Abstract: A method of feeding a component tape towards a picking position of a component mounting machine is disclosed. The feeding is performed by means of a feeding mechanism configured to engage the component tape at an engaging position and to disengage the component tape at a disengaging position. The method comprises engaging the component tape at the engaging position, moving, by means of the feeding mechanism, the component tape from the engaging position to the disengaging position, disengaging the component tape at the disengaging position, and returning the feeding mechanism from the disengaging position to the engaging position and wherein the feeding mechanism moves the component tape in a linear motion between the engaging position and the disengaging position.

Abstract: A bag processing system includes: a conveyance mechanism which includes: a plurality of support devices being able to support and release bags; and a conveyance drive device moving the plurality of support devices intermittently; a liquid introduction device which introduces a liquid into the bags supported by the plurality of support devices; and a conveyance control device which controls the conveyance drive device, wherein: the conveyance drive device moves the plurality of support devices in such a manner that the plurality of support devices exhibit same acceleration-deceleration behavior between each other, and the conveyance control device controls the conveyance drive device to accelerate or decelerate the plurality of support devices in such a manner that shaking of the liquid in the bags is reduced.

Abstract: An automated system for singulating items is provided. The automated system includes a singulation apparatus. The singulation apparatus includes multiple conveyor modules and a vertical frame structure. Each of the multiple conveyor modules has an identical physical structure. The vertical frame structure provides multiple horizontal mounting locations, each at a different height along the vertical frame structure. Each of the conveyor modules is mounted to a different one of the multiple horizontal mounting locations.

Abstract: A transport group for container sterilization apparatuses a includes a conveyor belt, which defines an operational plane and advances along an advancement direction, and a number of support elements, mutually separated, and integral and movable with the conveyor belt. Each support element has longitudinal development transverse to the advancement direction and lying along a direction parallel to the operational plane. Each support element defines a number of shaped seats arranged along the longitudinal development. Each shaped seat is adapted to temporarily house a respective container.

Abstract: There is disclosed an article dispensing apparatus (10) comprising: an endless conveyor (18) having a plurality of moveable compartments (24) each defined by a pair of adjacent dividers (22) coupled to the conveyor (18), at least a part of each divider (22) being pivotable between at least a closed position in which it cooperates with an adjacent divider (22) to restrict access to the compartment (24) defined therebetween, and an open position in which it is spaced from the said adjacent divider (22) for dispensing an article received in the said compartment (24); and a guide arrangement (34) capable of causing pivoting movement of each divider (22) between at least the closed position and the open positions.

Abstract: A holder for conveyance of a cylindrical body includes a tubular portion having a hollow portion in which a cylindrical body is housed, and a protrusion having a base end connected to an inner wall surface of the tubular portion and a distal end formed as a free end. The protrusion has elasticity and flexibility, and the protrusion is disposed on an inner diameter side of an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body at an expected housing position such that a side surface of the distal end of the protrusion is allowed to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface while the protrusion is warped to an outer diameter side of the hollow portion.

Abstract: A sample container carrier for transporting sample containers, for example test tubes and/or vials, in a laboratory automation system is presented. The sample container carrier comprises a body having a hollow center with a central axis. The hollow center accommodates a lower end of a sample container. The sample container carrier also comprises three resiliently deformable and/or displaceable first retaining elements mounted to the body. The first retaining elements, distributed about the central axis, clamp a sample container inserted in the hollow center. The sample container carrier also comprises three resiliently deformable and/or displaceable second retaining elements mounted to the body. The second retaining elements, distributed about the central axis, clamp the sample container inserted in the hollow center underneath the three first retaining elements. The second retaining elements are arranged at least partly inside the hollow center.

Abstract: A beverage capsule machine for making single use capsules (1) for infusion beverages such as coffee, milk, chocolate, tea or combinations of these ingredients, comprises: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid containers (2) and being dosed in a loop around movement means (9), with a vertical axis (Z9), for continuously moving the transport element (8); the element (8) being configured to define a plurality of pockets (10) for receiving the rigid containers (2) and arranged in succession, each having a respective vertical axis (Z10); a plurality of stations which are positioned along a path (P) followed by the transport element (8) and which are configured for operating continuously in phase with the transport element (8) and comprising at least: a feeding station (11) for feeding the rigid containers (2) into the respective pockets (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12) for dosing the infusion product into the rigid container (2); a closing station (13) where the open aperture (4) o

