Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a workpiece singulator with one or more movable stairs. A first one of the movable stairs may include an outer step member and an inner step member that is positioned between the outer step member and a second one of the movable stairs. The step members may be movable synchronously as a single stair to transport larger workpieces and asynchronously to transport smaller workpieces on the outer step member. Optionally, the workpiece singulator may further include a sensor configured to detect the size and/or position of a workpiece. In some embodiments, the workpiece singulator may be coupled with a controller configured to control the position of the outer step member independently of the position of the inner step member. In various embodiments, a workpiece singulator as disclosed herein may be operable to selectively singulate workpieces of different sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating piece goods which are to be stored in an automated store comprises a stepped conveyor for conveying piece goods from a stockpile beyond an upper edge of the stepped conveyor to a collecting device, wherein the stepped conveyor comprises an inclined bearing surface and a first step which can be moved in parallel over the bearing surface with a conveying edge which is parallel to the bearing surface, wherein the spacing between the bearing surface and the conveying edge corresponds to a minimum step height which suffices to push parallelepiped-shaped piece goods upwards, and a control device for actuating the stepped conveyor, which control device is coupled to a sensor which detects whether a piece goods item has been conveyed beyond the upper edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for singulating logs comprises a stationary support at least one inclined stationary surface and a top edge and a first reciprocating support having a top step positioned against the inclined stationary surface. The first reciprocating support is movable between a bottommost position wherein the top step is positioned below the top edge of the stationary support and a topmost position wherein the top step is positioned above the top edge of the stationary support. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of fingers extending from the top step wherein each of the fingers has a length adapted to regain a log on the top step at a topmost position of the first reciprocating support and to retract into the stationary support at the bottommost position of the first reciprocating support.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a workpiece singulator with one or more movable stairs. A first one of the movable stairs may include an outer step member and an inner step member that is positioned between the outer step member and a second one of the movable stairs. The step members may be movable synchronously as a single stair to transport larger workpieces and asynchronously to transport smaller workpieces on the outer step member. Optionally, the workpiece singulator may further include a sensor configured to detect the size and/or position of a workpiece. In some embodiments, the workpiece singulator may be coupled with a controller configured to control the position of the outer step member independently of the position of the inner step member. In various embodiments, a workpiece singulator as disclosed herein may be operable to selectively singulate workpieces of different sizes.

Abstract: A singulator for sorting a single item from a supply of such items stored randomly in bulk is provided, including at least one primary vertically reciprocating elevator defining a platform reciprocating between first lower position in which the platform receives and holds an initially limited number of the items delivered from bulk storage, and a first upper position in which the items are delivered to at least one secondary elevator. Each secondary elevator has a second platform and reciprocates between a second lower position in which the second platform receives a further limited number of the items and a second upper position in which the items are delivered to a desired location. The platforms are constructed and arranged for orienting the items in a desired orientation at the desired location.

Abstract: An article conveying device 10 in which a floor surface 21 of each of a plurality of fixed floors 20 is arranged so as to form a descending slope towards a downstream side in a conveying direction with respect to each other, each of a plurality of moving floors 30 is adjacently arranged on a side in the conveying direction with respect to each fixed floor 20, and a raising/lowering operation of simultaneously positioning the respective floor surface 31 of each moving floor 30 at a high position and a low position with respect to the floor surface 21 of the adjacent fixed floor 20 is repeated to arrange the floor surface 31 of each moving floor 30 positioned at the high position so as to form a descending slope towards the downstream side in the conveying direction with respect to each other.

