Abstract: A circular distribution apparatus for distributing loose products has a top portion (17) with an inlet (19) positioned centrally relative to a vertical central axis, a base portion (7) comprising an annular horizontal floor (11); a plurality of openable and closable outlets (23) provided in the annular floor (11); a side wall (9) surrounding entirely the annular floor (11); a central elevation (13) disposed between the annular floor (11) and the inlet (19); and a vibrator (51) configured to vibrate the base portion (7) so that products received on the base portion (7) circulate around the elevation (13) on the annular floor (11). The top portion (17); the elevation (13); the annular floor (11); and the side wall (9) provide a housing (3) comprising a distribution chamber (5), where at least the elevation (13), the annular floor (11) and the side wall (9) are provided integrally.

Abstract: A system for dispensing packages from an underground storage facility is disclosed, more specifically to disclose systems for handling packages using gravity and buoyancy. An underground storage system comprises a storage facility and at least one open air fluid column. The storage facility has an above ground portion connected to a hollow underground portion with a bottom. A helical ramp extends from the above ground portion to the bottom of the storage facility. Devices are located adjacent to the helical ramp to dispense packages to the helical ramp. A conveyor is located at the bottom of the underground portion to receive packages from the helical ramp. An airlock is located adjacent to the bottom of the underground portion and is connected to a conveyor. Packages are discharged from the storage facility via the airlock.

Abstract: The present application discloses vertical spiral conveyors for transporting loose material without the use of vibration or oscillation and methods of transporting materials without the use of vibration or oscillation. In certain embodiments, the vertical spiral conveyor comprises a vertical spiral fabrication having a spiral conveyor tray connected to a vertical member that is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, a drive arm extending from the vertical spiral fabrication, and a drive system for rotating the vertical spiral fabrication about the axis of rotation. The drive system comprises a power source and a transmission coupled to the drive arm. The drive system generates alternating forward and backward strokes on the drive arm that rotate the vertical spiral fabrication clockwise and counterclockwise about the axis of rotation to cause loose material to be conveyed around the spiral conveyor tray.

Abstract: The present application discloses vertical spiral conveyors for transporting loose material without the use of vibration or oscillation and methods of transporting materials without the use of vibration or oscillation. In certain embodiments, the vertical spiral conveyor (600) comprises a vertical spiral fabrication (690) having a spiral conveyor tray (680) connected to a vertical member (612) that is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (670), a drive arm (660) extending from the vertical spiral fabrication (690), and a drive system for rotating the vertical spiral fabrication (690) about the axis of rotation (670). The drive system comprises a power source (610) and a transmission (620) coupled to the drive arm (660). The drive system generates alternating forward and backward strokes on the drive arm (660) that rotate the vertical spiral fabrication (690) clockwise and counterclockwise about the axis of rotation to cause loose material to be conveyed around the spiral conveyor tray (680).

Abstract: The invention relates to a shipment loading system for loading shipments into an unit load device, comprising a conveyer, a platform and a cargo space for placing the unit load device on a static rack, whereby the conveyer is provided on a ground floor and tiltable across its longitudinal axis, the conveyer comprises an extendo extending the conveyer along the longitudinal extension of the conveyer, the extendo is movable between a retracted position and an extracted position, in the extracted position the extendo faces the cargo space, the platform is movable between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal extension of the conveyer, in the first position the platform faces the cargo space and at least in one of the first and second positions the platform is arranged between the ground floor and the conveyer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device having a transport module including a helicoidal conduit actuated in vibration by a vibration module having a support with a rigid connecting piece supporting a plurality of n pairs of vibrating motors. The rigid connecting piece is a mecanowelded structure, in a recessed part, having a plurality of at least two n vertical structural elements and a plurality of at least two n horizontal structural elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device (1) comprising a transport module (1a) comprising a helicoidal conduit (3) actuated in vibration by a vibration module (1b) comprising a support (4) with a rigid connecting piece supporting a plurality of n pairs of vibrating motors (5), said rigid connecting piece being a mecanowelded structure, in a recessed part, comprising a plurality of at least two n vertical structural elements (4ci) and a plurality of at least two n horizontal structural elements (4dj).

