Abstract: A conveyor transfer system and a transfer platform for transferring articles from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor across a gap. The transfer platform fits in the gap between two conveyors arranged end to end. At least one of the conveyors includes a conveyor belt that reverses direction around a reversing element at the gap. The transfer platform floats in the gap supported by the conveyor belt or its reversing element without a direct connection to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying sheet material along a feed path. The transport system includes an electro-dynamic propulsion system for moving sheet material, or a stacked collation of sheet material, along a support deck which defines the feed path. More specifically, the electro-dynamic propulsion system includes at least one guideway and a ferromagnetic element disposed internally of the guideway. The guideway includes a magnetic coil to produce a variable magnetic field. By varying the flux density and polarity of the magnetic field the ferromagnetic element may be propelled within the guideway. An abutment member is coupled to the ferromagnetic element, extends through the elongate opening of the support deck and engages an edge of sheet material. A processor is operative to control the electro-dynamic propulsion system and, accordingly, the rate of travel and position of the sheet material along the feed path.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses and systems for fabricating photovoltaic cells and modules. In certain embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems involve coating ferromagnetic substrates with thin film solar cell materials and using magnetic force to constrain, move or otherwise manipulate partially fabricated cells or modules. According to various embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide magnetically actuated handling throughout a photovoltaic cell or module fabrication process, from forming photovoltaic cell layers on a substrate to packaging the module for transport and installation. The magnetically manipulated processing provides advantages over conventional photovoltaic module processing operations, including fewer mechanical components, greater control over placement and tolerances, and ease of handling. As a result, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide highly efficient, low maintenance photovoltaic module fabrication processes.

Abstract: A device for feeding sterile closures, which have been delivered in bags, into a filling system for containers, such as bottles, having a housing that features an inlet opening for the bags, an outlet opening for the closures and a sterilization device, wherein a conveying device that transports the bags is provided in the housing, and wherein the conveying device for the bags is embodied as a suspended conveyer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor system, in particular for supplying packaging machines, which has a revolving conveyor segment with a curved region. An electromagnetic drive is provided with a plurality of stationary coil elements and a plurality of permanent magnets. The stationary coil elements are disposed along the conveyor segment, and at least one rotor is disposed movably on the conveyor segment and is movable by means of electromagnetic forces. The permanent magnets are disposed on the rotor. A first row of coil elements and a second row of coil elements are disposed in the curved region such that the second row of coil elements is disposed radially outside the first row of coil elements.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt and method provides a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is in the form of one or more switched reluctance motors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses chain links for the circulating transport chain of a machine tool, which comprise: a pair of rollers which determine the direction of circulation of the chain link by way of the direction in which they roll, over the rollers which is or are placed at a distance from the pair of rollers in the direction of circulation of the chain link and draw a plane as they roll against the roller pair; and a transverse guide, guiding the chain link transverse to its direction of circulation and is either free from rollers transverse to the direction of circulation of the chain link between the pair of rollers or has a transverse guide roller.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the conveyor system comprises a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. A belt extends between the first end and the second end. The belt has a belt first side located proximate the first side of the conveyor. A first magnetic force acts on the belt first side relative to the first side of the conveyor.

Abstract: There is described a revolving device for a conveyor chain or a conveyor belt, wherein at least one magnet exerts an attracting or a repelling force on the conveyor chain and/or the conveyor belt in order, in particular, to reduce wear and tear during high speeds and to cushion vibrations. The magnetic flux is thereby concentrated in such a way by a first flux guide piece that the magnetic flux acts vertically upon an effective surface of a component of the conveyor chain and/or the conveyor belt. In interaction with a second flux guide piece, the return of the magnetic reflux is achieved by of an additional component of the conveyor chain and/or conveyor belt. Thus the magnetic reflux does not occur by way of the first named component, and consequently an optimized exertion of force on the conveyor chain and/or conveyor belt results.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the conveyor system comprises a first end; a second end; and a belt extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the belt has a belt first side; and wherein a magnetic force acts on the belt first side.