Abstract: A supporting device includes a support body for supporting a substrate and an auxiliary wing for supporting the corner of the substrate, so that the substrate is substantially horizontally disposed on the supporting device. Also disclosed is a substrate transportation equipment including the supporting device and a movable protruding member. The substrate transportation equipment can prevent the movable protruding member from hitting the edge of the substrate when the movable protruding member moves.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to design a bulk-material cooler, particularly one for cooling cement clinker, which operates according to the walking floor principle, so that its cooling grate can be composed of a multitude of ventilated cooling grate modules, which can be assembled in an easy and variable manner, in order to obtain large lengths and widths of the cooler. When these cooling grate modules move between an advancing and returning position, even lateral and/or height offset of the guiding elements can be compensated for in a kinematic manner. To this end, the invention provides that the cooling grate, when viewed over the length and width of the cooler, is composed of a multitude of modules (13, 14) ventilated with cooling air. The coupling of the cooling grate modules of each longitudinal row of cooling grate modules is effected by an articulated joint.

Abstract: An article conveying device 10 in which a floor surface 21 of each of a plurality of fixed floors 20 is arranged so as to form a descending slope towards a downstream side in a conveying direction with respect to each other, each of a plurality of moving floors 30 is adjacently arranged on a side in the conveying direction with respect to each fixed floor 20, and a raising/lowering operation of simultaneously positioning the respective floor surface 31 of each moving floor 30 at a high position and a low position with respect to the floor surface 21 of the adjacent fixed floor 20 is repeated to arrange the floor surface 31 of each moving floor 30 positioned at the high position so as to form a descending slope towards the downstream side in the conveying direction with respect to each other.

Abstract: An assembly and method for distributing lollipop sticks (9) from a common supply (5) to a plurality of stick holders (14), the assembly comprising an elongated conveyor chamber (3) for containing lollipop sticks as they are conveyed from the common supply to the stick holders, a plurality of stick holding channels, (14) spaced apart and leading from the base of the chamber, the conveyor chamber containing basal surfaces (11), (13) operative to move in each of two substantially opposite directions, and in use the base supporting a plurality of lollipop sticks, the basal surfaces comprising a first basal surface portion (11) and a second basal surface portion (13), the first basal surface portion (11) being obstructive to sticks in contact with the first basal surface portion as said first basal surface portion moves in a first direction away from the common supply (5), and the second basal surface portion (13) being relatively less obstructive to sticks in contact with said second basal surface portion (13) wh

Abstract: A case feeder mechanism, used in quantities of two or more in a horizontal magazine, feeds cases to a removal position at the discharge end of the magazine, for extracting and processing by a case erecting machine. Each mechanism has two U-shaped channels, a sliding ratchet pawl channel and a fixed ratchet pawl channel, each containing a row of ratchet pawls. Each sliding ratchet pawl channel pushes the ratchet pawls against the back of the case group, driving the group towards the removal position. Individual sensing valves determine when the lead case is in the removal position and control each sliding ratchet pawl channel independently. Each fixed ratchet pawl channel holds the ratchet pawls in position, supporting the case group during resetting of the sliding ratchet pawl channel. To reload, cases are simply inserted, preferably in bundles, behind the existing case group.

Abstract: A lumber unscrambler and conveyor having first and second rigid units mounted at an incline on a support structure. Each unit has a plurality of spaced apart parallel plates in series along the incline and parallel thereto. The plates on the respective first and second units are interleaved in alternate relation. The plates have an upper article supporting surface and a leading edge generally transverse to the incline. The leading edge of plates proximate the in-feed end are of greater depth than those further along the path toward the out-feed end. The units are supported on the support structure to move relative thereto and one another. The units are driven in synchronized out of phase relation reciprocating along the inclined path. A hopper at the in-feed end receives and holds a supply of lumber pieces of selected dimension and as the plates reciprocate they move pieces of the lumber from the hopper to the out-feed end discharging normally only a single stick one after another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for conveying bulk material, particularly, cement clinker (2), in a cement cooler (3). The invention device is essentially comprised of a number of grate bars (5) arranged one behind the other, which can be moved forward and backward by means of a common drive (7). The grate bars (5) each have a formation (11) through which, in a forward travel position (10), a cavity (14) is produced between the formation (11) and a protective layer (6). During return travel, the grate bar (5) can be retracted into said cavity (14) without an appreciable amount of bulk material (2) being conveyed counter to the direction of conveyance (9).

