Abstract: An energy harvesting roller for a cargo handling system may comprise a shaft and a sleeve located on the shaft. A piezoelectric member may be coupled to the sleeve. A shell may be located radially outward of the piezoelectric member and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. A radially inward surface of the shell may define at least one of a plurality of grooves or a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a sensor device. An elongate sleeve has a first end and a second end and extends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of sensors are fixed relative to the sleeve. A first endcap is coupled to the first end, where the first endcap has an endcap body. A first axle is coupled to the endcap body, where the first axle extends along the longitudinal axis and the first axle defines a retaining feature. An intermediate component is coupled to the first axle, and the intermediate component is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The sensor device has an orientation locking structure that is configured to be engaged to selectively fix the orientation of the intermediate component about the longitudinal axis relative to the endcap body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a housing that encloses a controller configured to control a conveyor system; and an attachment assembly attached to a first side of the housing. The attachment assembly is configured to attach the housing to a side channel of the conveyor system, and the attachment assembly includes an attachment piece, the attachment piece including: a first latch member configured for connection to a first interface on the side channel of the conveyor system; and a second latch member configured for connection to a second interface on the side channel of the conveyor system. When one or more of the first latch member is connected to the first interface and the second latch member is connected to the second interface, the housing is attached to the side channel with a space between the side channel and the first side of the housing.

Abstract: A device for producing strip material, such as a hot strip. The device includes lateral guide elements which are arranged on both sides of the strip material and, in particular, along a roller table having several rollers, and at least one rotating wear body on each side guide element. In order to minimize the wear of guide elements when transporting the strip material over a roller conveyor, a speed control device regulates a rate of speed of the at least one wear element. Further, a position control device is provided for setting an extended position of the at least one wear element. The position control device sends control signals to a positioning drive for extending the at least one wear body to an extended position.

Abstract: A flexible intelligent electrical switching device with multi-function capability, and methods of use are presented herein which provide an autonomous, reconfigurable switching device. The present disclosure is specifically designed to reduce space, cost of manufacture, efficiency, installation reduction time and ease of implementation.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a sensor device. An elongate sleeve has a first end and a second end and extends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of sensors are fixed relative to the sleeve. A first endcap is coupled to the first end, where the first endcap has an endcap body. A first axle is coupled to the endcap body, where the first axle extends along the longitudinal axis and the first axle defines a retaining feature. An intermediate component is coupled to the first axle, and the intermediate component is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The sensor device has an orientation locking structure that is configured to be engaged to selectively fix the orientation of the intermediate component about the longitudinal axis relative to the endcap body.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein generally relate to techniques for conveying articles on a conveyor system of a robotic carton unloader in a material handling environment. In accordance with an embodiment, the robotic carton unloader includes angled center guides for conveying and guiding one or more articles on one or more individually actuatable zones of the center conveyor. In this aspect, one or more zones may be actuated selectively to move rollers-driven belts of respective zones, in either of an upstream direction or a downstream direction, to separate and convey cartons on the center conveyor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.

Abstract: A system (10) for forming glass sheets includes a glass location sensing assembly (80) having a fluid switch (82) that is actuated by a roller conveyed glass sheet (G) to control operation of transfer apparatus (69) that transfers the glass sheet from the roller conveyor (22) to a forming mold (48) at a design position for forming. A frame of the sensing assembly (80) supports a carriage (124) on which the fluid switch (82) is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the direction of conveyance of the glass sheet (G) so as to sense its leading extremity. A lateral positioner (130) adjusts the lateral position of the carriage (124) and the fluid switch (82) mounted on the carriage.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and program products for controlling a conveyor. One embodiment of the method includes operating a motorized roller of the conveyor to rotate in a first direction corresponding to a direction of travel, and in response to detecting that a jam has occurred, operating the motorized roller to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. Another embodiment of the method includes sending a message to a second controller controlling a downstream conveyor requesting data to determine whether the downstream conveyor is occupied by an article. In response to determining the downstream conveyor is not occupied by the article, operating a motorized roller of an upstream conveyor to convey an incoming article at a target speed, and in response to determining the downstream conveyor is occupied by the article, operating the motorized roller to convey the incoming article at an adjusted target speed slower than the target speed.