Abstract: A vibration feeding apparatus comprises a receptacle for holding and conveying components, and first and second linear motors coupled to the receptacle. The first and second linear motors are spaced from each other and have respective coils that are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second linear motors are operative to be driven at a first operation mode whereby to impart rotary vibration to the receptacle, and at a second operation mode whereby to impart linear vibration to the receptacle.

Abstract: A micropipette sorting and packaging system includes a base, a XY platform, a carrying platform, a vibration tray, an automatic discharge mechanism and a control unit. With the installation of the automatic discharge mechanism, a conventional sorting and packaging design adopting a robotic arm is replaced to reduce occupied space and lower installation costs.

Abstract: An improved spiral conveyor self-stacking drive system designed to increase the life of a multiple link conveyor belt by reducing the stresses exerted on the belt when disposed in a spiral configuration. The drive system includes a conical guide ring upon which the belt is wound when disposed in a spiral configuration. During use, the belt is tightly wrapped around the guide ring. The slope of the conical guide ring's sidewall is sufficient so that the upper tiers are stacked slightly inward and offset over the lower tiers over the entire length of the guide ring, thus gradually reducing the lateral forces exerted on the unsupported upper tiers.

Abstract: A bowl for a vibratory feeder includes a wall portion having a generally circular cross section and a helical track having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The wall portion comprises a plurality of slots and the track comprises a plurality of tabs which extend from one of the inner diameter or the outer diameter. The tabs are received in corresponding ones of the slots to thereby position the track relative to the wall portion.

Abstract: Drive unit for a vibrating spiral conveyor, consisting of a base part, with which an opposed-action part and a fastening part, the motion of which is coupled with that of a pot, are connected flexibly, the former over several first leaf spring elements and the latter over several second leaf spring elements, it being possible to bring the opposed-action part and the fastening part into an opposite, oscillating, torsionally vibrating movement about a central axis of rotation, characterized in that the leaf spring elements (10, 11) are disposed in such a manner that their central transverse axis (M), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, intersects a leaf spring element (10, 11) essentially in the center with respect to its length and extends parallel to the lateral surfaces of the spring, is disposed essentially radially to the axis of rotation (D).

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: A vibrating spiral conveyor includes a vibrating system with a useful mass and a counter mass which can be brought into a mutually oppositely oscillating rotational vibrating movement about a central axis of rotation over at least one driving device. The useful mass and the counter mass are mounted so that they can be moved with respect to one another over spring arrangements, which are distributed about the axis of rotation, a portion of the useful mass being a pot, which is disposed detachably and exchangably. The moments of inertia (MN, MG) of the useful mass and of the counter mass are in a defined ratio to one another and the pot, which can be mounted exchangeably, is designed so that the moment of inertia (MN) of the useful mass and, with that, the ratio of the moments of inertia (MN, MG) remain essentially unchanged.

Abstract: A circular vibratory conveying apparatus for conveying material. The apparatus includes a bed on which material is conveyed, a counterbalance supported on a plurality of isolation springs, a plurality of inclined drive springs extending between the bed and the counterbalance, and a plurality of stabilizers for controlling movement of the drive springs along their central axes. Three or more vibratory motors, each having rotatable eccentric weights, are attached to the counterbalance. The eccentric weights rotate in phase with one another to rotationally vibrate the bed at a vibration frequency.

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 vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the inner edge of the deck and an outer wall coupled to the outer edge of the deck, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber. An inlet air plenum is provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures is formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, wherein the apertures are arranged in an air distribution pattern. An exhaust outlet fluidly communicates between the conveyor chamber and an air vacuum source. The conveyor may a catch floor disposed in a central chamber for receiving debris from an air stream. The vibratory force advances the debris to a discharge opening formed in the catch floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a piezoelectric vibratory parts feeder comprises a piezoelectric vibrating unit provided with a piezoelectric vibrating element that vibrates at a predetermined frequency, a bowl adapted to discharge parts accommodated therein by means of the piezoelectric vibrating unit, a driving circuit for driving the piezoelectric vibrating element, and a control unit for outputting a driving signal to the driving circuit to cause a predetermined driving. The control is performed by idling the driving of the piezoelectric vibrating element temporarily at every predetermined driving cycles thereof and controlling the vibration of the piezoelectric vibrating element based on a signal obtained therefrom by its piezoelectric effect during the idling period, for instance, based on a phase difference between a waveform of this signal and the driving signal of the driving circuit.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl defines a number of predetermined attachment locations in one side thereof adjacent to a parts discharge port defined by the bowl. One or more support plates are detachably mounted to the bowl side in a vertical position via the number of predetermined attachment locations, and each of the one or more support plates defines a horizontal support edge having a parts receiving unit detachably mounted thereto. The parts receiving unit is supported by the one or more support plates and has one end thereof positioned adjacent to the parts discharge port of the bowl and an opposite end extending away from the discharge port. The parts receiving unit may be configured to orient parts supplied by the vibratory bowl according to a desired orientation. A parts confining member is detachably mounted to one of the one or more support plates and is operable to confine parts within the parts receiving unit.

