Abstract: A receptacle for a feed mechanism comprises a receiving body having a receiving chamber connected to a feed duct and a conveying duct extending substantially perpendicularly to the feed duct. At least one blocking means is arranged in the aperture region of the feed duct and reduces a cross section of the feed duct. The blocking means clears the cross section of the feed duct in the direction of the receiving chamber and blocks it in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article pushing device for pushing an array of hanging articles along a hook bar by the action of self-restoring force of a compression spring body which can be elastically compressed with no space loss and be easily fitted on a hook bar without previously taking off the articles. The device comprises a zigzag leaf-spring body having a series of sharp alternate turns forming peaks and bottoms, which spring body can be contracted with substantially no space between neighboring parallel leaf-portions and has a series of notches (sliding holes with an open slit) made in peaks thereof for externally fitting onto the hook bar. The zigzag leaf-spring body is provided with a pushing portion at its front end and a holding member at its rear end.

Abstract: An ejector blade carriage mounting system for connecting the ejector blade carriage to the ejector blade in a manner to accommodate variations in the fabrication of a truck body in which the ejector blade is utilized by connecting the ejector blade carriage to the ejector blade through a tri-pod arrangement of mounting bolts which incorporate shims and spherical seating washers to compensate for such variations and to ensure true axial loading of the connecting bolts. A fourth connecting bolt is provided to help lock the assembly in the desired position once the spacial accommodations have been effected.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, is an apparatus for the movement of objects on rollers. The apparatus comprises a frame element, a series of rollers, a rotating pipe element suspended over the series of rollers, at least one push-arm assembly connected to the rotating pipe element, and a drive apparatus to actuate the rotating pipe element. The series of rollers are mounted in the frame element such that each roller in the series of rollers rotates within the frame element so that the objects resting on the series of rollers may travel from a first end of the series of rollers to a second terminal end of the series of rollers. The rotating pipe element is suspended over the series of rollers, and the rotating pipe element pivots along a longitudinal axis and is driven at one end. The drive apparatus actuates the rotating pipe element, thereby moving the at least one push-arm assembly to a position in contact with at least one of the objects to move along the series of rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding solid fuels in a space limited by a plane bottom plate, side walls and a pusher device arranged adjacent the bottom surface. A drive is located outside the walls and is attached to the pusher in order to obtain a reciprocating movement of the pusher. The invention is characterized in that the pusher comprises a number of pusher rods arranged substantially parallel with each other and substantially parallel with the bottom surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for pushing in a predetermined quantity solid pulverized and/or lumpy objects forming a deposited layer to a discharge section includes: a plurality of pusher members disposed in parallel with each other; and a driving device to which the plurality of pusher members are connected so as to push the pulverized and/or lumpy objects to the discharge section as the plurality of pusher members are reciprocated by the driving device in a longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of pusher members, the driving device having a first axially supporting portion and a second axially supporting portion which are arranged at two positions in the longitudinal direction such that the driving device is angularly displaceable about an axis of the first axially supporting portion and an axis of the second axially supporting portion, the axis of the first axially supporting portion and the axis of the second axially supporting portion being in a perpendicular relationship to each other when projected on a plan

Abstract: A magnetic conveyor system for transporting test samples in tubes disposed in a sample rack having a magnetic or magnetically attractive region is described. The magnetic conveyor system includes a drive system, a magnet coupled to the drive system and movable in response to the drive system and a tray having a first surface adapted to receive the sample rack. The magnet is spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface of the tray such that the magnet provides a magnetic force at the surface of the tray. The magnetic force engages the magnetically attractive region of the sample rack disposed on the tray to thereby move the sample rack along the first surface of the tray in response to movement of the drive system. When the tray reaches the end of the rack it is moved onto a processing queue tray where it is available for test purposes. A barcode reader reads a bar code on each test sample as it is placed on the process queue to identify one or more tests to perform.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a transfer tool which is activated by a rectilinear guide, i.e. by a mechanism made such that a point of attachment of the transfer tool describes a rectilinear trajectory when the guide is activated. A drive element for activating the guide is provided with non-rectilinear motion, and in particular with angular motion. Preferably, the rectilinear guide consists of an articulated oscillating linkage. The transfer device is used in a packaging machine for cigarettes or the like, in which, whenever possible, for each transfer of product into the processing path of the machine, rectilinear transfer units for the products are used, which transfer units are actuated by transfer devices activated by articulated oscillating linkages.

