Abstract: A vibratory system for a screening and/or feeder machine, the vibratory system including shaft lines, each shaft line having an unbalance module, the vibratory system also having a drive device configured to drive the shaft lines in rotation in synchronous manner and in the same direction. The vibratory system also includes an angle modifier device configured to modify the angular position of the unbalance module of one shaft line relative to the angular position of the unbalance module of the other shaft line or of one of the other shaft lines.

Abstract: A modified dryer operates on a different principle from that used by the prior torrefaction plants. The subject invention utilizes thermal conduction to torrefy the biomass in a vibratory reactor in which a heated solid unperforated plate is sealed in the reactor to separate the biomass above from the gas used to heat the plate below. This permits using inert flue gas to heat the reactor which in turn permits the use of a cool air damping system to prevent thermal runaway. Also syngas evolved from the process is utilized to power a gas engine, the exhaust output of which is recirculated to heat the reactor plate. When the gas engine is coupled to an electric generator, waste energy is recovered for use in other parts of the plant or exported elsewhere.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, while cooling equipment and the biomass to prevent overheating and possible distortion and/or degradation. The biomass is conveyed by a conveyor, which conveys the biomass under an electron beam from an electron beam accelerator. The conveyor can be cooled with cooling fluid. The conveyor can also vibrate to facilitate exposure to the electron beam. The conveyor can be configured as a trough that can be optionally cooled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating objects. The apparatus comprises a conveyor arrangement (1) and an actuator (30). The conveyor arrangement comprises a conveyor belt (10) disposed as an endless loop over two rollers (21, 22). The conveyor belt has a substantially horizontally arranged surface (5) for receiving a plurality of objects. The actuator comprises a drive axis (31), an actuating structure (32) and a connection structure connecting the drive axis with the actuating structure. The drive axis is connectible to a motor to enable rotational movement of the drive axis. The connection unit is arranged for converting the rotational movement into movement of the actuating structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the object receiving surface plane. The actuating structure is located underneath the conveyor belt for creating movement of the surface in this direction. The conveyor arrangement and the actuator are independently controllable.

Abstract: A slip conveyor (10) having a plurality of trays (11, 12, 13). Each of the trays (11, 12, 13) has an end portion (19) with an edge (29) inclined to the longitudinal direction of movement (14) of the tray (11, 12, 13).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imparting movement to one or more articles includes placing the one or more articles on a surface of a support member and imparting vibratory motion to the support member by vibrating actutators connected to the support member wherein the vibratory motion includes at least a rotational vibratory component about one or more axes out-of-alignment with the gravity vector to produce effective force fields on the surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imparting movement to one or more articles includes placing the one or more articles on a surface of a support member and imparting vibratory motion to the support member by vibrating actutators connected to the support member wherein the vibratory motion includes at least a rotational vibratory component about one or more axes out-of-alignment with the gravity vector to produce effective force fields on the surface.

Abstract: Vibratory linear conveyor that includes a utility weight and a counterweight that can be vibratingly moved in opposing directions via a drive unit, the drive unit being coupled to the utility weight and to the counterweight and being arranged in a receiving chamber beneath the utility weight, whereby a first drive unit including an electromagnet and a second drive unit including a piezo-electric actuator can be exchangeably installed for drive units, identical types of fastening arrangements being provided and positioned identically on each drive unit for connecting to the fastening arrangement arranged on the utility weight and on the counterweight.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder for delivery of material in different directions comprising a set of vibrators that are vibrationally isolated from each other to enable activation of one of the vibrators to vibrationally direct conveyable material in a first direction and activation of another vibrator to vibrationally direct conveyable material in a second direction while at the same time the vibrators are vibrationally isolated from each other through a set of isolators.

Abstract: The invention is related to induction driven straight or curved conveyors. Belts of the current invention have a flexible strip of permanent rare earth magnetic composition embedded therein. In combination with the flexible strip, stators induce magnetic flux to advance the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Plural receiving recesses are radially formed at the periphery of the disc-like rotating body. The rotating body is rotatably installed at the base, and the cylindrical cover is provided at outside of the periphery of the rotating body. From the receiving region of the receiving recess for receiving the waterproof seal to downstream side of the rotational direction of the rotating body, the first brush and the second brush are attached with the cover and at the further downstream side, the detection device and the take-out device are mounted on the base in order.