Abstract: A device for transferring articles from between two spaced locations, the device has at least two groups of inclined platforms, each platform having an upper article-receiving surface and a leading edge region, wherein each article-receiving surface of the first group is overlapped by a platform of the second group. The device is being operable to reciprocate each of the first group of platforms relative to a corresponding second platform between two positions, wherein the leading edge region of each of the first group of platforms is aligned with a corresponding leading edge region of a platform of the second group.

Abstract: The sealless slat-type reciprocating conveyor of this invention includes on one side edge of each slat an upwardly extending inverted U-shape portion and on the opposite side edge an upwardly extending substantially straight flange portion configured for reception within the inverted U-shape portion of the adjacent slat to provide a passageway that extends upwardly from adjacent the load-supporting surface of the adjacent slat, thence around the upper end of the flange and downward to the space between adjacent slats.

Abstract: An interlocking transfer system includes a workstation having four or more sides, each of which is positioned at 90° angles from the next adjacent side. A cam lift assembly is provided on each of the sides and a means for moving the pallets horizontally. The cam lift assembly is actuated by a reciprocating cylinder which operates to lift and lower the pallets. While pallets are lifted, they are also advanced horizontally using either an external reciprocating cylinder, a motor or by hand. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention provides high efficiency and low transfer rate. It also eliminates the need for lift and locate devices, transfer space due to traffic control, and end-to-end cross transfers. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention also provides for interchangeable fixtures.

Abstract: A moving slat conveyor in which the slats are reciprocally mounted on cross beams and wherein the slats are provided with depressed areas above the respective beams so that the slats fall and rise during their reciprocal movement. All of the slats are moved in unison to carry the goods thereon to an advanced position and in sequence groups of slats are retuned to their home position. During the return the slats lower whereby their upper surface is below the plane of the remaining slats that are supporting the goods.

Abstract: Log singulating apparatus comprises two sets of interleaved support surfaces which reciprocate in the feed direction. Successive support surfaces are vertically overlapped and laterally offset and the two sets of support surfaces reciprocate out of phase by 180 degrees in relation to one another. Logs are promoted in the feed direction by abutment surfaces associated with each support surface. At the extremes of stroke of the sets of support surfaces, the abutment surfaces of overlapping support surfaces substantially align themselves to allow transfer of the log from one abutment surface to the next. This arrangement applies to each pair of overlapping support surfaces to ensure rapid promotion of the log toward the outfeed.

Abstract: A walking beam conveyor for a continuous furnace (7) for heating aluminium bars (4) with walking beams and fixed beams (1, 2) is described, which support bar supports (3) which can be restrictively pivoted transversely to the beams (1, 2). In order to create advantageous structural conditions, it is proposed that the bar supports (3) have support members (10) for the aluminium bars (4) which can be inserted into recesses (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stepwise conveying of massive objects, comprising a fixed series of laying stations (3) spaced by a constant pitch and a mobile series of recovery stations (2) spaced by the same pitch and arranged on a supporting beam (1) that is movable vertically and longitudinally.

Abstract: A dry shuffle feed apparatus is provided for use with produce for feeding produce in a predetermined timing pattern to processing equipment. One or more shuffle conveyors, each having multiple flights, are provided having an infeed chute and return chute. Produce enters the infeed chute and is fed onto the conveyor, the infeed chute having a multi-angulated surface to prevent bridging of the produce. A return chute extends upwardly alongside the conveyor from the infeed chute and returns excess produce to the infeed chute. The flights on each shuffle conveyor become narrower nearer the output end of the conveyor and overfed produce falls off the conveyor onto the return chute.