Abstract: Stud feeder with an adapter (1), in which a conveying duct (4) and a stud feed orifice (3) designed substantially perpendicularly to the conveying duct (4) are provided, with a cylindrical or slightly conical stud holder (2) arranged coaxially to the conveying duct (4) and with a loading pin (10) which is capable of moving to and fro in the conveying duct (4) and which displaces studs (9) from the stud feed orifice (3) to the stud holder (2), characterized in that the conveying duct (4) is formed by a tubular gripper (5) which is slotted at least over a proportion of its length, and the gripper segments (6) are resilient substantially perpendicularly to their length.

Abstract: A scraper (14) arranged between two parallel side members (12) of a scraper frame, having a metal structure (51) in the shape of a comb (52) with teeth facing downwards and a flexible blade (59) covering the teeth (52) and bonded to the structure (51). A first portion (51a) of the structure (51) is perpendicular to the longitudinal members (12) and at least a second portion (51b) integral with an end of the first portion (51a) forms an elbow with the latter, the flexible blade (59) being bonded to the elbows's inward facing surface. The invention is for use especially in blasting plants using powder or granular materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device for performing a regular, linear transfer movement including a body (1), provided with a threaded bar (2), a stepping motor (3) for driving the threaded bar (2), two guide bars (4, 5), a slide (6), and a follower (7) connected to it. The slide (6) is moved along the guide bars (4, 5) by the follower (7), which transforms the rotational movement of the threaded bar (2) into a linear transfer movement. The object to be transferred with the transfer bar (2) is attachable to the slide (6). The invention is characterized by the fact that the slide (6) includes an opening (8), through which the threaded bar (2) is fitted to pass with some play, and in connection with the opening (8) there is a follower (7), having a tongue (9), which is fitted to follow the threaded groove (10) of the threaded bar (2), so that the rotational movement (A, B) of the threaded bar is transformed into a linear movement of the slide (6) via the follower (7).

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for an article handling system receives a group of articles in a facewise stacked condition and delivering the group of articles to an outfeed apparatus wherein the articles are arranged in a continuous flow. The discharge apparatus comprises a first stage station wherein groups of articles are received; an elongate discharge station having an incoming end and an outgoing end, the outgoing end being adjacent an outfeed apparatus, and the incoming end being spaced apart from the first stage station. An article carrying lane extends from the first stage station through the discharge station. A shuttle is bidirectionally movable between the first stage station and the discharge station for transporting a group of articles along the article carrying lane from the first stage station to the discharge station and returning to the first stage station to receive a subsequent group of articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading components such as circuit boards from a transport unit to a work station. The apparatus includes a flexible tape which is wound on a storage drum and selectively extended or retracted relative to the drum. Components are included to drive the drum, elevate the extended tape, sense the position of the tape and the like.

Abstract: A screening apparatus and a method are provided for separating mixed material into coarse materials and finer materials. After dumping mixed materials with a loader into a bucket located in an upper section of a screening apparatus, a movable wall moving at a predetermined speed along the bottom of the bucket pushes the mixed materials into a bottom opening of the bucket over a first material separating screen defining a slope with reference to the ground and subjected to vibrations of a shaking device. The apparatus may further comprise parallel spaced bars for primary removing of large debris.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for an article handling system receives a group of articles in a facewise stacked condition and delivers the group of articles to an outfeed apparatus wherein the articles are arranged in a continuous flow. The discharge apparatus comprises a first stage station wherein groups of articles are received; an elongate discharge station having an incoming end and an outgoing end, the outgoing end being adjacent an outfeed apparatus, and the incoming end being spaced apart from the first stage station. An article carrying lane extends from the first stage station through the discharge station. A shuttle is bidirectionally movable between the first stage station and the discharge station for transporting a group of articles along the article carrying lane from the first stage station to the discharge station and returning to the first stage station to receive a subsequent group of articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for internally coating a pipe, comprising a device for heating a pipe as it is internally spray coated and a plurality of inlet rollers and a plurality of outlet rollers for supporting the pipe while it is being heated and longitudinally advanced through the heating device. Each roller is spaced from and adjacent to a corresponding roller in a paired relationship to thereby define a nesting groove located above a gap between each set of paired rollers. A motive device rotates the rollers to rotate the pipe within the nesting grooves of adjacent pairs of rollers. An advancing device longitudinally advances the pipe through the heating device and sequentially along the nesting grooves of adjacent pairs of rollers. The pipe leaving the heating device is heated to a high temperature and has an increased diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure and an apparatus for feeding solid material into a pressurized space. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a feed chamber (12) communicating with the pressurized space (1) via a gate (13), a piston cylinder (8) adjoining the feed chamber (12) and provided with an aperture (28) in its wall for the intake of solid material, and a piston (9) which consists of an inner and an outer piston (11,10), moves within the piston cylinder (8) and closes the feed chamber (12) tightly when in its front position. The inner piston (11) moves inside the outer piston (10) and in the feed chamber (12) to insert the solid material into the pressurized space (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying loose material includes a chute with static bottom shaped like a trough, adapted to accommodate the material to convey, and a series of conveyance members mounted to move back and forth on a movable frame. Each conveyance member includes at least two juxtaposed blades, extending up to a different depth inside the chute, and in that the depth up to which the superimposed blades extend inside the chute decreases from the front blade (facing the conveyance direction of the material) to the rear blade (opposite the conveyance direction of the material).