Abstract: A right angle conveyor has a first trough and a second trough to move product by reciprocating motion with the second trough at an angle to the first trough. Rocker arms and corresponding reactor springs joined to a chassis form the first and second troughs. The first trough has a motor upon the chassis, eccentric cam, and a linkage to induce reciprocating motion into the conveyor. To induce reciprocation, the first trough has a first bracket connected to a yoke upon a trunnion joined to the chassis, a yoke connected to a slave drive spring bracket, a slave spring connected to the slave drive spring bracket and to a second bracket, the slave spring connected to a second bracket beneath the second trough. The yoke has three pinned connections to permit rotation.

Abstract: A slip conveyor assembly (10) having a plurality of slip conveyors (11 to 16). Each slip conveyor (11 to 16) has a tray (18) providing a conveyor surface (20) along which product is delivered. The trays (18) are arrangeable and caused to reciprocate so that product may be conveyed in either longitudinal direction, with at least two of the trays being arrangeable to provide a gap (32) therebetween to provide for delivery of product from the conveyor assembly (10).

Abstract: An article carrying apparatus for carrying, in a carrying direction, an article placed on a carry face of a carry section making use of a vibration, includes: the carry section provided with the carry face of which the carrying direction is linearly restricted; and a vibration applying mechanism that applies the vibration to the carry section. The vibration applying mechanism includes: a first cam mechanism for converting a motion that has been input from a predetermined drive source into a reciprocating linear motion in a first direction that has at least a component in the carrying direction, and for transmitting the reciprocating linear motion to the carry section; and a second cam mechanism for converting a motion that has been input from a predetermined drive source into a reciprocating linear motion in a second direction that has at least a component in a normal direction of the carry face, and for transmitting the reciprocating linear motion to the carry section.

Abstract: A discharge device for worked material is provided. The worked material produced by the press working is received on a chute arranged just below a lower die. The chute is driven to make a reciprocating motion within a substantially horizontal plane in response to a die stroke. At a moment of stopping of the forward movement of the chute, an inertia force acting on the worked material from the chute is greater than a static frictional force. Or otherwise, a force taking effect upon starting of a backward movement of the chute is greater than the static frictional force. Consequently, the worked material is due to be discharged from the chute.

Abstract: A flat stroke bi-directional conveyor for conveying object, granular and powder material. The unit utilizes the skewed sine wave trough stroke principle using primary eccentric counterweights wheels driven by a motor running at the secondary speed and equipped with the secondary eccentric counterweight wheels. The forces not in line with the trough stroke are absorbed with an isolation spring mounted between the drive assembly and the base.

Abstract: A bidirectional vibratory feeder for transporting objects in a curved path has a trough assembly including an elongated, generally horizontal bed defining the curved path, and a center of gravity. Resilient isolators are connected to the trough assembly and adapted to isolate the trough assembly from underlying terrain. An exciter mass assembly includes an exciter frame and a vibration generator coupled to the exciter frame for generating vibratory forces, the exciter mass assembly having a center of gravity. At least one horizontally disposed resilient coupling is connected between the exciter mass assembly and the trough assembly, and at least one vertically disposed link is connected between the exciter mass assembly and the trough assembly.

Abstract: A bidirectional vibratory feeder for transporting objects in a curved path has a trough assembly including an elongated, generally horizontal bed defining the curved path, and a center of gravity. Resilient isolators are connected to the trough assembly and adapted to isolate the trough assembly from underlying terrain. An exciter mass assembly includes an exciter frame and a vibration generator coupled to the exciter frame for generating vibratory forces, the exciter mass assembly having a center of gravity. At least one horizontally disposed resilient coupling is connected between the exciter mass assembly and the trough assembly, and at least one vertically disposed link is connected between the exciter mass assembly and the trough assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has a set of vertical leaf springs connecting the conveyor trough to a vibratory frame, and a set of horizontal leaf springs connecting the vibratory frame to a stationary frame. The leaf springs amplify the motion initiated by a reversible motor, and the net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the leaf springs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has three parallel shafts, the intermediate shaft being located at the center of gravity for the vibrating conveyor, and the shafts are driven such that the outer shafts rotate in one direction while the intermediate shaft rotates in the opposite direction from the outer shafts. Each of the shafts bears essentially equal weight. The net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the weights or shafts.