Abstract: Method for distributing material over the width of a conveying grate. In order to induce the material to flow off from a width section (6, 11) onto a second width section (7, 8), the first width section is operated at a lower speed of advance than the second (7, 8). In addition, braking or a smaller conveying length can be provided in the first width section (6, 11), as compared with the second (7, 8). The invention also relates to a push grate for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel shuttle which can be used, for example, for moving reaction vessels to or from an assay resource station in an automated chemical analyzer. The vessel shuttle has a plurality of movable plates including first and second vessel carrying plates adapted to move cooperatively with respect to one another to advance a vessel stepwise along a linear path without net motion of the first and second vessel carrying plates as the vessel is advanced one step. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second vessel carrying plates each comprise a plurality of fingers defining recesses for receiving vessels and the first vessel carrying plate is adapted to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vessels' linear path and the second vessel carrying plate is adapted to move rectilinearly both generally parallel to and generally perpendicular to that linear path.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for moving and thermally conditioning generally cylindrical containers in which the structure provides for movement of the containers about their axes and provides for a predetermined heat flow relative to the containers to change the temperature of the containers by a predetermined amount. The apparatus may be used for cooling of hot containers or for both heating the containers for sterilization and then subsequent cooling, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an operating system for moving a feed apparatus of elongated pieces of timber, particularly logs, into a transversal feed apparatus, for moving reciprocatingly the feed apparatus, the feed apparatus being arranged to feed pieces of timber piece by piece from a reception point (7) to a discharge point (8) and the feed apparatus having a step-like configuration and the feed apparatus comprising a reception step member (1), which is movable reciprocatingly between the initial position thereof, in which the upper surface part (9) of the reception step member is substantially on the level of the reception point (7), and the discharge position, and a discharge step member (4), which is movable back and forth between the discharge position thereof, in which the upper surface part (15) of the discharge step member is substantially on the level of said discharge point, and the reception position thereof, and possibly one of more additional step members (2, 3).

Abstract: An automatic pellet feeding apparatus and method for delivering plastic pellets to a plastic molding machine for encapsulating semiconductor chips stores a plurality of plastic pellets for ultimate delivery to the plastic molding machine. A stair like structure is provided for vertically moving the plastic pellets from a plastic pellet storage location to a conveyor which moves the plastic pellets to the plastic molding machine. The stair like structure has an arrangement of members which alternates between a movable member and a stationary member. The movable members are all moved up and down together, and when the movable members are down, plastic pellets may be loaded thereon from either the storage location or from an adjacent stationary member. Alternatively, when the movable members are up, plastic pellets may be off-loaded therefrom to either an adjacent stationary member or to the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel shuttle which can be used, for example, for moving reaction vessels to or from an assay resource station in an automated chemical analyzer. The vessel shuttle has a plurality of movable plates including first and second vessel carrying plates adapted to move cooperatively with respect to one another to advance a vessel stepwise along a linear path without net motion of the first and second vessel carrying plates as the vessel is advanced one step. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second vessel carrying plates each comprise a plurality of fingers defining recesses for receiving vessels and the first vessel carrying plate is adapted to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vessels' linear path and the second vessel carrying plate is adapted to move rectilinearly both generally parallel to and generally perpendicular to that linear path.

Abstract: For the detachable fastening of the grate bars (4) of a grate for refuse incineration plants, the edge bars of the fixed bar rows (3), which are composed of grate bars arranged side by side and coupled in pairs in each case by a bolt (12) fastened on one grate bar (4) and at the neighboring grate bar projecting through a longitudinal slot (14), are in the form of fastened grate bars (4') and are fastened relative to the side wall by a swivelling prevention fastening, which with a bolt (12') corresponds to the coupling between neighboring grate bars and at the same time can be in the form of a longitudinal fastening and has clamping means which are releasable from the region situated outside a side cheek (2) and which subject the bolt (12') to a pull directed towards the side wall, or else by a correspondingly releasable swivelling prevention and longitudinal fastening.

