the area between the periphery of the drive disks and the inner wall. Finally, a materials scraper having a flexible tip is mounted in the housing and extends into the drive rotor between the drive disks.

Abstract: A collating system having a plurality of feeders to release enclosure materials onto a deck and a plurality of pusher finger pairs moving along the deck for collating the released materials. The pusher finger pairs are mounted on a pair of moving belts at pre-determined positions. A sensing device is used to monitor whether any pusher finger is missing, broken or out of alignment, thereby rendering a pusher finger pair non-functioning. If a pusher finger pair is not functioning, the cell or pocket associated with that pusher finger pair will be marked “damaged” so that the feeders release enclosure materials only to the cells associated with functional pusher finger pairs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the control of the chain drive mechanisms of underground working machines and a correspondingly equipped chain scraper conveyor. The invention proposes to filter out a detection signal (Serk), representative of the currently arising vibrations of the chain (1), from the operating data of the main and auxiliary drives (I, II) by means of a detection device (34), and to take this to an active suppressor (35), which generates a time-variable control signal (STilgung) in accordance with a suppressor function, with which, in the frequency range of the vibration of the chain, a change is effected to a control value, e.g. (Ssoll) for the closing pressure adjustment of a multiple disc clutch (6) of at least one drive unit for the suppression of vibration by the abstraction of energy from, or the introduction of energy into the chain (1).

Abstract: A system for conveying objects (1), which comprises at least one endless transporter (2) able to route the objects (3) along a so-called transportation surface (S), the transporter (2) comprising a plurality of pushers (6) regularly spaced apart, fixed to a movable support (7) for the pushers (6), continuously travelling, in a single direction and periodically along a closed-loop path which extends substantially in a so-called conveying plane (P), perpendicular to the said transportation surface (S) the path being locally contiguous with the transportation surface (S), characterized in that each pusher (6) is mounted so as to be able to move between a so-called inactive position in which the pusher (6) is located at a distance from the transportation surface (S) and does not project therefrom, and a so-called active position in which it projects at least partially from the transportation surface (S) in order to come into engagement with an object (3) and push it along the said surface (S), so that it is possi

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the control of the chain drive mechanisms of underground working machines and a correspondingly equipped chain scraper conveyor. In chain scraper conveyors with a large distance between the main and auxiliary drive stations, e.g. a distance of more than 400 m, a chain breakage in the bottom run or a shaft breakage can arise, which can be traced back to vibration phenomena in the chain. The invention proposes to filter out a detection signal (Serk), representative of the currently arising vibrations of the chain (1), from the operating data of the main and auxiliary drives (I, II) by means of a detection device (34), and to take this to an active suppressor (35), which generates a time-variable control signal (STilgung) in accordance with a suppressor function, with which, in the frequency range of the vibration of the chain, a change is effected to a control value, e.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes sensors that prevent operation of the conveyor assembly if a person is present at either the unloading end or loading end of the conveyor assembly. At least one cart arrester is positioned along the length of the inclined conveyor to prevent uncontrolled descent of a shopping cart along the length of the inclined conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic lug loader to place blocks on each lug on a lug conveyor in a finger jointing machine. The lug loader includes a support structure with a control station and a feed table. A powered loading conveyor overlies the support structure with an infeed end disposed over the control station. The loading conveyor extends downstream to an outfeed end which is disposed over the upstream end of the lug conveyor. A powered adjuster is connected to the loading conveyor and shifts the loading conveyor toward and away from the control station to selectively grip a block.

Abstract: A drive roller unit is provided for use in a roller drive unit for the conveyance of objects on the freight deck of an aircraft. The drive roller unit comprises a drive motor to drive a drive roller which, when in an operating position, can be brought into frictional engagement with the bottom of an object to be conveyed. A lifting mechanism with a lifting motor is used to raise the drive roller from a retracted, resting position into the raised, operating position. A control apparatus controls operation of the drive motor and the lifting motor. A differential velocity measuring means is also provided for measuring a difference between a velocity of the drive roller and a velocity of said object being conveyed to determine a slippage.

Abstract: An article sensor for use with a conveyor having an article conveying surface includes a sensing member, a pivot which pivotally mounts the sensing member to pivot about a horizontal axis, and a bias which biases the sensing member above the conveying surface. The pivot is defined by a shaftless bearing which operates with an exceptionally small amount of friction which is substantially unaffected by side-loading placed on the bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving a sheet from a first direction and transporting the sheet in a second direction. The apparatus comprising: a device for feeding the sheet in the second direction; a deck having an imput end for receiving the sheet from the first direction and an output end and including a lower deck plate and an upper deck plate pivotally mounted and vertically spaced above the lower deck plate. The apparatus further comprising a controller and a device for pivoting the upper deck plate between a closed position and an open position. The controller for causing the pivoting device to rotate the upper deck plate to the open position to receive the sheet from the first direction, causing the pivoting device to rotate the upper deck plate to the closed position after receiving the sheet and thereafter causing the feed device to feed the sheet in the second direction through the deck output end.

