Abstract: Products advancing en masse, typically candy or chocolates, are aligned by a device comprising a drum, and inside the drum, a rotating disc by which the products are taken up from an infeed belt, aligned and oriented exploiting centrifugal force and directed onto a conveyor belt extending toward a wrapping machine; the top surface of the rotating disc incorporates an upwardly directed portion of concave profile serving to establish a path along which the effects of centrifugal force on the advancing products are suitably counteracted and controlled.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus feeds fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus which includes a vibratory feeder bowl and a spiral track for delivering a substantially constant supply of powdered coating material to the articles. A sensor is also used to regulate an amount of powdered coating material supplied by an auger to the vibratory feeder. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A vibratory parts feeding system having a vacuum hold down system for operatively attaching feeding bowls and tracks to vibratory base drives. The hold down system comprises an upper plate and a lower plate in confronting relation to each other. The upper plate is adapted along its upper surface for attachment to a feeder bowl, and the lower plate is adapted along its lower surface for attachment to a vibratory base drive. A vacuum port is located between the upper and lower plates through which a vacuum is applied. The periphery of the plates is sealed when a vacuum is applied to the upper and lower plates by a vacuum source, resulting in a coupling of the feeder bowl to the base drive and the transmission of the vibrations from the base drive to the feeder bowl. To facilitate alignment of the feeder bowl to the base drive, dowel pins and guide blocks are positioned along the outer edge of the lower plate to limit rotational movement and prevent damage to gaskets located between the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for aggregating a desired number of articles without individually counting out each article to achieve the desired number. A stream of the articles is discharged into a weigh hopper until substantially a predetermined weight of articles is in the hopper. The number of articles in the hopper is determined from the total weight of the hopper and the weight of a single article. Additional articles are caused to enter the hopper one-by-one until the desired total number of articles is contained in the hopper. The contents of the hopper are then packaged for distribution.

Abstract: A vibratory drive unit includes a base member, a top member and a plurality of drive springs connected therebetween. A plurality of channels are defined within a top surface of the top member for non-rotatingly receiving a corresponding plurality of clamp nuts therein. Each of the channels includes a threaded bore axially aligned with a similar bore through a corresponding clamp nut for receiving a threaded fastener therein. A circumferential flange extending downwardly from the parts feeder bowl is clamped between the top member and the plurality of clamp nuts as the fasteners are threadingly advanced. The clamp nuts are positioned relative to the drive unit to thereby transfer maximum vibratory action to the parts feeder bowl. Extension blocks are further provided for receipt within the channels and are configured to permit a parts feeder bowl having a larger diameter flange to be mounted to the vibratory drive unit.

Abstract: An article handler for orienting and conveying flexible or thin articles. The article handler includes a centrifugal drum rotated about a central axis and a rotary disc disposed radially inward of a lower portion of the centrifugal drum. The centrifugal drum and rotary disc rotate simultaneously and a circumference of the rotary disc approaches a position adjacent to a ledge on an inner surface of the centrifugal drum at one location as the rotary disc rotates about a slanted axis. Articles which are introduced into the article handler become disposed on the ledge of the centrifugal drum in a singulated fashion. Improperly oriented articles are then removed from the ledge, and the properly oriented articles are removed from the ledge of the centrifugal drum by a beveled rotor in a similarly oriented fashion and conveyed to a packing station.

Abstract: In a part feeding apparatus including a feeder bowl for discharging and feeding parts to an assembly apparatus and a hopper for discharging and feeding parts to the feeder bowl, a counter for counting parts discharged from the hopper and a counter for counting parts discharged from the feeder bowl are provided. The hopper is driven, so that a difference between values of the two counters is brought close to a definite value.

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 filling apparatus for cylindrical containers densely fills the containers with, for example, granularly-shaped fill material by causing a container to be set into a shaking rotation by rotationally oscillating a container retainer.

Abstract: A vibratory parts feeder includes a feeder bowl having a plurality of lugs affixed between the bottom wall and the cylindrical outside wall of the feeder bowl. Corresponding to each lug is a fastener that engages the lug through a corresponding opening in a top member, thereby securing the feeder bowl to the top member of the parts feeder. The top member is, in turn, supported by a plurality of drive springs connected between the top member and a base member. The drive springs attach to spring mounting pads incorporated within the top member that are radially outboard of the attached feeder bowl, A plurality of electromagnetic devices are mounted on the base member in cooperating relation with a corresponding plurality of ferrous striker plates attached to the top member for causing the rotation of the top member relative to the base member.