Abstract: A elevating conveyor for capsules includes two pairs of alternately reciprocating plates driven by respective pitman arms from a centerless pulley. The plates are inclined from the vertical, so that small articles roll onto the top surface of each plate as it becomes even with that of the preceding plate.

Abstract: A step conveyor for fresh boxless sand moulds includes at least two sets of interdigitating parallel bars adapted to support and move the sand moulds. The top of each bar is covered or coated by a layer of a material with a considerably lower thermal conductivity than that of steel. In a specific embodiment, a top rail is secured to a base member by screws, and this top rail is made of a suitable synthetic resin, such as low-pressure polyethylene with ultra-high molecular weight. With this arrangement, the tendency for moisture from the fresh sand moulds to condense on the conveyor bars is considerably reduced or eliminated, thus reducing or eliminating the tendency for sand from the moulds to adhere to the conveyor bars.

Abstract: A continuous operation apparatus for fermenting dough products disposed on carriers which are conveyed stepwise through a fermenting chamber by vertical and horizontal conveyors. In order to obtain maximum space utilization and product density in the fermenting chamber with vibration-free and shock-fee transfer of the carriers, a vertical transport system is provided in which several vertical pairs of columns are employed to support the carriers at successive vertically spaced levels or stages and to stepwise transport the carriers vertically. One of the columns of each pair is rotatable while the other of the columns is rotatable and vertically displaceable. The pairs of columns are provided at each stage with horizontal projections for the support of the carriers. The carriers are transported stepwise by the vertically displaceable columns and successively transferred onto the rotatable columns.

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices for receiving a plurality of elongated workpieces, devices for automatically raising the workpieces, devices for forming a single layer of a predetermined number of workpieces, devices for controlling the height and width of a stack, devices for assembling layers of workpieces into a stack of predetermined height and width, and devices for supporting and positioning the stack during formation. The self-contained machine of this invention is designed for producing a stack of elongate, stackable workpieces. The machine comprises devices for receiving the elongate, stackable workpieces and for conveying the workpieces in a generally vertical upward direction to an elevated point above the surface on which the stacking machine is supported. Vertical conveyance of the work pieces requires the use of a minimum lateral space for conducting that operation as opposed to armtype hoisting stackers in which the arm is extended and takes up a significant amount of lateral space.

Abstract: A grate for a fuel boiler, consisting of plates arranged stepwise or in a cascading fashion, with at least two fixed plates and a movable plate disposed between the two fixed plates. The movable plate is capable of reciprocating to and fro and is provided with an appropriate drive. Combustion air passes through the interspace between the movable and fixed plates and allows for controlled and complete combustion of the fuel. The fixed plates are fastened to a common first holder and the movable plates are fastened to a common second holder. The fastening of each plate to its individual holder is vertically-adjustable. Preferably, the air utilized for combustion of the fuel is only that which has passed through, and preferably been drawn through, the interspace between the movable and fixed plates.

Abstract: The grate comprises, within its length, two consecutive beds (41, 42) with substantially the same general slope joined together at a point in substantial vertical alignment with the altar wall (7), each bed having its own mobile frame (45d, 46d) with its own control means (45, 46) and its own draft chamber (43, 44) with its own ventilation means. It is therefore possible to adjust the combustion conditions so as to optimize the carbonization mode combustion on the upstream bed (41) and the brasier mode combustion on the downstream bed (42).

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting annular disks is disclosed in which a pair of jaws provide either a radial or an inside grip on the disks. The disks are stored on a cantilever and moved along the beam by an additional walking beam.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for supplying components for insertion into a printed circuit board, which apparatus comprises a component dispenser, the component dispenser having first and second substantially parallel elongate support elements for supporting components at locations spaced-apart along the lengths thereof and structure for allowing relative movement of the first and second support elements both transversely of and parallel to the length of the first support element so that, in use of the apparatus, relative movement of the first and second support elements of the dispenser causes components supported by one of the support elements to be transferred to the other support element and then returned to the one support element at positions which are advanced along the one support element from the previous positions thereof whereby the components may be supplied one by one from the dispenser.