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system for conveying at least one material to be conveyed, comprising a continuously circulating conveyor, at least one transponder, preferably an RFID transponder, arranged on or in the conveyor, and at least one communication device for wirelessly transmitting data to the transponder and/or for wirelessly reading data saved in the transponder, said conveyor being a pocket conveyor belt. The conveyor preferably comprises a plurality of transponders arranged at regular intervals, wherein the data transmitted to the individual transponders or the data saved in the individual transponders preferably relates to information about a defined section of the conveyor, such as information relating to the type and/or amount of the material to be conveyed in a section of the conveyor assigned to the respective transponder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved gelatinous coated dosage form having two end regions coated with gelatinous materials and an exposed circumferential band. Openings are provided in at least the exposed band to reveal the core material. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such gelatinous coated dosage forms.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition apparatus including a chamber in which plasma reaction is performed to provide a functional film to an object received therein, a pallet mechanically and electrically connected with the object, a conveyer to convey the pallet to an inside from an outside of the chamber, and a power supplier to supply an electric power to the pallet, the power supplier comprising a moving contact distant from the pallet when the pallet is conveyed and contacting with the pallet when the pallet is stopped.

Abstract: A device for receiving a workpiece for a workpiece carrier circulation system of a production machine is provided, including a workpiece carrier with a workpiece receiver and a holder to be arranged on the machine for receiving the workpiece carrier in a detachable, temporary manner. The workpiece carrier includes a rotor section (5) which, when the workpiece carrier is received in the holder, interacts with a stator (20) provided on the holder, forming a torque motor and thus being rotatable about an axis in the holder.

Abstract: Coin processing apparatuses, such as consumer or commercial coin processing apparatuses for counting and/or sorting coins, are described herein. The apparatuses can include coin conveyors having a plurality of individual coin carriers linked together to form a chain. In some embodiments, each of the coin carriers includes a corresponding pocket that is configured to receive a coin from a coin hopper as the carrier chain passes through the coin hopper during its cycle. The coin carriers can carry the coins past one or more sensors for identification or “discrimination” of the coin denomination. After discrimination, the coins can be knocked from the carrier pockets and into, e.g., a selected coin chute for transfer to a collection bin.

Abstract: A carrier bar to convey at least one pellet-shaped article along a predetermined conveyer path in a direction of travel, the carrier bar comprises at least one pocket adapted to receive a pellet-shaped article and each pocket having a pocket wall, and a product settling area included in each pocket and having a dimple defined in the product settling area by an edge, said dimple adapted to seat the bottom side of the pellet-shaped article, wherein said dimple is offset from a center of said product settling area and said dimple is shaped to position, hold, or bias a portion of the pellet-shaped article towards and/or against a portion of the pocket wall.

Abstract: A tray assembly for balancing weights is disclosed. The tray assembly has trays of different sizes adapted to different sizes of the balancing weights. This results in that the balancing weights are all positioned in the same height, and therefore can easily be picked up by a handling system. The size of the tray may automatically be adjusted by slides operated by actuators. The tray may be a horizontal rotating tray assembly which preferably has a conical form, thus allowing a plurality of handling systems, picking up balancing weights at the same time. This results in a significantly improved loading speed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing adhesive to a pre-formed blister tray having shoulders and recesses between the shoulders, the system having at least one pallet, each pallet of the at least one pallet having with holes to accommodate recesses within the blister tray and support for the shoulders of the blister tray; a pallet loading station for loading the pallet with the pre-formed blister tray; a printer unit for printing adhesive to the shoulders of the blister tray; a drying station for drying the adhesive; and an unloading station for unloading blister trays with adhesive printed on the shoulders thereof. Further a pallet for use in the system.

Abstract: A workpiece supplying apparatus includes a plurality of carriers, a carrier case, a first gear pair, a guide, and a second gear pair. Each carrier includes a base and a plurality of holding portions, which project from a surface of the base. The holding portions are arranged in a one-dimensional manner and each hold workpieces. The carrier case accommodates the carriers. The first gear pair draws out each carrier from the carrier case toward a workpiece unloading position along a drawing direction. The guide guides the carrier drawn out by the first gear pair in a direction that differs from the drawing direction while bending the carrier so that its rear surface is located at an inner side. The second gear pair collects the carrier guided by the guide.

Abstract: A multi-generational carrier platform is configured to carry substrate carriers of different sizes depending on processing needs. Multiple carrier adaptors are provided on one side of a support plate, and substrate carriers can be distributed among the carrier adaptors to mount a maximum number of substrates under the constraint of non-overlap of the substrates and the substrate carriers. The multi-generational carrier platform can be configured to provide rotation to each substrate carrier mounted thereupon, and is compatible with chemical mechanical planarization processes that require rotation of substrates against an abrasive surface. The multi-generational carrier platform facilitates maximum utilization of a processing area provided by a tool configured to process substrates of different sizes.

