Abstract: Conveyor arrangement including a first conveying section having first rollers, a second conveying section having second rollers, the second conveying section being arranged adjacent to the first conveying section, so that an object can be transferred between the conveying section by rolling along the first and second rollers, a mobile drive movable along different positions along the first conveying section and adapted to temporarily provide a drive power to a selected first roller depending on the position of the movable drive; wherein the movable drive is prevented to get into the second conveying section, characterized in that the conveying arrangement comprises a drive line for providing a drive power at least indirectly from the movable drive to the second rollers when the movable drive is located at a, in particular first end position, in the first conveying section adjacent to the second conveying section.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for an improved accumulation conveyor and systems and methods for controlling a high rate, high density tunable accumulation conveyor. In one embodiment, an accumulation conveyor system determines whether an item detection variable associated with a second zone of a plurality of zones is satisfied, wherein the second zone is downstream of a first zone. In an instance where the item detection variable and an operational characteristic variable are satisfied, the accumulation conveyor system is configured to set a zone operating state associated with the first zone to inactive and send a command signal comprising the zone operating state associated with the first zone to a control module associated with the first zone. In another embodiment, a method for adjusting aggressiveness is disclosed. In another embodiment, a tunable release rate accumulation conveyor is disclosed. In still another embodiment, a tunable crowding accumulation conveyor is disclosed.

Abstract: A sorting module including two groups of transportation rollers, the two groups of transportation rollers include at least one group of irregular rollers, the other group of transportation rollers are regular rollers or irregular rollers, each group of transportation rollers include at least one row of transportation rollers, each row of transportation rollers include at least one transportation roller; the rotation center lines of each row of transportation rollers are on one straight line, and the rotation center lines of the two groups of transportation rollers are generally perpendicular to each other. A conveying device including the sorting module is simple in structure and low cost.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

Abstract: A belt moving unit includes an endless belt member and plural support rolls supporting the belt member movably and rotating, wherein the support rolls include one or more follower rolls rotating to follow the movement of the belt member and at least one of the follower rolls is used as an inertial roll to which inertia is applied, wherein the inertial roll includes a rotation shaft, a rotational inertial member rotating with the rotation shaft and applying inertia, and a roll body disposed along a peripheral surface of the rotation shaft and including plural roll-divided members, and wherein the plural roll-divided members include a fixed divided member fixed to the rotation shaft and rotating along with the rotation shaft to follow the movement of the belt member and a rotating divided member rotating independently of the rotation of the rotation shaft.

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor with individually controllable zones may be controlled in a manner which efficiently reduces the gaps between accumulated articles, accomplished by control logic which determines the existence of conditions conducive to reducing the gaps and implements the control logic as appropriate. The accumulation conveyor may be controlled in a coast to stop mode. The accumulation conveyor may be controlled in manner to detect and clear jams.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and program products that are used to control at least a portion of a conveyor, determine information about an article conveyed by the conveyor, or otherwise operate a conveyor are provided. One method includes detecting whether a second conveyor controller is connected to the first conveyor controller and, in response to detecting that there is a second conveyor controller connected to the first conveyor controller, identifying whether the second conveyor controller is connected to a predetermined network interface of the first conveyor controller. The method further includes configuring the first conveyor controller to rotate a motorized roller in a first predetermined direction if a second conveyor controller is connected to the predetermined network interface and configuring the first conveyor controller to rotate the motorized roller in a second predetermined direction if a second conveyor controller is not connected to the predetermined network interface.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a transport member having a conveying surface that is configured to transport articles in a transport direction, an endless strip and a drive for propelling the endless strip. A power tap off is provided between the strip and the transport member. The power tap off has an input that is driven by the strip and an output that drives the transport member. The power tap off provides a positive transfer of power from the strip to the transport member.

Abstract: A power transmission, which transmits a driving force from a driving roller to a driven roller by using a friction roller. The power transmission includes a driving roller, a driven roller spaced apart from the driving roller, and a friction roller to transmit a driving force from the driving roller to the driven roller. The friction roller is disposed above a line connecting between centers of the driving roller and the driven roller. With this construction, the friction roller transmits the driving force in a state of being interposed between the driving rollers and the driven rollers by rotation thereof, thereby allowing the power transmission to have a simplified structure, which does not require a separate pressing spring, and at the same time, to generate a minimum amount of power loss.