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 vibratory bowl feeder is provided with an automatic cleanout feature which comprises an opening formed in the bottom surface of a vibratory bowl proximate a ramp formed on that bottom surface. The ramp extends a predetermined angular distance around the bottom surface of the bowl and locally raises the surface that parts pass along as they move in response to the vibrations of the bowl. The raised surface of the ramp creates a step between the upper most surface of the ramp and the bottom surface of the bowl proximate the opening formed in the bottom surface of the bowl. A door is provided to selectively cover and uncover the opening. During normal operation, the door is closed and parts pass over the ramp, along the upper surface of the door and back to the bottom surface in response to the vibration of the bowl.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for forming flowable grain agglomerations from previously poorly flowable fine-grained powder and thereafter conveying said agglomerations to a metering chamber which comprises a mechanical vibration device to agglomerate the poorly flowable powder, transport means for conveying the agglomerated powder and metering means for collecting and measuring the conveyed powder; and a method directed thereto wherein the poorly flowable powder is subjected to a mechanical vibration step prior to transport and metering.

Abstract: An isolator for use on a vibratory parts feeder incorporates a locating plate rotatable through three hundred sixty degrees in a horizontal plain to allow mounting adjustment and parts feeder micro alignment.

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 vibrator conveyor system, for example in the form of a circular or linear conveyor, has a reciprocating plate adapted for carrying a container, and electromagnetic oscillating armature motors for moving said plate along a primary advancement direction or vector; each motor has a stationary stator, an armature secured to the reciprocating plate, and an excitation coil driven by alternating current or pulsating direct current, the coil being disposed on a pole piece the stator, the pile piece having a stator pole surface cooperating with an armature pole surface. The reciprocating plate is elastically supported by spring elements in a manner limiting its vertical and horizontal motion. The elongated spring elements are aligned along at least a portion of the rim of the plate with equal inclination with respect to a plane containing the conveyor advancement vector, and are fastened to the plate.

Abstract: A supply device with a vibrating cylindrical container for the supply of products, via a multiple channel device, to machines for blister packaging, in which the container has a vertical axis which is eccentric with respect to the vertical axis of the vibrator device and has an annular base which develops in an ascending manner over a first portion starting from the multiple channel device, followed by a second portion which develops conventionally. Guide and flow stop means are provided along the base sections with ascending and conventional development as well as supply means for supplying the products into the peripheral zone of the container and suction means to suction the dust and/or fragments of products below the base of the container at the opposite sides of the multiple channel device.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding powder particles into a pressurized gaseous stream comprising a feed chamber having a helical particle feed channel, a reserve powder supply chamber above the feed chamber and a feed tube extended from the reserve powder supply chamber and arranged to deliver powder from the reserve supply to the bottom of the feed chamber and form a powder deposit in the central region of the bottom wall and lying within the angle of repose of the powder, a delivery duct communicating with the helical particle feed channel, and means for controlling the feed rate comprising means for controlling the vibration of the feed chamber.

Abstract: A material discharge apparatus including a hopper having a flow path leading to a discharge opening. The apparatus includes a pair of vibration generators tuned to move material along the flow path toward the discharge opening. The apparatus also includes a gate or bypass for adjustably controlling the rate material is discharged through the discharge opening onto a conveyor. With this construction, the gate or bypass causes any material in excess of the preselected rate of discharge of material from the discharge opening to be recirculated to the flow path.

Abstract: A device for moving workpieces, particularly in surface treatment plants, including a receptacle supported below an electromagnetic oscillating motor by an arbor for containing the workpieces, whereby oscillatory motions are imparted to the receptacle upon energization of the motor.

Abstract: A chute for use with an electromagnetically vibratable parts feeder has an inlet end attached to a bowl tangentially thereto and an outlet end remote from the inlet end. A leaf spring assembly is disposed below the chute and attached thereto adjacent to the outlet end. The leaf spring assembly is inclined at an angle to the chute, and comprises a pair of parallel spaced leaf springs or a sole leaf spring. Each of the leaf springs has an upper end coupled to the chute and a lower end adapted for attachment to a stationary base such as a machine base. The upper end is located more closely than the lower end to the outlet end of the chute. When the bowl is electromagnetically vibrated in circular back-and-forth movements, the chute is reciprocably moved back and forth to cause parts to move forward therealong due to inertia.

Abstract: Liquid dispersions may be filtered, with a minimum of stopage, to remove coagulum with a pan assembly for a circular vibratory separator comprising a hollow cylindrical frame, having therein a discharge vertically spaced from the bottom of the frame, and a helical ramp commencing substantially in the bottom plane of the frame and travelling about the interior wall of the frame in a circular direction terminating in front of and substantially in the plane of said discharge.

Abstract: A torsional vibrating device is disclosed for operation as a two mass vibrating system consisting of a first mass having a generally circular work member and a spring mechanism connecting the first mass to the second mass excited by a motor driven eccentric weight or weights so that the second mass vibrates in a circular path having a circular component and a vertical component which will cause material on said work member to be conveyed in a circular direction. The spring member is unique in this combination. The entire system is isolated from the supporting means. This system has application for controlling the flow of bulk material from a hopper, screen or feeder or for elevating or lowering a material in a helical trough or for orientation of discrete particles or other applications depending on a properly designed work member.

