Abstract: A carrier basket support and stabilizing system having cars configured to travel along a pathway, at least some support groups including three of the cars, and each support group of three of the cars includes a lead, center, and trailing car, and a carrier basket support is connected to the center car. The carrier basket support includes a center plate and a support post connected to the center car and first and second wing plates located on opposite sides of and pivotally connected to the center plate. The lead and trailing cars slidably support the respective wing plates there-against as the cars pivot while moving along the pathway. A carrier basket is pivotally connected to the support post and has rollers configured for rolling contact with the center, first, and/or the second wing plates, depending on an orientation of the carrier basket support.

Abstract: In order to keep the overall length of an insertion feed unit small despite high variability, a vertical paternoster buffer is used as a buffer therein.

Abstract: A hygienic interface structure is provided for installation in a modular conveyor belt of the type assembled from a plurality of substantially identical modular belt links, where the modular belt link has a main body extending in the modular belt link's width direction, and where a plurality of eye parts extend forwards and rearwards from the main body, the eye parts being spaced in the width direction of the modular belt link, such that when two modular conveyor bell links are pushed together, the eye parts on one link will inter-fit between eye parts on the other modular belt link.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to automated delivery systems. In one example, a vehicle is provided including a drive system, a passenger cabin; and a delivery service pod provided relative to the passenger cabin. The delivery service pod includes an access unit configured to allow for loading and unloading of a plurality of delivery crates into the delivery service pod. The delivery service pod further includes a conveyor unit comprising multiple delivery crate holding positions, the delivery crate holding positions being defined by neighboring sidewalls spaced apart within the delivery service pod such that a respective delivery crate of the plurality of delivery crates can be positioned between neighboring sidewalls, wherein the conveyor unit is configured to be rotated to align each of the delivery crate holding positions with the access unit.

Abstract: A vertical coin roll conveyor includes a number of coin roll carriers attached to a conveyor belt that moves the carriers along an endless path that includes a vertical ascending or descending portion. Each coin roll carrier is configured to convey a coin roll and includes a support leg that supports the coin roll on the coin roll carrier and a barrier that impedes the coin roll from rolling or sliding off the coin roll conveyor during conveyance of the coin roll along the vertical portion of the conveyor path.

Abstract: A pallet lifter for use with a crane enables lifting of materials on a pallet, and then unloading of the materials at one or more locations, such as on a roof of a building. The pallet lifter may include a cage or a retainer frame that contains the material, with a pusher of the lifter used to push out individual portions of the materials. The pusher may unload the material from the top of the pallet of material, such as by sliding it down a ramp. The pusher alternatively may unload the material from the bottom of the stack on the pallet, by pushing it through a slot in the cage. For top-unloading embodiments the pallet lifter may include an assembly for changing the position of the pusher relative to the frame and the pallet, for example moving the pusher downward layer by later as the materials are unloaded.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: A sleeve magazine for a textile machine and operational method include multiple transport elements each with a plurality of holders configured for holding a sleeve, wherein each transport element is driven to move the holders and sleeves to a removal point. A removal device at the removal point removes the sleeves from the holders. A controller controls movement of the individual transport elements such that the holder of at least one transport element is moved with the sleeve thereon to the removal point. The controller actuates the removal device to remove the sleeve from the holder at the removal point while the holders of the remaining transport elements are maintained outside of the removal point so as not to interfere with removal of the sleeve from the holder at the removal point.

Abstract: A dimensional lumber stacker takes on plural boards in successive events from a feed group on one side of itself and then turns plural boards in unison about a horizontal axis and deposits them one the other side of itself, onto a deck. After which, the boards are urged away from the dimensional lumber stacker and across the deck as a unit, thereby separating from the dimensional lumber stacker and forming a stack as a consequence.

Abstract: A self-cleaning elevator flight bracket system is described for attachment to an elevator or conveyor flight for pipeline padding and backfill operations. The system is designed for bolt-on installation to padding equipment elevator flights, or cleated conveyor feeders. Built-up soil, clay, and other debris, which interfere with elevator drive mechanisms, are self-cleaned with the system. The assembly is universal to fit a variety of existing bolt patterns on elevator flight plates or feeder conveyor cleats. Flexible cables are directed to engage and remove excessive backfill material build-up. While operating padding machinery in heavy soil, or clay, material builds up in the space between the elevator flights and the elevator side wall. This leads to impeding the drive mechanism. With the use of the presently described elevator flight bracket and flexible cable or fingers, the upward movement of the elevator acts to self-clean the machinery and allows for longer operation.