Abstract: A paper ejecting apparatus embodied in a printing system, such as a video color printer, that is constructed to push out or eject a printed sheet of paper. The apparatus includes long guide channels formed in a panel for feeding paper toward an ejecting direction, a pusher movable along the guide channels, a rack gear member connected to the pusher, a guide support member for movably supporting the rack gear member, and a driving source for driving the rack gear member having a pinion driven by the driving source. Also, components are added to the driving source for preventing overload thereof. The operation of the apparatus is smooth, so that the paper is securely ejected without being damaged, and the apparatus is simple in structure and causes little mechanical noise.

Abstract: A die press unloader which retrieves material from beneath the lower die of a pair of dies mounted in a die press. The material which is retrieved will have passed through the lower die, and can comprise either scrap, for example in making perforated strip or product, for example in making shaped blanks from a strip. The unloader utilizes a combination of gravity and a mechanical arm, preferably actuated by a double-acting air cylinder, the movements of which are controlled by the press itself.

Abstract: A transporting carriage for conveying a coiler can of curved outer circumferential surface in an upright orientation between a can stand of a sliver producing fiber processing machine and a can stand of a sliver comsuming fiber processing machine includes an apparatus for transferring the coiler can from the carriage to the can stand and from the can stand to the carriage in a linear transferring direction.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for transporting stacked workpieces with aligned edges on a low friction workpiece support platform in which the shifting of individual panels relative to each other under the influence of inertia is precluded. The process includes the step of pressing the workpiece stack on the workpiece support platform. An apparatus that presses the workpiece stack is moved in its entirety along the direction in which the workpiece stack is transported.

Abstract: A rack supply part, an analysis unit part and a rack storage part are formed as units which are separable from each other, and a rack carrier part is integrally mounted on the analysis unit part. The respective units are provided with locating members for coupling the units in a direction for transferring a sample rack.Since the rack carrier part is integrated with the analysis unit part, relative positional relation between a position for stopping the sample rack and a position for stopping a sample dispensing pipetter provided in the analysis unit part for attraction is not displaced even if the units are separated from each other and then recombined with and mounted on each other. Thus, location is easy and no fine adjustment of positional relation is required.

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: Component feeder for feeding comonents (8) from a tube magazine (2) comprises a pusher (44) on the end of a flexible steel tape (48) which extends from a tape housing (52). A filled tube (2) is supported on retractable pins (30, 30') in alignment with the pusher (44) and in alignment with a pickup station. The tape (48) is fed by feed rolls (50) so that the pusher (44) moves through the tube magazine (2) and feeds the components (8) along a guide track (36) to the pickup station. When the tube supported on pins (30, 30') is empty, the pusher (44) is retracted to its housing, the pins (30, 30') are retracted, and the empty tube falls on a conveyor belt (88) which carries it from the machine. A full tube (2) is then dropped onto the pins (30, 30') by a further pair of pins (32, 32') and (34, 34') which are moved between extended and retracted positions to control the movement of the filled tube which is supplied from an inventory of filled tubes supported on the pins (32, 32').

Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle 10 including a body 12, a movable bulkhead 34 mounted in the interior 14 of the body 12 for movement relative to the body 12, and a plurality of inexpensible cables for stabilizing the movable bulkhead 34 against pivotal movement relative to the internal sidewalls 18, 24 of the body 12. A clamp that is movable relative to the movable bulkhead 34 grips and releases one or more of the inextensible cables, driving the movable bulkhead 34 along the inextensible cables in either direction. The clamp also restrains the movable bulkhead 34 against unwanted forward movement due to quick stops and prevents the load from retreating when the movable bulkhead 34 is used in connection with a reciprocating full or partial floor.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a cleaning system to be employed in the clarifier. A track is mounted to opposing sides of the clarifier. A scraping blade spans the two rails. A mechanism connects the two ends of the blade to the tracks and provides for stepwise movement of the blade bidirectionally within the clarifier. Movement of the blade over slots found in the clarifier bottom results in displacement of sludge from the clarifier back into the orbital ditch. The moving mechanisms are preferably located adjacent the clarifier floor. The scraping blade moves in stepwise motion over each of the slots, displacing sludge through such slots. At the same time a suction header, with inlets on both sides of the blade, allows some of the sludge to be suctioned from the bottom of the clarifier and removed from the orbital ditch system.

Abstract: A freight transportation system is provided and comprises a loading station, an unloading station and a vehicle moveable therebetween to transport freight. The vehicle includes a lower platform for carrying freight and a pair of doors moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the doors constitute side walls to prevent removal of the freight from the vehicle. In the open position, the doors are located to facilitate removal of the freight from the vehicle. The unloading station includes a door moving mechanism for moving the doors of the vehicle to the open position upon its arrival at the station. A freight removal device moves the freight off of one side of the platform when the doors are moved to the open position.

Abstract: A sheet paper feed unit comprises an actuator, which is formed of a piezoelectric device, and an idling roller, and sheet paper is clamped between the actuator and idling roller and transported by the vibration of the piezoelectric device. A control unit determines information pertinent to a parameter specific to the sheet paper to be transported, and imparts a drive condition which complies with the information to the piezoelectric drive unit. The piezoelectric device is activated in the condition which complies with the paper specific parameter, whereby the sheet paper is transported at a stable speed.

Abstract: A system for intermittently advancing floor-supported vehicles through a food product processing system employs beam members mounted adjacent the floor which are reciprocably movable back and forth, preferably in response to extension and retraction of the rod of a cylinder. Engagement members, preferably in the form of upstanding trip dogs provided on the beams, engage the underside of the vehicles for drawing the vehicles through the cabinets of the processing system. A system is provided for transferring the vehicles from one walking beam assembly to another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removing apparatus for removing paper sheets, fold sections, paper dust, etc., which is to be disposed in a falling and accumulating region of the paper sheets, fold sections, paper dust, etc., in a rotary press. In this removing apparatus, dust collection of paper dust that falls and accumulates into a hopper below a folding apparatus of a rotary press can be made easily and automatically without stopping the operation of the rotary press, and removal of paper sheets and fold sections, that has been difficult by conventional dust collectors, can be made simultaneously with dust collection described above.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging products to be frozen onto a freezer plate comprises a conveyor arranged to place the products in front of a charging opening of a freezer, and a device for transferring the products in a translatory movement from the conveyor through the charging opening onto the freezer plate. To obtain a strong transfer force and effective control, the transferring device comprises a pusher bar arranged to engage the products to be frozen on the conveyor, a chain drive arranged to impart the translatory movement to the pusher bar engaging the products, the chain drive comprising chains to which the pusher bar is attached and driving pinions about which the chains are trained, the chains having links short enough to enable the chains to engage the pinions over about a quarter of a circle and the pinions being affixed to a rotary shaft, a reduction brake motor floatingly mounted on the rotary shaft and comprising a return arm.

Abstract: A tray transfer device in which a tray carrying a bobbin is fed along a tray feeding path. The tray transfer device comprises a sliding member which slides along the tray feeding path reciprocally and engaging members which are located on the sliding member by a pitch equal to the predetermined pitch such that the trays may be pitch fed at a time by the engaging members.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring a plurality of workpieces has a pair of transfer rails along which run a plurality of jig pallets, each carrying a workpiece. A transfer bar is disposed between the pair of transfer rails so as to reciprocatingly move in the longitudinal direction of the rails. An engaging claw adapted to be driven up and down by a driving device is provided on the jig pallet, while a plurality of engaging blocks adapted to be engaged by the engaging claws are integrally provided on the transfer bar. The engaging claws are driven into and out of engagement with the corresponding engaging blocks so as to couple and uncouple the jig pallets and the transfer bar, whereby the jig pallets are transferred solely by linear motion of the transfer bar.