Abstract: A multi-generational carrier platform is configured to carry substrate carriers of different sizes depending on processing needs. Multiple carrier adaptors are provided on one side of a support plate, and substrate carriers can be distributed among the carrier adaptors to mount a maximum number of substrates under the constraint of non-overlap of the substrates and the substrate carriers. The multi-generational carrier platform can be configured to provide rotation to each substrate carrier mounted thereupon, and is compatible with chemical mechanical planarization processes that require rotation of substrates against an abrasive surface. The multi-generational carrier platform facilitates maximum utilization of a processing area provided by a tool configured to process substrates of different sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centering element for use with container holders or turntables on container processing machines, comprising a centering cone that has a cone-type or taper-type centering surface for receiving and centering each container on the bottom of the container.

Abstract: System including a stamping device configured to apply stamps to first and second products having target surfaces. The stamping device applies the stamps when the target surfaces are moved into a stamp-application region. The system also includes a first transporter device having a receiving side. The first transporter device is configured to hold the first products such that the target surfaces of the first products are exposed along the receiving side. The system also includes a second transporter device having a receiving side. The second transporter device is configured to hold the second products such that the target surfaces of the second products are exposed along the receiving side of the second transporter device. The first and second transporter devices are configured to hold the respective first and second products such that the target surfaces of the first and second products face in a generally common direction.

Abstract: Carrier puck for a conveyer system, comprising a non-circular lower body, an upper body and an intermediate circular portion connecting the lower body with the upper body, where the rear section of the lower body comprises a concave shape.

Abstract: A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a carrier puck for a conveyer system, the carrier puck comprising a circular lower body, and an upper body attached to the circular lower body, and where the puck further comprises a slide ring arranged in a ring groove positioned above a lower contact surface of the lower body.

Abstract: A device for filling containers including an upper main element, a lower main element and lateral main elements connecting the upper and the lower main element; support elements arranged at one another without a continuous drive device, which support elements are provided with receivers for the containers and are run in an endless manner through the device past operating stations and along the main elements; a drive which runs the support elements in a feed direction at least through the upper main element or the lower main element along the operating stations; and operating elements arranged at the support elements through which a feed force of the drive is introduced into the support elements, wherein the operating elements at the support elements are gear racks in which a drive side feed member with a complementary teething engages in order to introduce the feed force into the support elements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-line furnace includes a continuous conveyor configured to hold wafers at an angle relative to ground. The conveyor may have fixedly integrated wafer retainers configured to hold the wafers in slots. The conveyor may be formed by several segments that are joined together. Each of the segments may include a base and a set of wafer retainers formed thereon. The conveyor may be driven to move the wafers through a chamber of the furnace, where the wafers are thermally processed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for transporting wafers is provided. The apparatus may include a transport belt configured to transport wafers in a transport direction; wherein the transport belt is provided with supports configured to support the wafers to be transported; wherein the supports are provided with at least one bearing element for compensating for relative movements between the transport belt and the wafer.

Abstract: A chuck for actuating plastic material containers, in particular performs, along a conveying line, includes a structure, fixable to a link of a conveying chain, a body, defining a longitudinal axis, inserted into a longitudinal through-hole of the structure and adapted to axially slide and/or rotate about the longitudinal axis, provided with gripping means at a first end for gripping a container neck. The structure is provided with locking elements for locking the body in a predetermined angular position, with the body being provided with at least one indication element of the predetermined angular position.

Abstract: A system and method for providing adhesive to a pre-formed blister tray having shoulders and recesses between the shoulders, the system having at least one pallet, each pallet of the at least one pallet having with holes to accommodate recesses within the blister tray and support for the shoulders of the blister tray; a pallet loading station for loading the pallet with the pre-formed blister tray; a printer unit for printing adhesive to the shoulders of the blister tray; a drying station for drying the adhesive; and an unloading station for unloading blister trays with adhesive printed on the shoulders thereof. Further a pallet for use in the system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-line furnace includes a continuous conveyor configured to hold wafers at an angle relative to ground. The conveyor may have fixedly integrated wafer retainers configured to hold the wafers in slots. The conveyor may be formed by several segments that are joined together. Each of the segments may include a base and a set of wafer retainers formed thereon. The conveyor may be driven to move the wafers through a chamber of the furnace, where the wafers are thermally processed.