Abstract: A sample carrier handling devices for manipulating a sample carrier is presented. The sample carrier carries a sample container containing a sample which is used in a diagnostics laboratory. The sample carrier handling device has a housing which is at least partially closed, defining a circumferential surface. A pull-push-element of the sample carrier handling device pulls, pushes, or pulls and pushes the sample carrier with an end-portion of the pull-push-element. The pull-push-element defines a central axis. The pull-push-element is arranged in the housing so that during a movement of the pull-push-element the central axis of the pull-push-element changes its direction while the end portion of the pull-push-element remains in an axis of motion.

Abstract: An assembly for use in storing or transporting vehicle seats is provided. The apparatus includes a base portion, an arm portion extending from the base portion, and a conveyor mechanism coupled to the arm portion. The conveyor mechanism includes a frame, and a plurality of fastening devices configured to couple the vehicle seats to the conveyor mechanism, wherein the plurality of fastening devices are rotatable relative to the frame such that the vehicle seats are positionable at different locations along the frame.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and a plurality of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advancing upward along the incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. The article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt may provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away from the conveyor belt on the incline.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing paper rolls in a labelling machine that includes a first paper roll receptacle that includes a first roll carrier connected to a first end of a shaft, which can be moved along an axis between an unwinding position and a transfer position. The first roll carrier has at least one clamping device that is radially displaceable between a clamping position and a release position. The apparatus further includes a second paper roll receptacle that includes a second roll carrier that in a storage position is disposed coaxially with respect to the first roll carrier. In the transfer position, the first roll carrier together with the clamping device is disposed at least in sections in an interior of the second roll carrier. In the unwinding position, the first roll carrier together with the clamping device is disposed at least in sections outside the second roll carrier.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and a plurality of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advancing upward along the incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. The article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt may provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away from the conveyor belt on the incline.

Abstract: A grain conveyor for a combine harvester capable of increasing capacity and reducing component wear is disclosed. The grain conveyor includes a grain elevator, a transition chamber and an auger assembly. The grain elevator has an inlet for receiving a flow of grain. The transition chamber includes an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the transition chamber inlet and the grain elevator inlet. The transition chamber outlet has an asymmetric non-circular opening larger than the non-cylindrical opening of the transition chamber inlet. The auger assembly is operatively connected to the transition chamber and includes an inlet for receiving a flow of grain and an outlet in fluid communication with the transition chamber inlet.

Abstract: A roof loading device delivers materials such as shingles to a roof from the ground. The device includes a platform and a conveyor coupled to the platform. The conveyor has a first end pivotally coupled to the platform and a second end positionable in spaced relationship from the platform wherein the second end is configured for being positioned over a surface of a roof. A motivator is operationally coupled to the conveyor wherein the conveyor is configured for moving an object on the conveyor from the first end of the conveyor towards the second end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting cylindrical objects is disclosed including an endless conveyor arranged in a transport path, a drive for feeding the endless conveyor, guide rails for restricting lateral movement of cylindrical objects transported on the endless conveyor, an elevation transport section adapted to transport the cylindrical objects from a first height to a second height and including the endless conveyor having a base surface extending along the transport path, the endless conveyor including vertical protrusions extending outwardly from the base surface of the endless conveyor and including a front wall with an inclined portion sloping towards the base surface, such that a cylindrical object transported on the elevation transport section can rest on the inclined portion under a contact force directed towards the base surface by gravity.

Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a conveying surface comprising a plurality of rod-shaped members each of which is constructed and arranged for vertical displacement with respect to each other for providing a space between adjacent ones of the plurality of rod-like members. The conveyor belt may also include a side link disposed at opposed ends of each one of the plurality of rod-shaped members, each one of the side links having at least one central aperture therein for receiving a corresponding end of the rod-shaped member for vertical displacement therein.

Abstract: A terminal elevator drive wheel for a grain bin sweep auger has angled spaced peripheral inward extending blades, which break up compacted grain, drive the auger forward, and pass the grain through an attached elevator housing over a deflector plate to the sweep auger flighting. A reduction drivebox with three double reduction sprocket and chain drives, rotate a drive sprocket axially engaging and rotating the elevator wheel.