Abstract: A shuffle feed apparatus for removing slivers and comprising first and second shuffle feed members (26, 27) supported respectively between frame members (31, 32) for oscillatory motion to advance articles in rows. To adjust the size of slivers that are removed from the article mainstream, the feed members (26) are adjustable in thickness to allow the spacing between adjacent feed members to be varied. Each feed member (26) comprises a pivotally connected outer shell member (45) and inner shell member (46). The inner shell members are connected by a rail (50) attached to a lever (55) for adjusting the relative positions of the inner and outer shell members to vary the thickness of the feed members (26).

Abstract: A helical conveyor system comprising two groups of bar-shaped support elements are attached to two mounting means in the heat treatment chamber of a furnace. The mounting means and the associated support elements are mobile relative to each other both in the vertical direction and in the direction of the circumference of the conveyor system for moving the work pieces along the conveyor system. The design, assembly and operation of the conveyor system and the mode of conveyor system operation are simplified by the provision of a vertical support shaft penetrating the furnace roof for the first mounting means. The support shaft holds at least one sleeve firmly connected with the second mounting means allowing the support shaft and the sleeve to be rotated relative to each other around and to be moved relative to each other along a central axis, the shaft and the sleeve guiding each other.

Abstract: A preform transfer mechanism for transferring preforms from an oven to a mold station includes a support frame, a slide block mounted on the support frame and an elongated transfer bar fixed to the slide block. At least two sets of jaw assemblies are positioned on the transfer bar. A jaw actuating rod engages the jaw assemblies to open and close them. An overtravel plunger carried by the rod permits independent closing of each jaw assembly to accommodate different diameter preforms. A set of preform locators or baskets are mounted on the support frame for receipt of heated preforms from the oven.

Abstract: A conveyor with reciprocating flights elevates tapered articles to an elevated discharge point. Conveyor flights have powered elements thereon to move articles lengthwise of the flight into endwise abutment with a flight mounted stop. The conveyor has discharge flights delivering singular articles to cooperating oscillating and pinch plate components which serve to detain the larger end of the article to tip same for subsequent endwise contact of an article end with a transversely running belt surface which contributes to article small end first orientation. A reciprocating surface serves to position the articles in mutual alignment for subsequent simultaneous delivery of the articles to a conveyor for further article processing.

Abstract: A conveyor in a plastic working machine, wherein lower dies and upper dies for plastic working of a work in collaboration are disposed on a plurality of working stations, respectively, the stations being set at intervals along the direction in which the work is conveyed, arms each having a handling mechanism for holding the work are provided on transfer bars disposed sideway of the working stations for conveying the work in sequence among the working stations, the transfer bars are provided on both sides of each working station, the arms are bridged between both the transfer bars with both the ends borne on both the transfer bars movably back and forth in the conveying direction or fixed to both the transfer bars.

Abstract: A grate plate and a combination of a grate plate and support apparatus for a reciprocating grate type material transport apparatus. The support apparatus includes spaced apart forward posts having an interconnecting transverse bar and spaced apart rearward posts having an interconnecting transverse bar. The grates include a transverse lower rib with a protrusion which permits the grate to be secured to the forward posts. The grate includes downwardly extending wings along each side. The rear end of each wing includes a detent that cooperate with the bar interconnecting the rear posts. Protrusions in the midsection of the grate rest on the forward posts. Each grate is thus supported at four points.

Abstract: A pipe transporting machine is provided to move discrete lengths of pipe across the machine in incremental steps. A spaced pair of first and second indexing members are simultaneously reciprocal between a lower position and an upper position to alternately transversely move and then stop each length of pipe. Pluralities of kicker assemblies are spaced along each of the first and second indexing members to alternately traverse and stop each length of pipe upon each vertical reciprocation of the indexing members. First and second lock bars are simultaneously engageable with and disengageable from the kicker assemblies to permit simultaneous and uniform height adjustment of the pluralities of kicker assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the first indexing member is longitudinally movable relative to the second indexing member.