Abstract: A device for filling containers, including an upper main element, a lower main element and lateral main elements connecting the upper and the lower main element; support elements arranged at one another without a continuous drive device, which support elements are provided with receivers for the containers and are run in an endless manner through the device past operating stations and along the main elements; a drive which runs the support elements in a feed direction at least through the upper main element or the lower main element along the operating stations; and operating elements arranged at the support elements through which a feed force of the drive is introduced into the support elements, wherein the operating elements at the support elements are gear racks in which a drive side feed member with a complementary teething engages in order to introduce the feed force into the support elements.

Abstract: A device is described for conveying sticks in an apparatus for inserting sticks into ice cream bodies, said device comprising guide means in which the sticks are supplied in the form of an elongate stack of sticks, and from which guide means the sticks are destacked singly, said device further comprising a conveying belt, said destacked sticks being deposited in a pocket on said conveying belt moving past the exit aperture of the guide means, said conveying belt comprising a plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket has a longitudinal surface for housing a part of one stick, and each pocket furthermore has at least two guide pins projecting upwards on each side of said longitudinal surface. Hereby the sticks are handled without problems, even at high rates of destacking and conveying, and even if the sticks are skewed or in other manner deviate from a standard stick having dimensions and shape in common with at least the majority of the sticks in a given stack.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular conveyor belt device with a system for easy removal of the belt modules. The belt comprises at least one driving chain and a plurality of belt modules extending transversally and parallely mounted over the entire length of the chains. The belt modules include underside openings, shaped to receive a locking pin extending outwardly from the driving chains and comprising a notch. The belt modules further include side openings intersecting with corresponding bottom openings in which fasteners are removably mounted. Each fastener comprises a projection positionable between a locked configuration and a released configuration. In the locked configuration the projection is embedded in the notch of the locking pin whereas the projection is disembedded from the notch of the locking pin when in the released configuration. The device using the disclosed locking system provides excellent locking capabilities while offering fast and easy removal of the belt modules.

Abstract: Large-diameter entry rollers, and small-diameter entry rollers pressing against the large-diameter entry rollers via a conveyance belt enter a paper sheet in an accumulation part via an entrance slot. A central upper guide member makes contact with an upper surface of a central portion of the banknote. Both sides lower guide members guide the banknote while causing the banknote to curve in the shape of large U in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the banknote by lifting up both ends of the banknote entered in the accumulation part with the use of an upwardly curved tip. The front end of the banknote does not hang down despite being beaten by vanes, and the banknote goes between the vanes. The banknote is rotationally conveyed, hits the stoppers to stop, is disengaged from a swirling vane wheel, and is accumulated.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyance receiver 1 having a bottom face 6 formed in parallel with the conveyance path to abut against the conveyance path and a support face 7 formed to match a shape of an outer periphery 5 of the honeycomb formed article 4. The support face 7 is made of a cured porous polyurethane resin material having a Shore D hardness Hs of 40?Hs?70.

Abstract: A conveyer apparatus for transporting and processing pellet-shaped articles includes a conveyer and a discharge device. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier bars to convey a plurality of articles along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier bar has a pocket half that cooperates with a pocket half of an adjacent carrier bar to form an article receiving pocket to receive and transport an article along the predetermined conveyer path. The discharge device is positioned with respect to the carrier bars to dislodge articles from the carrier bars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transporting elongate food products, comprising: a plurality of elongate product carriers, coupling means for parallel coupling of the product carriers and drive means for displacing the coupled product carriers over a transport path. The invention also relates to a method for displacing elongate food products over a transport path using elongate transport carriers.

Abstract: A specimen container carrier for a conveyor in a laboratory automation system which includes a circular body driven by the conveyor and container holding elements arranged in the circular body, the container holding elements being maintained in a container holding position by respective elastic elements and are connected to each other by synchronization elements forcing the specimen container to remain coaxially positioned with respect to the circular body.

Abstract: A carrier bar for conveying at least one caplet along a predetermined conveyer path includes at least one pocket adapted to receive a caplet. Each pocket includes a longitudinal axis that is angled or offset from a direction of travel of the carrier bar in use. Each caplet includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides.

Abstract: A product holding puck having a base including an outer wall and a radially spaced apart inner wall defining a cavity between the outer and inner walls, the outer and inner walls extending axially about a central vertical axis. The outer wall of the puck defining first and second recessed regions and first and second openings respectively aligned with the first and second recessed regions and extending through the outer wall. The puck further including first and second bumpers each including a body and a support member, the support member extending axially through a respective ones of the first and second openings of the outer wall and the body disposed in a respective ones of the first and second recessed regions of the outer wall, the body of each of the first and second bumpers including an outer face extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of the outer wall.