Abstract: An article lifting device 1 for lifting up and down articles includes a plurality of basic unit conveyors 11, the conveyors 11 each having an upper and a lower rotary bodies 13, and an elongated carrier 12 looped around the upper and lower rotary bodies 13. The carrier 12 is provided with a supporting body 14 for supporting an article. The basic unit conveyors 11 are arranged vertically and horizontally in a plane, so that the carriers 12 overlap in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A conveyor and associated method for shock-sensitive products and the like, includes a conveyor member having at least one individual compartment for receiving a product therein, as well as upward and downward conveyor sections. An upper conveyor deflector deflects the conveyor member from the upward to the downward section. The compartment includes a first support surface configured for supporting the product in the upwardly directed conveyor section, as well as a second support surface configured for supporting the product in a downwardly directed conveyor section. The compartment also includes a bottom surface that supports the product during movement of the conveyor member over the upper conveyor deflector.

Abstract: The present invention increases an allowable maximum weight of an object to be loaded on a conveyance device using a carriage including an object support base movable vertically controlled by cam rails on the floor side without increasing the weight of the conveyance carriage itself, and is characterized in that the object support base 11 is supported movably vertically on a conveyance carriage 1 via a crosslink mechanism 10, the crosslink mechanism 10 is provided with an elevating cam follower roller 32 which moves up and down in conjunction with standing and falling movements of the crosslink mechanism 10, and in a conveyance carriage traveling path, a cam rail 50 which pushes up the elevating cam follower roller 32 is provided, wherein an urging means 45 which urges the object support base 11 upward is provided, and an urging force of the urging means 45 is set so as to move up the object support base 11 when no object is loaded on the object support base 11, however, when an object is loaded on the object

Abstract: A storage device transfer station includes a first slot, a second slot, and a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly is configured to receive and support a plurality of storage devices such that the storage devices are vertically stacked and in spaced relation to each other. The conveyor assembly is operable to convey the storage devices between the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus includes a base, a main conveyor pivotably supported on the base that is pivotable between a first, lowered, position and a second, raised, position, an accumulator section downstream of a discharge end of the main conveyor for receiving articles from the main conveyor, where the accumulator section includes a support for supporting a stack of items fed to the accumulator section by the main conveyor. Also, at least one optical sensor detecting the presence of an object in the main conveyor travel path and at least one controller operatively connected to the main conveyor and the optical sensor, the at least one controller receiving signals from the optical sensor and controlling the main conveyor based on the signals and on the direction of movement of the main conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor and associated method for shock-sensitive products and the like, includes a conveyor member having at least one individual compartment for receiving a product therein, as well as upward and downward conveyor sections. An upper conveyor deflector deflects the conveyor member from the upward to the downward section. The compartment includes a first support surface configured for supporting the product in the upwardly directed conveyor section, as well as a second support surface configured for supporting the product in a downwardly directed conveyor section. The compartment also includes a bottom surface that supports the product during movement of the conveyor member over the upper conveyor deflector.

Abstract: The present invention is a conveyor arrangement for a stamping die employed within a stamping press. The conveyor arrangement has a fixed conveyor with a protruding end, wherein the fixed conveyor is mounted on the die for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the die. The conveyor arrangement also has a moveable conveyor with a supported first end and a cantilevered second end, wherein the moveable conveyor is arranged for positioning the second end under the fixed conveyor's protruding end for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the fixed conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a plurality of vertically hanging trays includes a vertical rotating members comprising a first pair of rotating chains carrying the plurality of trays at respective top bars thereof and a second pair of rotating chains coupled to each top bar through linking bars, the first and second pairs of rotating chains being operatively coupled. The apparatus may be used in a furnace, a cleaning apparatus and a combined furnace cleaning apparatus as well as in medical and other applications.

Abstract: A food transport system and method are provided for transporting a packaged food item from one floor of a restaurant, such as a cooking or preparation floor, to another floor of the restaurant, such as a serving or dining floor. The food transport system includes a conveyor that transports a food-item supporting carrier along a closed-loop pathway. The carrier includes a rack with a plurality of spaced-apart food-item support members. On an upward portion of the pathway, the carrier passes a pick-up station having a pick-up rack with a plurality of spaced-apart food-item support members, the carrier support members passing between the pick-up support members to pick up the food item. On a downward portion of the pathway, the carrier rack passes through a drop-off rack in a similar manner, thus depositing the food item on the drop-off rack.