Abstract: A parts feeder which executes the selection of articles and lets those selected articles transfer to the fixed trough (in-line feeder) smoothly, at the time of which linear transfer of the articles is effected not within the bowl, but at the in-line trough section connected directly to the bowl, wherein the transfer and conveyance of many different kinds of articles is conducted on only one apparatus by replacing the in-line troughs as needed.

Abstract: A solid fuel furnace includes a vibratory bowl for its fuel bed. Structure in the furnace defines a fuel chamber over the central part of the bowl and a combustion chamber over the outward part of the bowl. Fuel is distributed outward by a central cone on the bowl. Primary air is fed beneath the rim of the cone into the fuel in the combustion chamber. The vibratory motion keeps the fuel particles evenly distributed and prevents blowholes from developing, leading to improved combustion. The vibratory motion also marches ash particles up a spiral groove in the circumferential wall of the bowl to facilitate ash removal from the fuel bed.

Abstract: In a system for dispensing weighed or counted articles, articles are fed from a supply hopper by a vibratory conveyor to maintain a controlled level of articles in a bowl-shaped feeder hopper. In a weigher embodiment, articles are initially discharged from the feeder hopper through two discharge openings into an accumulator bucket. A weighing unit monitors the weight of articles in the bucket and signals a door to close one of the discharge openings as the weight of articles in the bucket begins to approach a predetermined weight. The weighing unit subsequently signals the feeder hopper drive to slow its feeding action as the weight of articles in the bucket more closely approaches the predetermined weight. The feeder hopper discharge openings are arranged near each other at locations where the door-controlled opening will provide a rapid, bulk feed of articles, while the other opening will provide a single-file trickle feed.

Abstract: A bowl having a spiral track on its own inner circumference is fixed fast on a vibrating plate. To this vibrating plate is given the obliquely rotational vibration composed of the horizontal rotation and the up-and-down motion, and the elliptical vibration as well, with the use of a driving mechanism driven by a motor jointly with an up-and-down mechanism. These vibrations may be made now linear now non-linear dependingly on the form of the cam attached to the shaft of the motor.

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 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.

Abstract: In a system for dispensing weighed or counted articles, articles are fed from a supply hopper by a vibratory conveyor to maintain a controlled level of articles in a bowl-shaped feeder hopper. In a weigher embodiment, articles are initially discharged from the feeder hopper through two discharge openings into an accumulator bucket. A weighing unit monitors the weight of articles in the bucket and signals a door to close one of the discharge openings as the weight of articles in the bucket begins to approach a predetermined weight. The weighing unit subsequently signals the feeder hopper drive to slow its feeding action as the weight of articles in the bucket more closely approaches the predetermined weight. The feeder hopper discharge openings are arranged near each other at locations where the door-controlled opening will provide a rapid, bulk feed of articles, while the other opening will provide a single-file trickle feed.

Abstract: A reversible vibratory parts feeder including a feeder bowl with an upwardly inclined spiral ramp mounted on a generally circular base. The base is flexibly supported on a massive mounting plate by a plurality of leaf springs extending angularly upward from the mounting plate and arranged in a circular, symmetrical array about the axis of the base. An electromagnetic motor is mounted on the mounting plate directly beneath the base in cooperating relation with an armature attached to the bottom of the base for causing oscillating vibratory movement of the base and the feeder bowl in a path of travel with both vertical and angular components as determined by the inclination of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A tablet feeder for filling cells arranged in longitudinal rows in a belt moving forward continuously, comprising a tablet container having a vertical axis cylindrical wall and a slightly convex base, at least one bracket member extending along a cylindrical helix around the inner surface of the wall and resting at the bottom on said base; a vibrating means associated with the container and being effective to cause at least one such row of tablets to climb up along the bracket member, at least one tablet guiding tubular duct extending obliquely from the top end of the bracket member downwardly, and having an upper tablet inlet mouth in alignment with the bracket member to receive the tablets and a lower tablet outlet mouth substantially orthogonal with respect to the belt direction of advance. The lower mouth is aligned with the cells of a longitudinal row to be filled, each tablet being urged into a respective empty cell by the tablets following it.

Abstract: A general purpose part feeder is disclosed based on a modified conventional bowl feeder, the modifications including the lining of the bowl spiral trough with a fiber material which upon induced vibratory motion causes advancement of the parts in a particular direction dependent on the orientation of the material with respect to the trough and also including an intermittent mode of operation. The fiber material is disposed in the trough in segments oriented such that the part velocity varies in different sections of the trough so that the parts are separated in the last trough section proximate the feeder outlet. Parts are fed out of the bowl feeder singly by means of a photodetector-timer relay control which causes the bowl feeder to be operated in intervals so as to advance a part to the exit point whereat the photodetector detects its presence and causes the bowl to be shut off.