Abstract: A method for providing motion information for a motor controller is accomplished by defining a determined set of motion parameters for describing a desired motion in terms of encoder position data. The parameters are stored for use in calculating the desired motion profile of the motor during the various motion segments of the desired profile as the motor is being driven. The method saves on required memory storage for all the various motor profiles typically used in devices such as inserters since only the parameters used in calculating must be stored. A flag field is also provided to enable the microprocessor to determine which of the segments is being generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing containers from a splice plate between two conveyors employs a sensor to indicate when substantially all of the containers have moved from the first conveyor onto the splice plate. A pusher bar assembly is then activated by the sensor to push any remaining containers on the splice plate onto the second conveyor. In one embodiment, the pusher bar assembly includes a first pair of pulleys mounted above and adjacent to opposite ends of the splice plate that are driven by a motor, a second pair of pulleys mounted a predetermined horizontal distance from the first pulleys, a pair of belts extending around the first and second pulleys, and a pusher bar secured between the belts so that the pusher bar moves with the belts in a path extending around the pulleys. The upper portion of this path allows the pusher bar to be moved out of the way, so as not to interfere with passage of the containers over the splice plate during normal operation of the conveyors.

Abstract: An above the floor conveyor is provided for transporting a wheeled vehicle having a plurality of tires across a floor surface with a pair of the vehicle's tires oriented in a guided track. The conveyor includes a drive and idle sprocket which are spaced apart and have an endless tensile member extending in a loop thereabout to define a drive and a return flight. A series of dolly assemblies are attached to the endless conveyor tensile member in spaced apart orientation. The dolly assemblies have an elongated dolly roller for engaging a tire of a vehicle located within the guided track. The dollies are pivotable about a generally vertical dolly axis between an inactive position in which the dolly roller is pivoted rearwardly out of the guided tracks and an active position in which a dolly roller extends inwardly into the guided track. The dolly assembly has an arm extending outwardly from the pivot axis providing a follower spaced from the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding a printed wiring board automatically sets a feeding stroke with respect to different types of printed wiring boards and sequentially feeds the boards. In the apparatus for sequentially feeding a printed wiring board to a predetermined position, a sensor is provided for detecting information on the printed wiring board including the size, shape, color, and type of the printed wiring board, whereby a feeding stroke with respect to each of the printed wiring boards is set based upon the information.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting position of a pusher member after power loss to a motor controlling the pusher includes a pusher transport having at least one pusher member mounted to belt and a controller for controlling the pusher transport. A motor is coupled to the belt for controlling the movement of the pusher transport. The motor is driven by a driver coupled to the controller. An encoder is coupled to a shaft of the motor and operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is programmed for using encoder counts representing pusher member position at power loss and at power restored to determine whether the pusher member is past or before an expected position at power loss. The controller is also programmed for determining the distance and direction the pusher member must move to be at the expected position, the controller causing the driver to drive the motor at a specific motor profile to move the pusher member to the expected position.

Abstract: A conveyor includes two spaced guide rails over an upwardly facing support surface which can slidably support an article to be conveyed, the support surface having a plurality of parallel slots. Two movably-supported chains below the support surface support a plurality of pushing assemblies each having several central fingers which can project upwardly above the support surface through respective slots and having two outermost fingers which can move between positions projecting above the support surface through respective slots and disposed below the support surface. An arrangement responsive to the positions of the guide rails automatically positions the outer pushing fingers in one of the two positions thereof.

Abstract: A freight moving apparatus comprising: a conveyor for receiving a freight and conveying the freight between a first predetermined position in a carrier vehicle and a second predetermined position in a freight station; an electric motor for driving the conveyor; stops disposed in the carrier vehicle and the freight station for engagement with the freight when the freight arrives at the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position; and a torque limiter for detecting any change of torque of the electric motor, which may be caused in the electric motor when the freight comes into engagement with the stops at the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position, to deactivate the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to convey spinning cans from a first into a second position by a movable traveller. The traveller intersects the projection of housing sections and/or of the can guides on the plane of the movement of the traveller. An actuating device for a switch is installed in the direction of movement of the traveller between the traveller and the projection on the housing section and/or the can guide to stop the movement of the traveller.

Abstract: A travel monitor for a rectangular sludge conveyor having a plurality of scrapers attached to and driven by a pair of chains, each of which is formed in a closed loop having an upper run. A pair of detector sprockets independently engage and are driven by the upper runs. Switches positioned adjacent the sprockets create a series of pulses in response to their rotation. The phase difference between the series of pulses resulting from rotation of the sprockets is detected, and a misalignment alarm is activated when the phase difference exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An animal confinement building includes an upper animal floor and a lower animal waste pit having a lower floor. Scrappers are mounted on a continuous cable movable back and forth the length of the lower pit floor. Controls for the cleaning system are mounted on a wall in the area of the upper floor out of the corrosive environment of the waste pit. A pair of cable stops are carried on the cable and operate limit switches which cause the motor to reverse directions and stop at the end of a completed cycle. A programmable control is provided for automatic operation of the cleaning system.