Abstract: A tubular conveyor for conveying grain or seed includes an intake end having a first roller and a discharge end having a second roller. A tubular portion is disposed between the intake end and the discharge end. A continuous flexible conveyor belt is coupled with the first and second rollers. Seal means are provided for sealing edges of the conveyor belt at a point approximately where the conveyor belt meets at least one of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: An article lifting device 1 for lifting up and down articles includes a plurality of basic unit conveyors 11, the conveyors 11 each having an upper and a lower rotary bodies 13, and an elongated carrier 12 looped around the upper and lower rotary bodies 13. The carrier 12 is provided with a supporting body 14 for supporting an article. The basic unit conveyors 11 are arranged vertically and horizontally in a plane, so that the carriers 12 overlap in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A carrier type conveying apparatus capable of solving a problem in a conventional conveying apparatus wherein a conveying carriers (1) stop abnormally, comprising a rear-pushing traveling district (3) having, at its inlet, a rear-pushing drive means (5A) propelling the conveying carriers (1) at a constant speed and, at its outlet, a speed control drive means (5B) for sending out the conveying carriers (1) at the constant speed and a high-speed traveling district (4). The conveying apparatus comprises carrier connection systems (carrier connection means (9), connection engagement means (10), connection release means (11)). When the conveying carriers (1) travel in the high-speed traveling district (4), the connection of the conveying carriers (1) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction by the carrier connection systems is disabled.

Abstract: A transporter/sorter and a transport box therefore are disclosed. The transporter/sorter 1 comprises a guide rail 50 having straight portions and curved portions and forming an endless loop path, a plurality of transport wagons 30 undergoing excursion along the endless loop path in an inter-coupled state, and transport boxes 20 supported on the transport wagons 30, respectively, in a state of being found on the outer side of the guide rail 50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article elevator for moving lightweight open ended containers from a first level to a second level vertically spaced from the first level. The article elevator includes an input section at the first level for receiving container bodies. An elevator section is positioned for receiving container bodies from the input section. A discharge section is located at the second level for receiving container bodies from the elevator section. A plurality of arms is movably mounted above the input section, the elevator section, and the discharge section. Each of the arms moves a group of container bodies from the input section over the elevator section to the discharge section so that successive groups of container bodies are moved to the discharge section from the input section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface treating installation, especially for treating plastic parts or automotive bodies, which includes a transfer station for vertically or horizontally transferring an object. The transfer station comprises a stationary support structure, a carriage which can travel in relation to the support structure and receives an object, and at least one guide roller via which the carriage is supported on the support structure. The at least one guide roller has a rolling surface which contacts the support structure when rolling off. The invention is characterized in that the rolling surface of the at least one guide roller consists of an antistatic material whose volume resistivity ranges between 10 ?m and 109 ?m. The invention allows to counteract the deposition of dirt particles on the guide rollers and on the mating surfaces, thereby reducing time and/or costs required for cleaning the transfer station or for post-processing the objects.

Abstract: A tray component supply apparatus comprises a main body side replenishment tray holding section 50 provided at an upper part over a tray stocker 40 of an apparatus main body 30 and a tray discharge section 60 provided at a lower part under the tray stocker 40 of the apparatus main body 30. The tray stocker 40 is provided with a tray stocker side replenishment tray holding section 80 on a top plate 44 thereof and empty tray holding members 85 on a bottom plate 43 thereof.

Abstract: A device (4) used to transfer loads between at least two upstream (1) and downstream (2) load conveyors which are intended to convey loads (3) between different work stations. The device includes: an intermediate conveyor (5), part of each of the ends (5?, 5?) thereof extending alongside the upstream (1) and downstream (2) conveyors; and a lateral holding element (6) for maintaining the loads (3) in the cantilevered position thereof as they are being transferred between the upstream conveyor (1) and the downstream conveyor (2). The device is especially suitable for use in conveying loads using push plate conveyors, particularly in systems including a conveyor change.