Abstract: A two-way drive for horizontally vibrating a feeder bed, including a reversible drive rotating one of two drive shafts rotatably connected so that the second drive shaft rotates at a speed which is a selected ratio (at least 2:1) of the speed of rotation of the first. A first eccentric weight is rotatably secured to the first drive shaft. A second eccentric weight is rotatably secured to the second drive shaft and movable between a first position on a first shaft radius when the second shaft is driven in one direction and a second position on a second shaft radius when the second shaft is driven in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A vibrating conveying system having a plurality of rotating shafts and associated eccentric weights uses a sliding eccentric weight or weights mounted on one or more driving shafts to reverse the movement of the articles carried by the conveyor. The sliding weights move between first and second spaced positions relative to the driving shaft when the rotation of the driving shaft is reversed and are latched into place once in the selected positions preventing further movement while the apparatus is operating.

Abstract: Drive motor size and energy costs are reduced in a bidirectional vibratory conveyor that includes a bed (10) with an elongated generally horizontal conveying surface (16) terminating an opposite ends (12, 14). Isolation springs (26) mount the bed (10) above the underlying terrain (32) and a vibration inducing assembly (40) that includes a rotatable shaft (56) and an eccentrically mounted weight (58) is mounted to the bed (10). A pair of generally horizontally acting, vibration amplification systems (72) are mounted on the bed (10) and sandwich the vibration inducing assembly (40). Conveying direction can be reversed simply by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor shaft (56).

Abstract: Bearing failure and noise generation problems of prior art vibratory conveyors are eliminated in a construction including a trough 10 having an elongated, generally horizontal conveying surface 18 with opposed ends 14, 16. Resilient slats 20 mount the trough 12 above a base and an exciter mechanism including rotatable shafts 24, 52, each having an eccentric 28, 56 are connected via connecting arms 38, 84 to the trough 12 to vibrate the same in a horizontal plane. A bi-directional electric motor 78 is utilized as a drive.

Abstract: Bearing failure and noise generation problems of prior art, vibratory feeders are eliminated in a construction including a bed (10) having an elongated, generally horizontal feeding or conveying surface (56) having opposed ends (52) and (54). Spaced resilient isolation elements (58) mount the bed (50) above the underlying terrain (68) and a rotatable shaft (74) with an eccentrically mounted weight (56) is journalled to the bed (50) for bi-directional rotation about a generally horizontal axis. A pair of dynamic balancers (82), (84) are connected to the bed, one on each side of the shaft (74) and serve to reduce the vertical component of vibration imparted to the surface (56).

Abstract: A bidirectional vibratory drive unit is disclosed for use with vibratory driven feeder bowls and parts separators, including a base member having first and second pluralities of lower spring mount pads and a top member having corresponding first and second pluralities of upper spring mount pads. A plurality of springs alternatively attach between the first plurality of upper spring mount pads and the first plurality of lower spring mount pads or between the second plurality of upper spring mount pads and the second plurality of lower spring mount pads to change the bias of the top member relative to the base member. Electromagnetic coils are alternatively attachable to the base member and are operable in cooperation with the springs to vibrate the top member in alternative first or second driven directions relative to the base member.

Abstract: A vibratory conveying apparatus including a material carrying member having a material supporting surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second vibrators for producing first and second vibratory forces for imparting movement to the material carrying member at first and second acute angles to the material supporting surface. The vibratory forces of the first and second vibrators each have a vertical force component as well as a horizontal force component for imparting movement to a material on the material supporting surface in the first and second directions relative to the material supporting surface. The apparatus also includes an actuator for controlling the first and second vibrators in such manner as to impart controlled movement to the material relative to the material supporting surface in the first direction, the second direction, or vertically.

Abstract: An apparatus for the timed feeding of fish into fish processing machines serves to supply such fish into a conveyor pushing them along in a direction transversal to their longitudinal axis and being provided with receiving troughs or entrainers. In order to be able to obtain the high performance non-mechanical feeding required in view of the high yield of modern processing machines while restricting as much as possible the physical stress on the staff responsible therefor, or to increase the non-mechanical performance without increasing the stress, a feeding apparatus is provided above the conveyor of the processing machine which apparatus includes a rotary entraining table or spider driven in synchronism with the conveyor.