Abstract: A vibrating conveyor having a circular or helical conveying conduit driven with a vibrating motion by way of an electromagnet having alternating voltage. The conveying conduit emerges, at its end, into an overflow chute constructed in the form of a channel switching system. An overflow channel oscillates with a reciprocating motion about a pivoting shaft. Mechanical and electrical control devices are provided, so that the overflow channel can be brought into variable oscillating positions. The overflow channel includes a U-shaped section, pressing radially on a sliding surface, forming a circular zone and fixed on a pivoting shaft mounted on the sliding surface. This section is driven by a reciprocating motion in the peripheral direction of the circular zone about the pivoting shaft. Through the pivoting shaft, this section is rigidly connected to a guide rail open downwardly, arranged beneath the sliding surface and extending parallel thereto.

Abstract: A driving unit includes an electromagnet (33), a vibration plate (11) arranged on one side of the electromagnet (33), and a complementary vibration plate (32) arranged at the opposite side of the electromagnet (33). The parts (1, 2) of the vibration conveyor that need to vibrate are firmly secured to the vibration plate (11). The electromagnet is secured to the complementary vibration plate (32) in a vertically adjustable manner. The vibration plate (11) and the complementary vibration plate (32) are elastically connected to each other. The elastic connection is ensured by at least three supporting beams (29) that are uniformly distributed around the circumference of the winding of the electromagnet (33) at an oblique angle with the winding axis of the electromagnet (33). The supporting beams (29) are connected to the vibration plate (11) and to the complementary vibration plate (32) by leaf spring sets (30, 31).

Abstract: The vibratory finishing equipment of the present invention employs a plurality of cylindrical tube members, spatially positioned relative to one another and interconnected by a tubular member having a series of three 60.degree. turns, such that flow proceeds effectively from one tube to the next. Media and piece parts are provided into the inlet of the uppermost tube and withdrawn from the outlet of the lowermost tube. Vibration is provided by an off-center weighted rotor located in proximity to the tubes.

Abstract: An elliptical vibratory apparatus includes first and second controllers; first and second power amplifiers for amplifying outputs of the first and second controllers; first and second vibratory exciters receiving outputs of the first and second power amplifiers for generating first and second vibrational forces in first and second directions; first and second vibrational systems of an elliptical vibratory machine receiving the first and second vibrational forces; and detectors of first and second vibrational displacements for detecting vibrational displacements of a movable part of the elliptical vibratory machine in the first and second direction. A closed loop is formed by the first and second controllers, the first and second power amplifiers, the first and second vibratory exciters, the first and second vibrational systems, and the detectors of the first and second vibrational displacements.

Abstract: Known large vibrating conveyors are not readily suitable as such for conveying bulk materials or small articles into or out of a liquid bath, because the liquid transmits the vibrations to other structural parts, for example a vessel for the liquid, as a result of the incompressibility of the liquid. In order to remedy this, the vibrating conveyor device according to the invention has a compressible space or chamber underneath the vibrating part which damps the vibrations, when suitably coordinated with the liquid bath. The space is preferably gas-filled and its damping properties can be varied by feeding additional gas through a line which can be shut off by a member, or by bleeding some of the filling through a further line which can likewise be shut off by a member.