Abstract: A rolling conveyor has a frame on which a plurality of feed rollers that define a conveyor surface are rotatably supported, at least some of the feed rollers each have a first drive wheel, which is in rotary drive communication with a second drive wheel, the second drive wheels are located on a rotatable drive shaft with which they are each in rotary drive communication via a respective slip clutch, at least one and preferably all the second drive wheels and the associated slip clutch are combined each into a separate drive assembly that can be installed as a unit, the drive assembly is supported rotatably on the frame, and the drive shaft is received in the drive assembly in a manner fixed against relative rotation and preferably longitudinally displaceably.

Abstract: A slip roller conveyor has a frame comprising a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side plates. Secured to each of the side plates is a plurality of annular rollers with a predetermined pitch distance between adjacent rollers. The annular rollers have tubular sleeves of a lesser diameter projecting outward from a side surface thereof. The tubular sleeves on an opposed pair of annular rollers fit into the lumen of a longer tubular roller with a clearance fit. The annular rollers on each of the side plates are driven by an endless belt that also surrounds a motor-driven nose roller.

Abstract: An outfeed rail is provided. The outfeed rail assembly includes a rail arm and a pivoting abutment including a support arm attached to the rail arm and a pivoting abutment attached to the support arm. A first article is transported via a conveyor until it reaches the outfeed rail assembly. The first article moves along the roller until its momentum is stopped by the pivoting abutment. The first article rests at a stopped position until it is displaced from the stopped position by another article sent down the conveyor.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for moving the drive belt of a roller conveyor system between a first position in which the drive belt engages the rollers to rotate the rollers and a second position spaced from the rollers, the second position permitting conveyed articles to be accumulated on the rollers. The assembly comprises a bracket and at least one pulley having a circumferential groove for seating the drive belt. The pulley is rotatably secured to both the bracket and a first side frame for the conveyor. A guide roller is also secured to the bracket so as to maintain the drive belt seated on the pulley. At least one actuator is provided for our operating on the bracket to move the drive belt between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method for accommodating a greater height variance of articles in a shrink packaging machine includes: transporting on a conveyor into a hot air chamber an article covered in shrink film and engaging the article being transported on the conveyor with a first roller and a subsequent second roller. The article is engaged with the first roller at a first initial vertical height from the conveyor that is less than the initial vertical height of an axis of rotation of the first roller from the conveyor. The article is engaged with the second roller at a second initial vertical height from the conveyor that is less than the initial vertical height of an axis of rotation of the second roller from the conveyor, which in turn is less than the initial vertical height of the axis of rotation of the first roller from the conveyor.

Abstract: A power transmission, which transmits a driving force from a driving roller to a driven roller by using a friction roller. The power transmission includes a driving roller, a driven roller spaced apart from the driving roller, and a friction roller to transmit a driving force from the driving roller to the driven roller. The friction roller is disposed above a line connecting between centers of the driving roller and the driven roller. With this construction, the friction roller transmits the driving force in a state of being interposed between the driving rollers and the driven rollers by rotation thereof, thereby allowing the power transmission to have a simplified structure, which does not require a separate pressing spring, and at the same time, to generate a minimum amount of power loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a shrink packaging machine for accommodating a greater height variance of articles includes: rollers, each roller including a shaft and a cylinder on the shaft for rotation about an axis of the shaft; and a frame including a pair of parallel side members generally extending in a first, horizontal direction and defining slots receiving opposite ends of the shafts for mounting of the rollers there between. Each of the slots has a slot length that extends in horizontal and vertical directions, and the rollers each generally extends in a third direction orthogonal both to the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, each of the rollers is received within a pair of the slots and is vertically and horizontally displaceable and, when each roller is disposed at its respective lowermost position, the axes of the rollers do not all lie within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller arrangement (7) for a stowing roller conveyor, comprising a stationary roller axle (20) arranged in a support frame (4) of the stowing roller conveyor, with a driving roller (9) and a conveying roller (10) adapted to be driven and/or braked, if necessary, being rotationally supported on said roller axle; as well as a clutch system (12) arranged between said driving and conveying rollers and comprising clutch components (14, 15) adjustable in relation to one another via a setting device (13), whereby at least one of the clutch components (14, 15) is axially adjustably arranged on the roller axle (20) and adjustable against at least one spring element (36), from a switching position in which it is engaged, into a switching position in which it is disengaged, and whereby the first clutch component (14) is drive-connected with the conveying roller (10), and the other clutch component (15) with the driving roller (9).