Abstract: A vibratory drive system for a vibratory conveyor apparatus is operable to selectively vary the conveying speed of the conveyor apparatus between zero, or stand-still, up to a maximum speed while the drive system is operating imparting a vibratory conveying force to the conveyor apparatus. The vibratory drive system is also operable to change direction of the conveyor apparatus between forward and reverse conveying directions also while the drive system is operating imparting a vibratory conveying force to the conveyor apparatus. In addition, the vibratory system can be adapted to provide either a linear drive force to the conveyor apparatus, or an elliptical drive force to the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: In an elliptic vibratory part-feeding device which includes a feeder bowl in which a spiral track is formed; a first spring for supporting the feeder bowl so as to be vibratile in a horizontal direction; a first electro-magnet for exciting the feeder bowl in the horizontal direction; a second spring for supporting the feeder bowl so as to be vibratile in a vertical direction; a second electro-magnet for exciting the feeder bowl in the vertical direction; an alternating electric power source; a phase-difference forming circuit through which voltages different from each other in phase are supplied to the first and second electro-magnet from the alternating electric power source; and a part-jamming detector when part-jamming is detected in the feeder bowl by the part-jamming detector, the feeding direction of the parts on the spiral track is reversed by the change-over or adjustment of the phase-difference forming circuit.

Abstract: A multi-directional vibratory conveyor is disclosed which includes a vibratory base plate which supports a plurality of fingers that project through holes in an alignment grill and in an adjustable grill. An article supported on the fingers is moved rectilinearly in a multiplicity of directions by moving the alignment grill rectilinearly, and is moved along a curved path by rotating the alignment grill a small amount.

Abstract: A carbon-in-ash monitor uses a fluidized bed furnace to burn any carbon in sampled boiler flue ash and evolve carbon dioxide therefrom. Fluidizing gas (air) is provided to the bed a measured flow rate and a batching arrangement feeds successive batches of ash of measured mass to the furnace at a measured frequency. A CO.sub.2 monitor measures the amount of CO.sub.2 evolved to determine the carbon content of the ash. Batches are provided using a vibratory table to transport ash from a point of supply to the table and a point of delivery of ash in a stream from the table. The vibratory table is horizontal and is driven so that the mode of vibration can be selected to reverse the direction of ash transport.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus including drive structure for driving a feeder bowl is disclosed. A control circuit for controlling the drive includes a Hall effect amplitude sensing transducer for monitoring the magnitude of bowl vibrations and a braking circuit for controlling the damping of vibratory motion after the requisite amount of material has been fed from the feeder bowl. The braking circuit selectively reverses the current flow through a drive coil which comprises a portion of the drive circuitry of the apparatus. This current reversal disrupts the rhythm of forced oscillations which feed material from the bowl and causes bowl motion to be damped. A mechanical brake coupled to the bowl complements the braking action of braking circuit and locks the bowl in place to prevent accidental dispensing of parts.

Abstract: A vibrating conveyor (10) is disclosed. The conveyor (10) includes a conveying table (14) and a frame (12) for supporting the table (14) for vibratory motion. The table (14) has an inlet area disposed generally in the middle of the table (14) for receiving particulate material to be conveyed. A first dispensing outlet (72) is disposed on a first side (26) of the table (14) and a second dispensing outlet (74) is disposed on the second side (34). A first pneumatic vibrator (116) is disposed on the first side (26) for vibrating the table (14) and conveying particulate material from the inlet area to the second outlet (74). A second pneumatic vibrator (118) is coupled to the table (14) on the second side (34) for vibrating the table (14) and for conveying particulate material from the inlet area to the first outlet (72).

Abstract: The invention relates to vibratory material handling apparatus and more particularly to a dual exciter system derive for vibrating the apparatus wherein the exciters are positioned on either side of the center of gravity of the apparatus and direct vibrations at obtuse and acute angles, respectively, through the center of gravity of the apparauts, the arrangement being much whereby the vibratory force exerted by each exciter may selectively be varied so as to cause the apparatus to vibrate vertically, or displaced from the vertical, so as to convey in one direction or the opposite direction. The arrangement is such that the spring system connecting the exciters to the material-handling apparatus acts as isolation springs when the vibration generator associated therewith is inoperative, and as tuned natural frequency systems when the vibrator is actuating.