Abstract: A vibratory parts-feeder apparatus includes a vibratory parts-feeder, a surrounding device for surrounding the vibratory parts-feeder, a sound-wave generator arranged below the vibratory parts-feeder, a noise detector arranged near the vibratory parts-feeder or attached thereto for detecting noise generating from the vibratory parts-feeder, a noise-cancelling signal generator, receiving the detecting output of the noise detector and driving the sound-wave generator; whereby sound-waves generating from the sound-wave generator are transmitted outwards from an annular gap at the upper end of the surrounding device, the surrounding device consists of a first cylindrical body with a bottom, surrounding the vibratory parts-feeder and a second cylindrical body, with a bottom, surrounding the first cylindrical body, the sound-wave generator is arranged at an opening made in the bottom of the second cylindrical body, and sound-waves generating from said sound-wave generator are transmitted outwards from an annular ga

Abstract: A drive control method for a self-excited vibrating parts feeder which includes a parts feeder unit and a drive power supply for supplying an electric power of a desired frequency to an electromagnetic vibration generating unit to exert vibrations to the parts feeder unit, the method comprising the steps of: sweeping the voltage of the drive power supply through a predetermined frequency range; detecting a maximum value of a change in the current flowing through an exciting coil of the electromagnetic vibration generating unit while the voltage of the drive power supply is swept; driving the parts feeder at a frequency which generates said maximum value; comparing a current varying within the predetermined frequency range with a predetermined current; and controlling a drive current of the drive power supply so that the varying current and the predetermined current are identical, thereby controlling the vibration amplitude.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for interconnection between a motor having a substantially constant rotational output and a linear motion conveyor. The linear motion conveyor includes a tray which may be movable in a first reciprocating direction at a slow speed, then in a backward reciprocating direction at a second speed to move goods along the tray. The drive mechanism includes universal joint for interconnection between the output shaft of the motor and a second shaft, such that the rotational speed of the second shaft varies as a function of the angle between the motor output and the second shaft output. A speed reducer is provided between the second shaft and a third shaft, and a crank interconnects the third shaft with the tray to move goods along the tray. This drive mechanism may also be used to drive a tray configured in spiral and thereby convey product vertically.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl feeder with a track extending generally helically upwardly on the inside of the bowl and then generally helically downwardly on the outside of the bowl and a return pan on the exterior of the bowl for returning parts to the bottom of the bowl, the track, return pan and bottom having smooth part support surfaces with perforations uniformly arranged over their entire surface areas, the perforations having a size substantially less than the size of the parts and covering at least approximately 40% of the total area to reduce the area of contact between the parts and support surface so that the parts are propelled upwardly from the support surface with greater effect during the advancement phase of vibratory movement to enable the support surface to be retracted below the parts during the retraction phase of vibratory movement. The bottom, in lieu of bottom perforations, has a raised spiral rib with evenly spaced convolutions.

Abstract: A method of cramming electronic components into a plate-like casing, comprises preparing the casing having a spiral passageway, an opening as a continuation of the passageway to communicate with the exterior of the casing and vents; preparing components; sending the components to vibration-free zone while applying vibration to the components; feeding the foremost one of the components, forwarded to the vibration-free zone, into the passageway through the opening of the casing by the push of subsequent components against the foremost component; causing the foremost components to be moved toward an inside terminal portion of the spiral passageway, while applying vibration to the casing in a manner to cause the vibration, applied to the casing, to extend from an outside terminal portion of the spiral passageway to the inside terminal portion of the spiral passageway and permitting air in the passageway to escape through the vents; and feeding from the vibration-free zone and moving the subsequent components towa

Abstract: A spiral elevator is described for conveying product from one level to another level up a spiral track. The elevator is powered by a two-mass system having an exciter resiliently supported on the vertical tube. The exciter has a pair of parallel shafts with a vibration generating member mounted on each shaft. A motor is provided for driving each shaft independent of the other shaft. Controls are provided for controlling the vibratory forces generated by the vibration generating members to vary the vibratory forces from substantially zero unbalance to a desired level of unbalance to convey product from the inlet to the outlet of the spiral track.