Abstract: A reciprocating discharger for discharging solid materials from the underside of a pile, has at least one reciprocating stoker rod with a piston at one end connected to a piston rod reciprocating in a stationary cylinder which is mounted on a thrust member frame. The frame has a width greater than the length of a piston stroke, so that the piston rod does not extend outside the frame, thus the solid materials in the pile do not contact the piston rod. A hydraulic system is provided for the cylinder with a hydraulic oil reservoir, an integral power unit with an electric motor directly coupled to a variable flow, reversible piston type pump connected in a closed loop hydraulic circuit with the cylinder, and an automatic reverse arrangement to reverse flow of hydraulic oil to the cylinder after each stroke.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus which is designed to transfer workpieces at different pitches by a plurality of transfer bars. The apparatus has a horizontal guide provided on a frame which supports first and second transfer bars in such a manner that these transfer bars are movable axially in the horizontal direction, and at least one slider block is slidably guided in parallel to the transfer bars through the guide. This slider block is provided with a driving motor and further provided with a mechanism which is arranged to allow the slider block to slide along the guide by the rotational force derived from the motor. An arm which is pivoted by the rotational force from the motor is pivotally supported on the slider block. Further, a first and second transmission are provided for transmitting the movements of the slider block and the arm to the first and second transfer bars, respectively.

Abstract: A reciprocating discharger for discharging solid materials from the underside of a pile, has at least one reciprocating stoker rod with a piston arm at one end reciprocating in a stationary cylinder which is mounted on a thrust member frame. The frame has a width greater than the length of a piston stroke, so that the piston arm does not extend outside the frame, which answers that the solid materials in the pile do not contact the piston arm.

Abstract: A semiconductor device ejector/sorter for use in an automated handler for randomly sorting a sequential input of semiconductor devices to one of a series of output tracks depending on a predetermined condition. As each semiconductor device is moved into alignment with the appropriate output track, a controller operates an ejector which uses a flexible push rod to eject the semiconductor device onto the track.

Abstract: A conveying system particularly for solid municipal waste to be subjected to air classification as provided which comprises a ram tube conveyor. The ram tube conveyor includes a cylindrical casing connected at its forward end to an outwardly tapered tube and a feeder hopper at the forward end of the casing. Hydraulically activated ram supported upon wheels closes the bottom of the feeder hopper during its operation and pushes material from the feeder hopper into the tapered tube. The tapered tube is proportioned to compress the materials and the ram serves to self clean the ram tube conveyor.

Abstract: A plurality of floor members (40, 58, 106) are supported on guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102). The guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102) are spaced apart such that the floor members (40, 58, 106) have spaces between their side portions. The guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102) have oppositely directed flanges (26, 78, 80, 112, 114) secured to their tops. Bearing members (30, 116) slip over these flanges and rest on top of the guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102). Bottom members (20, 64, 98) extend laterally between the guide beams (16, 18, 60, 102), to form channels in the regions between the floor members (40, 58, 106). In one embodiment, refrigerated air is directed through these channels. In a second embodiment, the channel is used to collect small particles of ice and ice water. In a third embodiment, garbage is allowed to enter into the channel space. The sidewalls (108, 110) of the floor members (106) engage this garbage and move it when the floor members (106) are moving and hold it when the floor members (106) are stationary.

Abstract: A device for automatically feeding, one at a time, relatively thin, flat articles, such as paperboard sheets or knocked down boxes, from the top of the stack of articles positioned on an elevating mechanism.