Abstract: A cargo power drive unit includes a motor and at least one driver roller element coupled to the motor. The power drive unit further includes a light transmitter for emitting light and a light receiver for measuring light. The power drive unit measures an amount of ambient light and then measures an amount of total light after the light transmitter emits light. The power drive unit then determines whether a cargo container is present based on a calculation of reflected light and the measurement of ambient light.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys objects. The conveyor includes a plurality of sections, a first control panel, and a second control panel. The plurality of sections define the structure of the conveyor. Each of the plurality of sections has components for controlling the mechanical operation of each section. The controller controls and powers the conveyor. The first control panel provides control and power to a first group of four of the plurality of sections. The first control panel provides power to the components of the first group. The second control panel provides control and power to a second group of four of the plurality of sections. The second control panel provides power to the components of the second group. The modular interconnectivity components interconnect the controller, the first control panel, the second control panel, the first group, and the second group. The controller provide control and power to the first control panel and the second control panel.

Abstract: A conveyor roller or pulley includes an axle portion mountable to opposite sidewalls of a conveyor and a roller portion rotatable relative to said axle portion. The roller includes a braking device positioned at least partially within said roller portion and selectively operable to restrict rotation of said roller portion relative to said axle portion. The braking device may be biased to restrict rotation, such that the braking device restricts rotation when an actuator of the braking device is deactivated, and allows substantially unrestricted rotation when the actuator is activated. The actuator may be activated when a drive motor of the conveyor is activated to drive one of the rollers of the conveyor, and may be deactivated when the drive motor is deactivated. The conveyor may comprise a roller conveyor or a belted conveyor.

Abstract: A wet chip pick-up assembly includes a slotted rotary drum. A comb member is seated for movement in each of the drum slots. A friction drive assembly frictionally engages the drum causing the drum to rotate which, in turn, causes the comb members to rotate.

Abstract: The conveyor apparatus disclosed herein is generally formed of a first rail and a second rail, each rail having a plurality of rollers. A portion of the rollers are desirably drive rollers, receiving power from an integral motor assembly. The motor generally comprises a stator that is coupled to the rail and an outer roller assembly rotatably coupled to the rail. The roller assembly includes an outer circumferential magnetized portion positioned in surrounding engagement to the motor stator and functions both as the motor rotor and the conveying surface of the roller. Non-slip roller covering material may be attached to the exterior of the roller assembly. A circuit board having logic controls is preferably in communication with at least one sensor and the motor rotor to regulate rotation of the motor rotor during use of the conveyor.

Abstract: A roller conveyor which includes idler rollers which are drivable in a driving direction in response to rotational driving of a drive portion of the rollers, and which are freely rotatable in the driving direction relative to the drive portions of the rollers, in order to allow for coasting of articles or products on the roller conveyor. The rollers include one-way clutch devices which may drive the rollers in the driving direction in response to activation or engagement of a drive means to convey products along the conveyor. The clutch devices also allow the rollers to continue to rotate in the driving direction after the driving means has been deactivated or disengaged from the rollers. The roller conveyor thus may convey articles along multiple zones of the conveyor and may accumulate articles on the zones, such as in response to article sensors positioned along the roller conveyor.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) is composed of several conveying modules (2) each having a controller (40) for control of a motorized roller (6) having a motor (16) incorporated in it. A motor-controlling section (45) installed in the controller (40) operates to sense an article being transported on and along the module (2). An article-state detector (48) included in the motor-controlling section (45) compares the actual number (Pr) of signal pulses indicating the number of rotations of the motor (16) with a standard number (P) of such pulses, when judging whether the article is or is not on the module, without aid of any conventional and discrete prior art sensors.