Abstract: A vibratory material conveying apparatus has a tower with a spiral flight to be vibrated for conveying material vertically, a platform through which the tower extends, structure for resiliently supporting the platform above a support surface for the apparatus, structure for resiliently attaching the spiral flight to the platform, and structure for imparting vibration to the platform. The invention comprehends a two mass system with the platform and vibration imparting structure, a force member mass and a work member mass. The system permits large amplitude vibrations to be imparted to the work member with minimal dynamic reaction to the support surface from the force member vibration.

Abstract: A vertical mass flow conveyor includes a vertical tube which has an inner surface fixed to the outer surface of a spiral ramp. The spiral ramp extends radially inward of the tube only a portion of the radius of the tube to leave the center section of the tube free and forming a vertical open space. The tube has an inlet to the spiral ramp and an outlet. A hopper or trough substantially surrounds the inlet of the tube for receiving material to be conveyed up the inside of the tube. One or more guide vanes or blades, face generally in the direction of the upward spiral of the spiral ramp, and disposed about the tube for directing the material radially inwardly toward the spiral ramp. The tube with a vibratory motion transmitting device, the trough and the vanes or blades are secured to a common base such that when a helical reciprocating movement is produced in the tube, bulk material either is vertically conveyed in a mass flow relationship or is blended and mixed in the tube.

Abstract: A dispersing feeder for dispersively feeding articles, supplied by a supply device, to a plurality of weighing machines where the articles are weighed. The feeder includes a turntable or conical projection for receiving and temporarily retaining the articles supplied by the supply device, a dispersing bowl disposed concentrically with respect to the turntable or conical projection and having a number of exits on its outer circumferential portion, and an electromagnetic vibrator for subjecting the dispersing bowl to torsional reciprocative oscillation. The surface of the turntable and/or dispersing bowl is provided with a multiplicity of raised and recessed portions to minimize the contact area between the surface and the articles so that the articles may be transferred without adhering to the surface.

Abstract: A spiral vibrating elevator having a plurality of rotating shafts each having eccentric weights on the ends thereof wherein said eccentric weights create vertical force components which are in phase when the horizontal components are in phase. The vertical components provide the upward and downward motion while the horizontal components provide the twisting motion or torque about the central axis of the elevator.

Abstract: A reciprocating storage unit particularly adapted for moving and storing of component parts used, for example, in mechanical-related apparatus includes a circular body providing a downward low-friction spiral guide path between an upper entrance point and a lower discharge point. A slope of the downward path is such that as parts enter the path, movement will not occur by gravity alone. To obtain movement, the unit reciprocates about its vertical axis which with gravity produces movement of each part in series of intermittent steps. Each part proceeds downward and may be stored in the unit in a damage-resistant manner adjacent to the discharge point for release as required.

Abstract: A vertical helical conveyor for conveying radioactive materials submerged in water to a discharge point above the surface of the water. The conveyor is partially immersed in the water and consists of a helical fin fixed between an inner vertical shaft and an outer vertical tube. Helical vibratory motion is applied to the inner shaft to convey the waste material upwardly through the water to a discharge port above the surface of the water. A ferrule extends the lower end of the tube beyond the lower end of the shaft to define a space below the lower end of the helical fin. A compressed air pipe is located inside the shaft and extends from a point above the surface of the water to a point just below the closed end of the shaft into the space defined by the ferrule. Supplied to the upper end of the air pipe is compressed air of just sufficient pressure to form and maintain in the space an air cushion in the form of a bubble.

Abstract: Powdery material flows downwardly along a vibratory spiral conveyor chute, while gas flows counter to the powder, preferably in excess. Mixing ramp arrangements are provided in the chute. These involve inclined ramp surfaces dividing the powder stream into two layers, and provisions for causing the initially uppermost layer to tumble down onto the chute bottom while the initially lowermost layer is still supported on its ramp. The latter then drops down, too, and now becomes the uppermost layer.

Abstract: A procedure and apparatus are shown for on a continuous, commercially practical basis recovering a non-ferrous base metal, such as copper or aluminum in the form of clean, bright metal pieces or bits and for enabling recovery of different non-ferrous coating metals, such as of lead, tin or alloys thereof, and under conditions in which a resin insulating coating may be present. Mechanical shredding means is used for reducing insulated wire to an aggregate containing bits, particles or pieces within a requisite size range, extraneous magnetics are removed, and the content of resin coating material is reduced under dry conditions to within a maximum of 2%.