Abstract: In an indexing conveyor that employs a helically grooved drive shaft to propel a shuttle carriage that is, in turn, coupled with a product-bearing dolly, the carriage is provided with a drive connection assembly comprising a pair of follower rollers that are received within the drive shaft groove. The rollers are carried by a swivel bar on opposite sides of its axis, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. The assembly further includes a spring that biases the swivel bar in one direction so as to maintain the followers in engagement with the leading and trailing surfaces respectively of the shaft within the groove when the shaft is at rest or rotating at constant speed. Under rapid acceleration or deceleration of the drive shaft, pivotal movement in the opposite direction against the action of the spring causes both followers to engage the trailing surface during acceleration and the leading surface during deceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for feeding elongated products, such as feeding large sausage chubs or loafs to a slicer, which apparatus includes a transport for engaging such elongated products during the feed mode. At the end of the feeding mode, the transport is disengaged from its feed mechanism and is rapidly retracted by a drive assembly to a location for re-engagement with the transport feed assembly. The transport drive assembly may include dual drive members such as ball screws and ball screw nuts which are synchronized such that as one ball screw nut moves toward the front of the apparatus, the other moves toward the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a load along a floor in the course of loading and unloading vehicles. The apparatus includes a pull bar movable along a floor surface, winch driven cable drums, and cable connected between the drums and the pull bar so as to provide a pair of substantially parallel cable runs extending along each side of a load to be moved. Operation of the winch moves the pull bar against a load on the floor to slide the load as desired.The cable may comprise a single length of cable passed through rollers at the ends of the pull bar such that as the cable runs are drawn taut, the cable may run through the pulleys to automatically adjust the length of each cable run and equalize tension between the runs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combinatorial weighing apparatus for combining weight values of articles to-be-weighed respectively placed on a plurality of juxtaposed weighing machines, selecting a combination of the articles having a weight equal or closest to a target weight and delivering the selected articles. Such combinatorial weighing apparatus comprises pushing members which can move frontward and backward on respective bowls of the plurality of juxtaposed weighing machines, a driver unit which selectively moves the pushing members frontward and backward, these pushing members corresponding to the weighing machines with the selected batches of the articles placed thereon, and a conveyor which is disposed along the juxtaposed weighing machines and which conveys the batches delivered by the pushing members.

Abstract: A bar stock feeder has both horizontal and vertical adjustment of the carrier standards and a quick acting locking and pneumatic connecting assembly for engaging the bar stock tube assembly which is supported and aligned on the standard by a retainer assembly.

Abstract: A refuse handling system for transporting refuse from the lower end of a refuse disposal chute, for example, to a location adjacent the outer wall of a building. The system includes a straight elongate tubular chamber of substantially uniform cross section and open at one end. The chamber includes a refuse-infeed section in spaced relation to the open end and a refuse-compression section located closest to and communicating with the open end. A refuse infeed opening is provided in the wall of the chamber to the refuse-infeed section. A refuse conveying pipe having a larger cross sectional area than that of the chamber is connected to the open end of the chamber. The opposite end of the conveying pipe is connected to a remotely located refuse receiving station.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for moving particulate material such as alumina toward an outlet to a container while minimizing dispersion of dust into the atmosphere. The apparatus includes at least one coil spring which is disposed generally horizontally in the container with one end anchored to the container and the other end, which is disposed near the outlet, connected to a lever arm and crank for cyclically extending and contracting the spring. Such cyclic extension and contraction of the spring moves or at least encourages the flow of the particulate material to the outlet for gravity discharge therefrom and essentially eliminates problems of bridging and rat holes in the material.

Abstract: A load of filled containers to be cased is assembled into a caseload by moving the containers in a column to a loading station at one end of a normally stationary conveyor. A control device determines when a complete caseload row is accumulated at the loading station and causes a platen to sweep such row laterally onto the conveyor and to thereafter permit a second row to accumulate at such loading station. A second control device determines when an appropriate number of rows of containers have accumulated on the conveyor to form a caseload and then causes the conveyor to be driven to carry the completed caseload away from the loading station and in spaced-apart relation to other caseloads so that the operator may easily and quickly fit an open case over the caseload.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for linearly conveying wheeled vehicles are disclosed wherein at least one wheel of the vehicle is supported by a plate which reciprocates longitudinally through a forward stroke and a reverse stroke. The supported wheel is engaged and blocked to prevent its rotation during the forward stroke, thereby pushing the wheel, and thus the vehicle, to a forward position with the plate. During the reverse stroke, the wheel is free to rotate, permitting the plate to return to its rearmost position while the wheel remains at the forward position. During subsequent forward strokes, the wheel is similarly engaged and blocked and the vehicle is sequentially advanced the length of the forward stroke during each reciprocation of the plate. The means for blocking the supported wheel during the forward stroke are selectively displaced to prevent displacement of the vehicle except on command from the conveyor operator.