Abstract: An elevating belt conveyor and a method for conveying articles up steep inclines. The conveyor has a series of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of a conveyor belt advancing upward along a steep incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. A closely positioned hugger belt facing the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advances in the same direction to provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away for the conveyor belt on the incline. In another variation, the support elements may be positioned on the hugger belt rather than on the main conveyor belt, with the main conveyor belt restraining articles against falling from the conveyor on an incline. Alternatively, a vertical array of rollers replaces the hugger belt as a low-friction retaining surface.

Abstract: The storage unit comprises at least two flexible members (55), equipped with supports (57) for the products to be stored, extending and moving along respective parallel paths defined by a plurality of driving wheels (59, 63). The supports (57) project laterally in respect of the relative flexible member. In each of the paths, in proximity to at least one driving wheel, a transfer member (71) is positioned to receive the products from the supports located on a branch (55A) of the respective flexible member upstream of said driving wheel and transfer them to the supports located on a branch (55B) of said flexible member downstream of said driving wheel in respect of the direction of feed of the flexible members along the respective paths, so that the products follow a trajectory that by-passes said driving wheel.

Abstract: Belt assemblies comprising a flexible belt having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of substantially T-shaped plates, each of the substantially T-shaped plates including a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion, the substantially vertical portion of each substantially T-shaped plate being fastened to the flexible belt are disclosed. The belt assemblies can be used for vertically suspending loads from the assemblies and transporting loads in a conveyor system.

Abstract: The accumulator (5) comprises at least two continuous flexible members (55) equipped with supports (57) for the products (A). The supports (57) project laterally with respect to the respective flexible member; each flexible member and at least one first guide wheel (63A) being arranged so that the supports face the axis of the wheel in the section of flexible member trained about said guide wheel. The guide wheel is equipped with a plurality of radial arms between which a space is provided for the elongated products resting on said supports. The position of the supports is timed with respect to the position of the radial arms.

Abstract: A freeze-crusting process and a vertical freezing apparatus preferred for use in the inventive freeze-crusting process. The freeze-crusting process preferably comprises the steps of (a) continuously delivering food products through the freezing apparatus and (b) exposing the food products to cold circulating air within the freezing apparatus in a manner effective for freezing an outermost layer of the food product. The inventive crusting process is particularly well-suited for preparing food logs and other products for slicing.

Abstract: A conveyor belt including a series of predefined sections and elevated support structures at the edges of each section for supporting items on the belt above the belt at each section.

Abstract: A freeze-crusting process and a vertical freezing apparatus preferred for use in the inventive freeze-crusting process. The freeze-crusting process preferably comprises the steps of (a) continuously delivering food products through the freezing apparatus and (b) exposing the food products to cold circulating air within the freezing apparatus in a manner effective for freezing an outermost layer of the food product. The inventive crusting process is particularly well-suited for preparing food logs and other products for slicing.

Abstract: A novel and advantageous carrier mechanism, primarily useful for raising roofing shingle bundles, automatically by control by the user to lift and carry one or more of the shingle bundles or other items.

Abstract: A novel and advantageous carrier mechanism, primarily useful for raising roofing shingle bundles, automatically by control by the user to lift and carry one or more of the shingle bundles or other items. A frame carries a plurality of co-operating features, including a driving mechanism, an electric motor, a pair of chains and their sprockets, and when one of the shelf brackets gets to a top dead center position, the object falls in an orderly fashion due to a baffle, with succeeding shelf brackets sequentially reaching the top dead center position. The mechanism s is provided to have a sort of “stop and go” operativity, providing a safety control. Safety is further provided by a cam mechanism which assures only an upward direction when carrying a bundle. Safety is further achieved by an angle bar gutter guard, preventing undue bending, leakage, or other damage to the gutter.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and an attachment element that firmly interlocks into a row of the conveyor belt. In one version, the attachment element includes a base from which two sets of hook-shaped appendages extend. The appendages each include a shank portion extending from the base and a hook portion angling from the shank portion to a distal end. The hook portions of the first set extend in different directions from the hook portions of the second set. Belt modules in the interconnected rows of the conveyor belt have receptacles that open onto an outer surface of the belt. The receptacles are shaped to receive the differently-directed appendages. Blocking surfaces bounding the receptacles constrain the differently-directed appendages against removal. In another version, the attachment element includes a flange that extends outward in a different direction from a set of appendages.