Abstract: An inclined furnace grate for an industrial furnace or incinerator with transverse grate beams supporting a downwardly stepped succession of banks of stationary and reciprocating grate bars, the grate beams having arranged in their supporting surfaces removable bearing pads of abrasion-resistant, alloyed cast iron for the sliding support and lateral positioning of the reciprocating grate bars, thereby protecting the softer cast iron grate beams against sliding wear and abrasion. The removable bearing pads are received inside shallow recessed seats and retained in place by the adjacent stationary grate bars.

Abstract: A freezing apparatus is disclosed wherein a first and a second endless belt conveyor are disposed substantially horizontally put one upon another with a predetermined gap being left between the confronting runs of the conveyors, the conveyor belts being adapted to be separately cooled at their rear surfaces by means of cooled brine, and adapted so that products-to-be-frozen can be supplied into the gap from one end with their upper and lower surfaces being kept in contact with the exterior surfaces of the confronting runs of the moving belts to be conveyed towards the other end of the gap, whereby the products are quickly frozen by simultaneous cooling of their upper and lower surfaces. In this case, at least one of the belt conveyors is preferably composed of a flexible belt conveyor made of e.g. a thin rubber sheet.

Abstract: A grate for use in industrial furnaces wherein rows of elongated grate bars partially overlap each other and the grate bars of each row include neighboring stationary and longitudinally movable grate bars. The undersides of the marginal zones of neighboring grate bars are undulate by exhibiting alternating teeth and tooth spaces which ensures rapid expulsion of solid particles which happen to penetrate between the lateral surfaces of neighboring grate bars when the movable grate bars reciprocate relative to the adjacent grate bars. The flanks of teeth at the undersides of the marginal zones make with the upper sides of the respective grate bars acute angles of between 20 and 50 degrees, and the thickness of each marginal zone above the deepmost portion of a tooth space is a small fraction of the thickness of the marginal zone above the top land of a tooth.

Abstract: A work transfer device for vertically transferring workpieces by means of a vertically disposed transfer bar. The transfer bar executes a motion which is somewhat in the shape of an hourglass for transferring articles one station at a time between vertically spaced stations. The articles may be transferred either upwardly or downwardly by simply reversing the direction of the drive. The drive for the transfer bar comprises a mechanism including cams and linkages for developing the hourglass type motion.

Abstract: A fire grate for a combustion furnace having a pair of parallel spaced apart frame walls and a plurality of alternately arranged stationary and movable grate bars extending between and secured to the frame walls. The grate bars are formed of a plurality of grate members wherein at least two neighboring grate members are connected together by means of a removably secured clamping element.

Abstract: An inertial conveyor has at least one transporting surface or section slidably arranged on rails with the rear end of the section sliding over an immovable rest, shifting means, preferably an adjustable spring, which permits the section to shift toward the rest and drive means for delivering lateral driving impulses of acceleration in one direction with an acceleration which is more than the acceleration of the friction force of any material on the surface to the section. The shifting means in between the driving impulses delivering lateral movement to the section in the opposite direction with less acceleration than that of material thus causing a non-harmonic movement so that the friction force will be overcome and material on the surface will move toward the immovable rest. In a preferred embodiment the inertial conveyor includes a plurality of sections and is part of a grate stoker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push grid comprising grid panels which overlap one another and which are alternately fixed and reciprocable longitudinally of the push grid; grid panel supports provided with a slot-like opening for holding the grid panels; tie members which project through the slot-like opening in the grid panel supports and which, at one end, engage in the associated grid panel; and spring elements arranged between the other end of the tie members and a web of the grid panel supports accommodating the slot-like opening for biassing the connection between the grid panels and the grid panel supports.