Abstract: The application relates to freight loading systems for transporting freight items. Corresponding freight loading system comprises a freight deck having a plurality of freight handling devices, a control device which is communicatively connected to the freight handling devices in order to handle at least one freight item on the freight deck, and a remote control, which is communicatively connected to the control device in order to output control signals to the control device. The control device is intended to comprise a position determination unit for determining a remote control position on the freight deck and/or the orientation of the remote control, wherein the control unit is designed to select a number of freight handling devices and drive same depending on the control signals received and the remote control position and/or orientation of the remote control. This allows easier control of the freight items on the freight deck.

Abstract: An article storage device for storing a plurality of pallets and having a plurality of storage compartments includes a conveyor for conveying the pallets, the conveyor being divided into a plurality of control zones corresponding to the respective storage compartments and having controllers in the respective zones. At least the controllers in the zones between the both end control zones each have a motor functioning also as an arrival detector, a RAM, and a communication circuit, the motor being for detecting a pallet being entering the home control zone, the RAM being for memorizing information indicating whether a pallet exists in the home control zone, and the communication circuit being for transmitting the information to the controller in the downstream zone. The controllers each contain a program to move up the pallet to the downstream zone so as to store the pallet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection device (2) intended to be positioned in a conveyor (1) which comprises conveying rollers (100) arranged between two lateral uprights (10, 11) to convey goods in a conveying direction (D), the device comprising: an elongate support extending over its length along a longitudinal axis (X), said support supporting a number of detectors (40) distributed along its longitudinal axis (X) to detect the goods borne by the conveyor (1), said support being intended to be positioned between two conveying rollers (100), fixed between the two lateral uprights (10, 11) of the conveyor (1), transversally relative to the conveying direction (D).

Abstract: A fault diagnosis method for a roller conveyor including rollers, brushless motors, and zone controllers for controlling the brushless motors, the brushless motors and/or the rollers each having a rotation detector, the zone controllers each having a driver containing a logic circuit, a memory, which contains a program, and a micro computer is proposed. The program includes a fault diagnosis program and a criterial parameter. The zone controllers each obtain an operating parameter of the brushless motors and/or the rollers so as to perform comparison of the operating parameter with the criterial parameter and determine a failure of the roller conveyor in a case where a result of the comparison is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: In a computer-controlled conveying system (3), virtual markers (K1-K10) are generated and are stored in association with a conveying element (31, 32, 33, 34). The virtual markers (K1-K10) each comprise a marker position which is based on the current position of the conveying element (31, 32, 33, 34) at the time of generation. A search is carried out for stored virtual markers (K1, K5, K6, K9) which have a relative position with respect to the associated conveying element (31, 32, 33, 34) that lies within a defined sector (T1, T2, T3) at the search time. Actuators of the conveying system (3) are driven depending on whether virtual markers (K1, K5, K6, K9) were found in the defined sector (T1, T2, T3) during searching. The virtual markers (K1-K10) may be applied to the conveying elements (31, 32, 33, 34) with dynamically changing distances, for example, and make it possible to drive actuators in a flexible manner independently of a fixedly defined clock rate.

Abstract: The disclosure describes zoned conveyor systems that provide singulated package release control based on a defined displacement distance using motor revolution data of a downstream conveyor zone.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying loads along a conveying direction includes a frame (3) arranged in the conveying direction, a plurality of rollers (2) mounted in the frame (3) rotatable in the conveying direction (C), a trigger pedal (11) movable between an active position and a triggered position, a separator stop (12), and a coupling (13) between the trigger pedal (11) and the separator stop (12) for transmitting a movement applied to the trigger pedal (11) to the separator stop (12). The trigger pedal (11) is one-sided tiltable out of a substantially parallel to the rollers (2) arranged position.

Abstract: A positioning conveyor including an input section and a receiving section. The input and receiving sections define a conveyor line along which piece goods can be transported. The input section includes a length measuring device for measuring a length of a piece good which is to be received from a load-handling device of a storage and retrieval device and which is to be delivered to a rack. The receiving section includes a location-detector pair that defines a receiving location on the positioning conveyor and includes a first location detector and a second location detector. The detectors are spaced apart such that a conveying velocity of the conveyor line, after the upstream detector has detected a leading edge of the piece good, can be reduced so that the piece good, as soon as the leading edge is detected by a downstream detector, is immediately stopped at the downstream detector.