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor system for supporting and moving a plurality of objects. The conveyor system is divided into a plurality of zones wherein each zone includes a top and bottom conveying surface and wherein a space is defined between the top and bottom surfaces. Each zone also includes its own motor positioned external to the space between the conveying surfaces and coupled to the conveying surfaces via a non-slip connection. A control system is connected to the motor and controls the power to the motor so that the conveying surfaces in each zone can be moved independently. Whenever a sensor detects an empty downstream zone, it signals the control system of the upstream zone to power the motor and move the object to fill the empty zone. The control system may also be configured to allow a soft start wherein motor speed is increased gradually.

Abstract: An idler system for conveyors, the system providing an idler which is released or propelled downwardly away from the conveyor belt, when a pre-determined condition is present, such as the tripping of an idler guard or the presence of a pre-determined amount of pressure on the idler. The idler itself may be releasably attached to a conveyor framework, or it may be provided with an idler bracket which is partially or wholly released with the idler.

Abstract: A transport conveyor for workpieces, pallets, or workpiece carriers which includes a drive transmission that includes a traction coupling that interrupts the transfer of torque and driving force to the conveyor rollers, belt or the like upon an interruption in the movement of the workpieces, pallets or workpiece carriers on the conveyor. The transmission traction device includes contact-free couplings which can be integrated in the rollers or be mounted outside the drive path of the rollers. Because the couplings operate without physical contact, they are free from wear commonly incurred in the drive transmission as an incident to the interruption of workpiece movement.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the maximum torque to rollers mounted on a drive shaft of a drive roller assembly. By using a plurality of slip clutches, each for engaging an individual roller to the drive shaft and setting a maximum torque for the individual rollers, each roller is coupled to the drive shaft when the tangential force exerted on the roller does not exceed the maximum torque, and each roller is mechanically decoupled from the drive shaft when the tangential force exerted on the roller exceeds the maximum torque. Because each roller has a separate slip clutch, each roller can be mechanically decoupled from the drive shaft without affecting the other rollers coupled to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A substantially S-shaped side frame for a roller conveyor has a first duct section defining an exterior opening and a second duct section defining an interior opening. Necessary operating components, such as controllers, and associated wiring may be installed in the first duct section. Roller shaft support brackets are installed across the interior opening with a certain longitudinal pitch. The shafts of a plurality of laterally extending rollers are installed in through holes provided in the brackets to define a conveyor path for transporting articles. The brackets each include opposed slots for mounting to opposed rails for the second duct section. The opposed slots in the brackets include an inwardly tapered portion that allows the brackets to be rotatably inserted between the opposed rails. Each bracket may include one or more through holes for stably supporting the roller shafts.

Abstract: A communication master unit of a conveyance controller and communication slave units for a main conveyor, loading conveyors and unloading conveyors are connected by a serial transmission line to transmit and receive different kinds of data signals to and from motorized rollers for conveying items and their corresponding sensors by the packet-switching exchange system. Conveyance control can be executed by transmitting and receiving the different kinds of data signals via reduced number of wirings while connecting the master unit and the slave units corresponding to the respective conveyors by the serial transmission line in a conveyor system.

Abstract: A clutch that adjusts the amount of torque transmitted to a transportation roller in a friction roll line shaft conveyor. The clutch includes a driver bevel gear that rotatably mounts on a line shaft of the conveyor and intermeshes with and drives a driven bevel gear that is fixed to a roller shaft of the conveyor. The driver bevel gear and the driven bevel gear couple drive power from the line shaft to the roller shaft. A compression spring is positioned between the driver bevel gear and a first stop collar. A second stop collar is positioned next to the driver bevel gear and opposite the spring. An annular hub supports the driver bevel gear, the spring and the stop collars and is supportable on and rigidly connectable to the conveyor line shaft.

Abstract: A feed wheel (24) for use in a wood working machine (10) in which the feed wheel is rotated while in driving engagement with a wood piece to drive the wood piece past a wood working element. The feed wheel is preferably driveable in one direction only and is freely rotatable in the direction opposite to that for feeding. The feed wheel is preferably formed of a hub part (40) and a rim part (38) which is separable from the hub part. The rim part includes teeth arranged to extend at a helix angle relative to the axis of the wheel and the teeth are preferably provided with a wear-resistant diamond layer for engaging the wood piece.