Abstract: A variable power conveyance apparatus for propelling loads under environments where the angle of inclination of a conveyance path may change. For these apparatuses, in particular, those located in aircraft cargo bays, drive units are constructed to drive heavy loads under all conditions, including up a slope. These drive units may be organized into sets for loading pallets into and out of the aircraft and along the left and right storage tracks within fore and aft sections of the aircraft. An inclinometer senses the aircraft's angle of inclination and generates a representative electronic signal. Control logic determines whether to apply, via an SCR circuit, a minimum voltage or a greater variable voltage if the selected set of drive units is called upon to drive the pallets up a slope.

Abstract: An improved garbage truck is disclosed having an inlet opening leading into a tipping section, where a press reciprocally moves in the tipping section, guided along the side walls thereof, to propel garbage through an opening into a removable container. The tipping section has at least one lateral arm or wall reinforcing the side walls of the tipping section and is arranged above the press. A sensing element is arranged in the tipping section with generates a signal when there is a jam or when there are tilted or bulky objects, the signal stops the travel of the press or reverses the direction of the press to prevent damage to the garbage truck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a train positioner for moving one or more railroad cars of a unit train are disclosed. The positioner is engaged with the train while the positioner is stopped at an initial location. The positioner is moved and the train is accelerated to a constant speed. The energy expended by the positioner in accelerating the train to the constant speed is determined and apparent mass of the train is calculated from this energy. From the apparent mass of the train, a maximum force to which the positioner should be subjected, and a deceleration rate, a deceleration point adequate to stop the train by a predetermined, final location is calculated. The positioner is decelerated beginning at the deceleration point and at the deceleration rate until the train is stopped by a final location. In a preferred embodiment, the deceleration rate is also calculated from the apparent mass of the train and the maximum force to which the positioner should be subjected.

Abstract: A product feed device includes multiple drivers mounted pivotally between a pair of parallel and opposed endless chains. When pivoted to an active position, each driver engages a product and pushes the product along a path. A set of cams is disposed upstream of the path. Each of the cams is alternatively positionable in alignment between the chains, to engage successive drivers to either set or reset the drivers as they encounter the cam. The cams set and reset successive drivers in different repeating sequences, thus to enable switching from one selected spacing between actuated cams to another, depending on which cam is in the operating position. A pair of opposed guide members extend longitudinally along the path to confine the chains against transverse movement, and maintain each of the drivers in its selected orientation, whether set to active or reset to a bypass position.

Abstract: A tray accumulator for storing and moving trays between a load area and an unload area including a tray conveyor extending from load to unload area, a tray operated control switch at the load end of the conveyor for turning on and operating the conveyor to move a tray along the conveyor when the tray is placed at the load end of the conveyor, control switches at the unload end of the conveyor for deactivating the conveyor when fully loaded with trays and for cycling the conveyor during the unload mode of operation responsive to sequential removal of trays from the unload end, and a fluid operated power and control system connected with the conveyor and the control switches to reciprocate the conveyor and control the conveyor during the load and unload phases.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for advancing articles in a direction of conveyance, including a conveyor track on which the articles are supported; an endless driven conveyor element and an article carrier device including an article carrier element pivotally supported on the endless driven conveyor element. The article carrier element is adapted to engage and thus convey, or be disengaged from an article on the conveyor track. The article carrier element comprises a pivotal lever and a carrier lug formed on the pivotal lever. The latter has an activated pivotal position in which the carrier lug is adapted to be brought into and maintained in a force-transmitting engagement with one of the articles and a deactivated pivotal position in which the carrier lug is maintained disengaged from the articles. A force-exerting device urges the pivotal lever into the activated position. There is further provided a contact element on the pivotal lever downstream of the carrier lug as viewed in the direction of conveyance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shavings conveyor having a reversing contactor for protecting the drive assembly (1) of the shaving conveyor from undue wear caused by the overloading of the shavings conveyor. When the conveyor becomes overloaded, a torque support beam (12), which is attached to the housing of the drive assembly (1), is caused to rotate. A threaded rod (15) is attached at one end to the beam (12) and moves with the displacement of beam (12). An L-shaped chip (20), mounted to the opposite end of threaded rod (15) and having a control cam (21) attached thereon, is moved with the threaded rod (15) so that the control cam (21) attached thereto engages a control switch (22). As the control switch (22) is activated, it signals the motor of the drive assembly to briefly reverse the direction of movement of the shavings conveyor so as to disperse the accumulation of shavings.

Abstract: A device for conveying articles along a path defined by a track, said device having a conveyor for moving the articles along the track in a stop arrangement for interrupting the movement of the articles along the track to create an accumulation of the articles in a batch adjacent the stop arrangement characterized by the conveying arrangement comprising a belt having tines extending from one side, said continuous belt being positioned with only the tines extending into the path for engaging the articles to move them along the track and with the tines slipping past those articles, whose movement has been interrupted by the stop arrangement.