Abstract: A linear axle for contactless energy transmission has a belt with an electrical conductor, a movable carriage and a circuit that is movable with the carriage and which is electrically connected with the conductor. In addition, a locationally fixed circuit and an inductive coupling device are provided to inductively couple electrical energy from the locationally fixed circuit into the conductor of the belt.

Abstract: A belt conveyor comprising a curved conveyor belt (1) comprising a plurality of modules (2) connected together by pins (3) and shaped such that the belt is able to travel through both straight and curved paths, and a support and guide element or track (4) for said belt, comprising at least one curved portion (4A), each module (2) comprising: a front end (2A) and a rear end (2B), an upper surface (2C) and a lower surface (2D), and two sides (2E, 2F), in which said front end (2A) and rear end (2B) comprise connection parts (5) comprising through holes (6), separated by apertures (7), said connection parts (5) being disposed such that those parts provided in the front end can be inserted into the apertures provided in the rear end (2B) of an adjacent module to enable a connection pin to be inserted through the through holes (6) of the connection parts (5) of the two modules to connect them together, and guide and connection means (3) for at least a plurality of the belt modules, with counter-means (8) provid

Abstract: The invention is related to induction driven straight or curved conveyors. Belts of the current invention have a flexible strip of permanent rare earth magnetic composition embedded therein. In combination with the flexible strip, stators induce magnetic flux to advance the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses chain links are proposed for the circulating transport chain of a machine tool, which comprise: a pair of rollers which determine the direction of circulation of the chain link by way of the direction in which they roll, over the rollers which is or are placed at a distance from the pair of rollers in the direction of circulation of the chain link and draw a plane as they roll against the roller pair; and a transverse guide, guiding the chain link transverse to its direction of circulation and is either free from rollers transverse to the direction of circulation of the chain link between the pair of rollers or has a transverse guide roller.

Abstract: There is described a revolving device for a conveyor chain or a conveyor belt, wherein at least one magnet exerts an attracting or a repelling force on the conveyor chain and/or the conveyor belt in order, in particular, to reduce wear and tear during high speeds and to cushion vibrations. The magnetic flux is thereby concentrated in such a way by means of a first flux guide piece that said magnetic flux acts vertically upon an effective surface of a component of the conveyor chain and/or the conveyor belt. In interaction with a second flux guide piece, the return of the magnetic reflux is achieved by means of an additional component of the conveyor chain and/or conveyor belt. Thus the magnetic reflux does not occur by means of the first named component, and consequently an optimized exertion of force on the conveyor chain and/or conveyor belt results.

Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.

Abstract: An endless chain for conveying panels and the like to be processed comprises a link chain entrained in a closed loop pattern about entrainment means and being coupled to chain driving means including a linear motor controlled by a control encoder for controlling the link chain movements.

Abstract: A chain module (1) for a modular chain conveyor comprising a substantially sheet-shaped body part (2), provided with a conveying surface (3) located at an upper side of the body part (2), with hinge holes (4A1, 4A2, 4B) included in the body part (2) and with two projections (15A, 15B) provided at the underside (14) of the body part (2), wherein sliding faces (17A, 17B) located at the sides (16A, 16B) facing each other of the projections (15A, 15B), together with a sliding face (18) located between the projections (15A, 15B) at the underside (14) of the body part (2), form a guide with substantially U-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A module for chains or belts that is molded from a plastic compound containing a magnetizable element. The molding may be performed in a standard injection molding machine equipped with a device that produces an electromagnetic or permanent magnetic field. The field lines are directed in such a way as to penetrate the mold cavities and the molded part in the desired axis, in order to electrically charge the magnetizable particles and orient them to form a permanently magnetized plastic body. After discharge of the mold, the plastic part has magnetic properties with opposite charges at opposite poles.

Abstract: A centering roller which is used with reinforced conveyor belts has permanent magnets within its outer shell to attract the steel cables used to reinforce the lateral portions of the belt. Preferably, the permanent magnets are of the rare earth variety to provide increased magnetic attraction and ensure centering of the belt.

Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.

Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.

