Abstract: The invention is a digitally adjustable and reversible vibrating conveyor. It provides a trough to which sinusoidal motion is applied variably and adaptably. A motor turns a shaft in an oscillating or rocking motion about its longitudinal axis. Variable settings on a controller determine the oscillation parameters for the motor. These settings particularly address three variables: the oscillation speed; the arc angle through which the oscillation proceeds, and a net angle that represents the mid-point for the oscillation relative to vertical. The invention allows for adaptation of vibrating conveyors without adjusting them mechanically, and enables reversal of load transfer direction when desired.

Abstract: A vibrator (16) for the tray (10) of a vibratory conveyor (slip conveyor). The conveyor (16) includes bases 19 and 20 supported by resilient mountings (17, 18) on a stationary structure 37. Elongated resilient mountings (17, 18) extend between bases (19, 22), with the tray (10) supported on the base (23).

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor (10) includes a tray (12) laterally moveable in a forward direction at a first speed and in a backward direction at a second speed greater than the first speed, thereby moving goods along the tray. A plurality of legs (18, 20) support the tray during lateral movement, and a motor (30) powers a drive pulley (30). A driven pulley (36) is powered by the drive pulley, and a flexible member (34) interconnects the driven pulley and the drive pulley. At least the driven pulley has an eccentric pulley axis, thereby imparting lateral movement to the tray. A tension mechanism (38, 40) is provided to take up slack in the flexible member.

Abstract: The tie bar supporting a feed tray (moving mass) is attached to the reaction mass using one leaf spring and one elastomeric spring. The elastomeric spring comprises first and second elastomeric pads which sandwich a portion of the tie bar to which the feed tray is attached. The elastomeric spring operates in shear with the spring rate of the elastomeric spring being adjusted by increasing/decreasing the compressive force exerted by the first and second elastomeric pads on the tie bar. The adjustable vibratory feeder has demonstrated greatly enhanced stability over other existing systems.

Abstract: An article carrying apparatus is capable of inhibiting a force that acts on the apparatus due to vibration being applied to its carry section in order to carry an article. The article carrying apparatus includes: a carry section for restricting, to a circumferential direction, a carrying direction in which an article is carried; a cam mechanism to which a driving force is input from an input shaft and that is for applying a vibration to the carry section by transmitting, to the carry section, an oscillating motion having at least a circumferential direction component in the circumferential direction, wherein the vibration causes the article to be carried in the circumferential direction; and a balancer for inhibiting a force that acts on the input shaft due to the cam mechanism applying the vibration to the carry section.

Abstract: An article carrying apparatus is capable of inhibiting a force that acts on the apparatus due to a vibration being applied to its carry section in order to carry an article. The article carrying apparatus includes: a carry section for linearly restricting a carrying direction of an article to be carried; a cam mechanism for applying a vibration to the carry section by transmitting, to the carry section, a reciprocating linear motion having at least a carrying direction component in the carrying direction, wherein the vibration causes the article to be carried in the carrying direction; an enclosure section for supporting the cam mechanism; and a balancer for inhibiting a force that acts on the enclosure section due to the cam mechanism applying the vibration to the carry section.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is disclosed and which includes a supporting frame; an article transporting bed which is oriented in spaced relation relative to the supporting frame; a plurality of resilient supports mounted on both the supporting frame and the article transporting bed and which supports the article transporting bed in spaced relation relative to the supporting frame; and a drive assembly borne by the supporting frame and which provides an oscillating force having a plurality of components and which causes the article transporting bed to move reciprocally, and wherein the drive assembly amplifies the components of the oscillating force which are at a given angle relative to the resilient supports.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vibration-generated movement and manipulation, such as transportation, orientation, loading or sorting of materials are provided. At least one electromagnetic coil is disposed to act in a horizontal plane, and another electromagnetic coil may be disposed to act in a vertical plane, imparting two-dimensional vibration to a generally horizontal vibratory surface. Apparatus vibrationally transports parts across a surface while concurrently orienting and sorting them. Reversibility of transport direction is also provided.

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: A natural frequency vibratory conveyor which substantially improves upon the slow starting and stopping times and the power requirements associated with prior art natural systems is disclosed. The conveyor employs a drive member reciprocatively connected at one end to a drive motor assembly and resiliently connected at the opposite end to the conveyor platform. The conveyor can be operated at unusually high natural frequencies of vibration, thereby achieving high production rates, by employing opposed, adjustable springs to establish a high bidirectional spring rate between the conveyor platform and the base. Undesirable vertical components of vibration can thus be reduced without sacrificing productivity due to the high natural frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating conveyor in which the frame (1) and the trough (2) of the vibrating device are attached to each other by rigid bars (6). At the attachment points of the bars (6) to the trough (2) and to the frame (1) there are resilient components such as rubber discs (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), axially fitted to the bars (6).

Abstract: This invention pertains to unidirectional vibration apparatus using resilient shock absorber mounting means to change multidirectional vibration into unidirectional vibration forces. Three embodiments pertain to the use of pressurized air for driving an eccentric weight at a desired speed. One embodiment employs a turbine which is carried between and by resilient disk members secured to mounting rings. A roller is driven by pressurized air and the vibrating apparatus is carried within and by a resilient ring. A ball vibrator also uses a resilient ring as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A conveyor having a frame, a piston and cylinder unit operable by means of pressure fluid and secured in the frame, a spring assembly for actuation of the piston, a holder mounted on the frame and reciprocable by means of the piston and cylinder unit and carrying a conveyor path for receiving articles. The piston and cylinder unit has inlet and outlet valves and throttle means at the outlet of the outlet valve. A control rod connected to the piston of the piston and cylinder unit is adapted to allow control of the cross-sectional passage area of the throttle means. The control rod has a back-off section which merges into the full diameter of the rod at one end over a long distance and at the other end over a considerably shorter distance. The conveyor permits moving articles by a throwing movement also along a slightly upwardly inclining conveyor path.

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.