Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a vibratory conveyor of the type including an elongate utilized container, which can be vibrated as a free mass at a selected frequency and stroke by drive means, such as a motor having weights eccentrically mounted on its output shaft, and which container is interconnected by yieldable means to elongate counterbalance means located opposite one long side of the container and with the stroke axis of the container being inclined with respect to the long central axis of the container. Basically, the improvement of the present invention is that the counterbalance means is comprised of plural counterbalance sections which are longitudinally arranged generally parallel to the long central axis of the container.

Abstract: A machine for detopping fruits and vegetables, specially suited for the decapping of strawberries by severing the top therefrom, comprises an endless upwardly-inclined loop type conveyor mounted on a sub-frame which is in turn mounted on a main frame for horizontal orbital motion relative thereto. The conveyor consists of a receiving station section inclined to the horizontal so that already decapped product discharges against the travel of the conveyor, and a severing station section at a higher level than the receiving station section, a downwardly-extending discharge section and a return section. The conveyor consists of parallel rollers alternate ones of which are positively driven by pinion gears engaging rack members at the side, so that co-operating pairs will grip the tops. Only product that has been so gripped can be conveyed upwards by the conveyor and presented to a transversly moving endless band severing knife at the severing station.

Abstract: The specification discloses a spring for powering a vibratory feeder or conveyor made up of a first leaf spring and a second leaf spring in closely spaced relation to each other. The ends of each of the two leaf springs are rigidly clamped to corresponding ends of one another and a spacer is rigidly clamped between the springs at said ends. The center of one spring leaf is fixed to the conveyor, while the center of the other spring leaf is fixed to a vibratory motor.

Abstract: This vibration generator intended more particularly for impressing a vibratory motion to vibrating apparatus such as handling circuits and treatment stations for loose materials and products comprises an excitation eccentric rotatably driven from a motor and adapted, during at least one fraction of its stroke, to co-act with a roller lined with resilient material mounted in a fixed position on the apparatus, the axis of rotation of this eccentric being coupled to means controlling its movement substantially in the direction towards the apparatus. Thus, the amplitude and frequency of the vibratory motion can be modified while in operation, either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a shaker conveyor is disclosed in which a drive unit is supported on a mounting beam and has an output crank connected through a pull rod to a conveyor trough such that the puller rod undergoes movement in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the trough. The drive unit is rotatable relative to the mounting beam in a manner to selectively vary the acceleration characteristics of the conveyor trough, and has a self-contained internal lubricating system which provides improved quiet operation.

Abstract: A trough-shaped element is vibrated in a motion that includes a rise and fall of the trough, and the inside of the trough is lined with a pile material of flexible filaments uniformly inclined from the vertical toward the direction of feed along the trough. The filaments have a size, density and resilience so the tips of the filaments flexibly support and feed objects along the trough.

Abstract: A vibratory fluid bed blender and cooler wherein material such as sand is both blended and cooled by being conveyed by vibratory movement along a bed provided with means for introducing fluid, such as air, in the bottom of the bed to pass through the material thereon and wherein the bed is provided with means for mixing the material thereon to blend it thoroughly.