Abstract: A conveying system may include a frame that supports a plurality of rollers which carry articles thereon. At least one of the rollers may be a motorized roller with first and second motors adapted to rotate an outer cylindrical shell of the motorized roller. A controller external to the motorized roller may send speed control commands to the motorized roller to control both the first and second motors in a manner that increases torque of the motorized roller. The motors may be controlled in four quadrant mode, or two quadrant mode, or a combination thereof. The motorized roller may be used in a right angle transfer mechanism, or in other components of a conveying system.

Abstract: A motorized drive roller conveyor includes an upstream zone and a downstream zone, with each zone having a drive roller, an idler roller that is driven by the drive roller, and a sensor. The upstream zone and the downstream zone are controlled by a card, which measures a gap between a first item on the conveyor and a second item on the conveyor by beginning a counter when a trailing edge of the first item passes the sensor of the upstream zone and stopping the counter when a leading edge of the second item passes the sensor of the upstream zone to generate a counter value. If the first item is stopped in the downstream zone, the card of the upstream zone causes the drive roller of the upstream zone to advance the second item into the downstream zone for a distance derived from the counter value before stopping the transportation of the second item.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transport of containers, wherein at least one container is driven along on rotating drive units (12) on a transport system, the transport system being built over a long distance such that remote delivery of containers may at least be achieved on a regional scale and a transport system for transporting containers comprising a rectangular frame (1,3), several rotatable drive units (12), fixed to the frame (1,3) perpendicular to the frame (1,3) and parallel to each other, each comprising at least one drive wheel (10) on which a container can be supported and driven, wherein the transport device runs over a long distance such that the remote delivery of containers may at least be achieved on a regional scale.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus which can ensure good-accuracy coincidence between a conveyed material and a tracked position thereof, even when slip occurs in the conveyed material moving across conveyance tables. A sensor is located at a boundary position of a conveyance table, of conveyance tables arranged adjacent to each other, to detect the presence or absence of a conveyed material. Head and tail end tracking data of the conveyed material is generated, and positions of head and tail ends are calculated using conveyance speed of a selected conveyance table as a speed standard. Then, occurrence or nonoccurrence of slip of the conveyed material is determined from the detection signal of the sensor and the positions of head and tail ends. When slip has occurred, head and tail end tracking data generation is stopped. Head and tail end tracking data generation is restarted considering a time delay due to removal of chattering from the detection signal.

Abstract: A drive roller controller for accumulating conveyor system has a casing and a circuit board. The casing has a front face, two opposite sides and multiple openings respectively defined on opposite sides. The circuit board is mounted inside the casing and has at least a processor, a first and second communicating ports and an input device. The first and second communicating ports are respectively mounted inside openings on the opposite sides of the casing, so a wire is connected between the first and second communicating ports on opposite sides of the adjacent two drive roller controllers. Therefore, the wire is not easily protruded outside the accumulating conveyor unit, so the connection of wire and the drive roller controller is not easily disconnected.

Abstract: A drive controller for controlling movement of a plurality of packages by an accumulation conveyor. The drive controller is configured to determine a length of each of the packages and to coordinate driving of a number of zones needed to accommodate the package. For example, a sensor in each of the conveyor zones communicates blockage by the packages to the drive controller. The drive controller determines a sequence of blockage of the sensors in adjacent zones. Blockage of the sensor in an upstream zone before the sensor in a downstream zone indicates an oversized package that extends longer than a zone length of the downstream zone and into the upstream zone. The drive controller is configured to drive the downstream zone and upstream zone simultaneously when detecting the oversized package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller (10?) for a roller conveyor, having an outer cylinder (12?) that is rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft (14?) and which may be driven by a motor (16), the roller (10?) having an optoelectronic sensor system (20?) comprising a light transmitter (22?) and a light receiver (24?). The optoelectronic sensor system (20?) is positioned relative to the outer cylinder (12?) in such a way that a light beam (22a?) emitted by the light transmitter (22?) extends along the exterior of the outer cylinder (12?), essentially parallel to a surface line of the outer cylinder (12?), and the light transmitter (22) is provided inside the outer cylinder (12?), and optical deflection means are provided for guiding the light beam (22a?), emitted by the light transmitter (22?), to the exterior of the outer cylinder (12?).