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: A continuous, flexible transfer belt is disclosed. The transfer belt may be used in a transfer system for a progressive press, and is particularly suited for the transfer of easy open can ends. The transfer belt includes at least one lane that extends along an axis of the belt. The at least one lane has a plurality of openings therein that are configured to receive an easy open end. The transfer belt includes a flexible material and has a wear resistant layer that includes a wear resistant material. The wear resistant layer is disposed proximate an upper surface of the belt and extends outwardly from the opening, wherein the wear resistant layer underlies an outer rim of the easy-open end.

Abstract: A product holding puck having a base including an outer wall and a radially spaced apart inner wall defining a cavity between the outer and inner walls, the outer and inner walls extending axially about a central vertical axis. The outer wall of the puck defining first and second recessed regions and first and second openings respectively aligned with the first and second recessed regions and extending through the outer wall. The puck further including first and second bumpers each including a body and a support member, the support member extending axially through a respective ones of the first and second openings of the outer wall and the body disposed in a respective ones of the first and second recessed regions of the outer wall, the body of each of the first and second bumpers including an outer face extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of the outer wall.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system includes a threshold assembly. The threshold assembly has a base plate that is secured to a floor, and the threshold assembly has a channel that is formed between two support beams that are secured to a base plate. A plurality of threshold center plates are provided, which span and enclose the channel formed by the support beams, such that each threshold assembly includes a modular printed circuit board that fits within the channel and is enclosed within the channel by threshold center plates. And, multiple conveyor segments are mountable to the threshold assembly. Other systems components and methods for making and operating the same are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for working on metal containers, especially suitable for high speed machines and intended for performing a sequence of operations on the metal containers themselves including a chain composed of a plurality of elements (12) linked in a succession and cooperating in simultaneous transporting and processing of metal containers.

Abstract: A reduced noise container carrier for an automated container filling machine has a container receptacle portion sized to receive a plurality of different sized containers; a side portion situated between the container receptacle portion and the bottom portion for engaging a plurality of mechanical devices of the machine; a substantially flat bottom portion for engaging a conveyor belt of the machine; an identification portion encoding an identification of the carrier; and, a noise reduction portion comprising a groove encircling the side portion of the carrier and a band disposed in the groove. The noise reduction portion is disposed to engage noise reduction portions of other carriers when the carriers collide on the conveyor belt and to avoid engaging portions of the machine other than the conveyor belt during a period of time when the machine is using the speed of the conveyor belt to calculate the position of the carrier.

Abstract: A loader attachment for use with a mobile conveyor system has a base plate, a C-shaped support structure, and a cable. The base plate is dimensioned to be supported upon a conveyor belt of the mobile conveyor system. The C-shaped support structure extends upwardly from the base plate for supporting a roofing supply during transport on the conveyor belt. The cable is adapted to be attached to a top end of the C-shaped support structure and the base plate for securing the roofing supply on the C-shaped support structure.

Abstract: A machine, and a related method, for automatically transferring tubular items for manufacturing men's socks, comprising a station (S1) for loading automatically the tubular items (1) arranged on a longitudinal axis thereof, a station (S2) for positioning the items in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, a station (S3) for orienting angularly the items with respect to a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and a station (S4) for transferring along a transfer line (T) the oriented items, the transfer station comprising a first and a second leader for aligning a portion of the tubular items (1), in which the leaders are arranged one after the other along the transfer line (T) and are separated by a non-controlled section of said line, for correcting in the second leader possible errors of insertion of the item into said first leader.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing thermoformed articles from pre-cut thermoformable billets are provided. The system may include a heating apparatus for heating the billets, a billet thermoformer for thermoforming the billet into an article, a discharge system for evacuated the formed articles from the thermoformer, and an inspection system for inspecting each of the formed articles for the presence of a defect. Conveyors and billet carriers are provided for transporting the billets between the various components of the system, and loaders are provided for loading the billets onto the conveyor and/or billet carriers.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system includes a threshold assembly. The threshold assembly has a base plate that is secured to a floor, and the threshold assembly has a channel that is formed between two support beams that are secured to a base plate. A plurality of threshold center plates are provided, which span and enclose the channel formed by the support beams, such that each threshold assembly includes a modular printed circuit board that fits within the channel and is enclosed within the channel by threshold center plates. And, multiple conveyor segments are mountable to the threshold assembly. Other systems components and methods for making and operating the same are provided.