Abstract: A transfer conveyor which prevents collisions between works to be conveyed when the works to be conveyed or stored are carried on a conveyer track by a work support having a length shorter than the length of works to be conveyed, which permits reverse traveling during maintenance operations and the like. The collision preventing mechanism includes a sensing element which is biased into a contact position where it engages a leading work support on the conveyor track and is deflected, a sensing lever 132, which mounts the sensing element and pivots in accordance with the contacting/deflecting operation of the sensing element, and a stopper lever downstream from the sensing element, which is connected to the sensing element to be displaced into the path of travel of the next trailing work support when the sensing element is in the contacting position, The stopper lever limits the travel of the trailing work support to a predetermined storage conveying interval.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a zone controlled conveyor system including a plurality of zones for control. A zone controlled conveyor system, while conveyance of any article from a zone to a downstream zone is forbidden, (a) starts operation of a driving roller in the zone at a first conveying speed slower than a prescribed standard conveying speed upon detection of a presence of an article from an immediately upstream zone of the zone, (b) operates the driving roller at a second conveying speed slower than the first conveying speed after arrival of the article at a predetermined position in the zone, and (c) halts operation of the driving roller upon detection of a presence of the article in the zone. Thereby, the system enables to stop articles at a target position accurately.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roller for a roller conveyor, in particular for conveying systems or logistics systems. The roller has an integrated capacitive sensor, characterized in that at least one reference sensor is arranged at the side of the roller remote from the conveying side. The integrated capacitive sensor is also characterized in that an evaluation unit is provided, which is made such that a switching signal can be provided from a difference signal between a sensor signal and a reference sensor signal when a sensor signal is conveyed.

Abstract: An article-conveying system and method of conveying articles includes providing a conveying surface and conveying articles with the conveying surface. The conveying surface defines a series of tandem zones, each of the zones including an article sensor and an actuator. Articles are sensed with the article sensor in the respective zone and the portion of the conveying surface at that zone is driven when the corresponding actuator is operated. Inputs are received from the article sensors at the zones and the actuators for the zones are controlled as a function of the inputs. This includes defining objects, each of the objects corresponding to one of said zones. Virtual signals are enabled between the objects. The virtual signals relate to movement of articles along the conveying surface.

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 conveyor system that includes a zoned conveyor surface and a loading sensor. The loading sensor is configured to detect placement of a load into the zone. A loading timer is activated by loading detection by the sensor and while activated, a controller system halts movement of the zone. This stops movement of the zone, facilitating placement of the load in the zone. Also, a sensor blocked signal may be sent to the upstream zone to stop movement of any loads in the upstream zone into the zone while loading. Normal movement in the upstream zone is handled by triggering a travel timer for a predetermined period of time, during which the loading timer is overridden so that the upstream load travels normally downstream.

Abstract: An apparatus moves a plurality of transport media along a path of travel. The plurality of transport media define at least two groups of transport media, where each group of transport media has substantially identical transverse dimensions with respect to one another within one group of transport media, while having substantially different transverse dimensions with respect to another group of transport media. The apparatus includes a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving at least one of the rollers in rotation. At least one transport media is supported on the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the roller by the motor. Each transport media has at least one elongate support member continuously engageable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the transport media moves along the path of travel.

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: An accumulation conveyor system and method of accumulating articles includes providing an accumulation assembly that is adapted to accumulating a plurality of articles into a slug of articles. Slugs of articles are discharged to a transport line which transports the slugs and accumulates the slugs as required. The accumulation assembly is made up of a slug forming section which forms slug portions and discharges slug portions into slugs. The accumulation assembly accumulates articles in zones and reduces gaps between articles in sequence from upstream gaps to downstream gaps.

Abstract: An apparatus moves a plurality of transport media along a path of travel. The plurality of transport media define at least two groups of transport media, where each group of transport media has substantially identical transverse dimensions with respect to one another within one group of transport media, while having substantially different transverse dimensions with respect to another group of transport media. The apparatus includes a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving at least one of the rollers in rotation. At least one transport media is supported on the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the roller by the motor. Each transport media has at least one elongate support member continuously engageable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the transport media moves along the path of travel.

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: 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: A zone controller enabling flexible conveyance according to the use by simple change of setting. An aspect of the invention is a zone controller 10 for a particular zone picked from a plurality of zones for control into which a roller conveyor line 1 is divided and which are arrangeable in a row in the direction of conveyance, being capable of controlling operation of a driving roller 4a for conveyance provided in the particular zone, having a mode-setting means 14 capable of switching between a slug mode and a singulation mode. In the slug mode, operation of the driving roller is controlled so that articles in the zones are conveyed uniformly to downstream, maintaining the order of the articles in the conveying line. In the singulation mode, operation of the driving roller is controlled so that the articles are conveyed separately to downstream with a predetermined number of zones in which no article exists preserved between the zones in which the articles exist.

Abstract: An alternatively configurable roller conveyor module includes left and right frame members rotatably supporting rollers for rotation above roller axes extending along a roller plane. Each frame member includes upper and lower edges and includes roller-mounting apertures extending along a roller-plane axis situated between the upper and lower edges and corresponding to the intersection of the roller plane with the frame member.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a module for controlling two or more zones of an accumulating conveyor system. In one embodiment, the single module includes outputs to provide independent actuation signals to cause movement of two zones of the conveyor. The module includes two sensor inputs to receive article detection signals from two zones. Circuitry controls the actuation signals based upon the detection signals received. According to another aspect, a control module is provided with an input for indicating the speed of the conveyor to be used, such that programmed features of the module can be adjusted according to the speed selected. According to another aspect, a sleep mode of operation is provided wherein multiple downstream zones are awakened upon the detection of an article in an upstream zone.

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: A conveyor system, and method of controlling the conveyor system, includes providing a conveying surface, at least one motor propelling the conveying surface and a plurality of lower-level controllers. At least one of the lower-level controllers adapted to control the at least one motor. An upper-level controller is provided in communication with the plurality of lower-level controllers. The upper-level controller is adapted to send communications to the lower-level controllers for controlling the at least one motor. A communications bus is provided that carries the communications between the upper-level controller and the lower-level controllers. The upper-level controller is adapted to automatically assign each lower-level controller a unique communications address. The unique communications address enables the upper-level controller to send messages over the communications bus to individual ones of the lower-level controllers.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor frame, at least one motor at the frame and a control circuit at the frame. The motor is configured to cause articles placed in at least one location on the conveyor system to be transported when the motor is energized. A first power source is housed within the frame and in electrical communication with the at least one motor. The first power source supplies power to the at least one motor. A second power source is also housed within the frame and in electrical communication with the control circuit. The second power source supplies power to the control circuit. The second power source is electrically isolated from the first power source such that electrical current from the first power source can be shut off without shutting off electrical current from the second power source.

Abstract: A roller, especially for roller conveyors of transport and/or logic systems, includes an integrated sensor system. The roller can be embodied as a passive roller and/or as a drive roller. The roller can also be provided with an integrated drive system and/or integrated information processing units. A positive fit between the roller and a support structure is provided by at least one polygonal profiled section on the end of the roller. Contacts to the lines for the power supply and the data bus are advantageously produced with penetration clips.

Abstract: A conveyor with flexible zone parameter control. A flexible zone conveyor includes a zone address interface coupled to a plurality of motors to configure at least one zone control unit or control zone to control a designated series of motors along a conveyor path to provide a flexible control zone adaptable for different applications. Control parameters for the control zone can be user inputted or automatically defined for flexible operating control.

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 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: One aspect of the present invention relates to a module for controlling two or more zones of an accumulating conveyor system. In one embodiment, the single module includes outputs to provide independent actuation signals to cause movement of two zones of the conveyor. The module includes two sensor inputs to receive article detection signals from two zones. Circuitry controls the actuation signals based upon the detection signals received. According to another aspect, a control module is provided with an input for indicating the speed of the conveyor to be used, such that programmed features of the module can be adjusted according to the speed selected. According to another aspect, a sleep mode of operation is provided wherein multiple downstream zones are awakened upon the detection of an article in an upstream zone.

Abstract: A conveyor with flexible zone parameter control. A flexible zone conveyor includes a zone address interface coupled to at least one zone control unit to configure the at least one zone control unit to control a designated series of motors along a conveyor path to provide a flexible control zone adaptable for different product applications. Control parameters for the control zone can be user defined for flexible operating control.

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.