Abstract: A chain guide for a continuous running transport chain includes chain links with track rollers and guide rollers that correspond to a guide rail with two tracks for the track rollers at a distance from one another and in between a groove profile for the engagement of the guide rollers. The guide rollers are supported by axle bolts that protrude at the chain links and through which the guide rollers protrude. To achieve good vibration damping of the transport chain, magnets are placed at the bottom of the groove profile of the guide rail with the magnetic circuit closing across the free ends of the axle bolts at the chain links across an air gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the planarity of a conveyance element with respect to a guide while the conveyance element is in motion. This control is achieved by coupling a guide to a conveyance element where the conveyance element is held in a level position by a magnetic force. The attractive force specifically holds the edges of the conveyance element in place, so that they do not lift up or separate from the guide as the guide, by way of a chain coupling the guide to the conveyance element, carries the conveyance element through a defined path over a linear distance or around a corner in, for example, a manufacturing line environment.

Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.

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 work fixing device in which the load of the conveyor is not increased even when using a fixed magnet. The work fixing device comprises: plurality of plates, on each plate of the plurality of plates a work with a ferromagnetic portion being mounted; a transporter for endlessly connecting and circulating the plurality of plates; at least one machining head provided above the transporter, a magnet fixed to the transporter, the magnet fixing the work, which is transported by the transporter, through magnetic force on each plate of the plurality of plates within a working range of the machining head; and a nonmagnetic clearance holder for separating the magnet and the work from each other at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus and method includes providing a plurality of slats being interconnected in an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface, and a plurality of pusher shoes gliding along at least some of the slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. A linear motor system is provided to propel the web and includes a plurality of linear motor secondaries at the slats and at least one primary for propelling the secondaries. A control system controls the primaries.

Abstract: A circulating mechanism includes a moving member, e.g. a chain or a belt, which travels along a circulating path and is looped about at least one deflecting member for reversing a travel direction of the moving member. Disposed in a section of the circulating path is a guide assembly for guiding the moving member. A magnetic field generating device is provided for applying a magnetic force upon the moving member at least in an area of the guide assembly so as to draw the moving member against the guide assembly and thereby enhance the travel behavior of the moving member.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. The sorting conveyor includes: a conveyor track; a train of conveyor carts connected end-to-end; a power source for moving the conveyor carts on the conveyor track; each of the conveyor carts including: (i) a trailer frame base, including: a roller structure for engaging the conveyor track, a driven member responsive to the power source, and a hitch mechanism for connecting each conveyor cart to an adjacent conveyor cart; (ii) a carrying tray for holding the objects; and (iii) a tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: In a conveyor system, a magnet element row aligned at least partly parallel to the conveyor path is arranged in a driving region to serve as a stationary drive device. Conveyor elements include conducting parts (4) and are movable along the conveyor path through the drive region. The magnet element row (11) includes alternatingly orientated permanent magnets and produces a magnetic field locally changing along the row (11). The conducting parts (4) are arranged on the conveyor elements (2) such that in the drive region they are positioned in the effective range of the magnet element row (11). A relative movement between the magnetic element row (11) and the conveyor element (2) produces eddy currents in the conducting parts (4) effecting forces counteracting the relative movement. The relative movement is produced by annular magnet element rows (11) that are revolvingly driven and of which a part moves parallel to the conveyor path being in interaction with the conducting parts (4) of conveyor elements (2).

Abstract: A bend segment for the track of a chain conveyor comprising at least two spaced, preferably flexible rails (4, 5) forming a track for the carrying surface of chain links (30), permanent magnets arranged below the track of the chain and flexible guide rails (11, 12) for guiding the return part of the chain, a number of supporting elements for supporting the rails being provided, which supporting elements are spaced in the conveying direction of the conveyor, the permanent magnets being accommodated in chambers (24, 24′) formed in an elongate, preferably flexible strip which is also supported on the supporting elements. The invention enables inexpensive manufacture of a bend segment of different lengths and radii.

Abstract: In a circulating type food and drink transport apparatus, since a first magnet and second magnets are disposed such that the same magnetic poles thereof confront each other, when a food and drink vessel is placed on a transport path, the first magnet faces the second magnets through the same polarities. Thus, the first magnet is subjected to the repulsive force of the second magnets, whereby the food and drink vessel tends to be stably located between adjacent magnets of the second magnets. When the second magnets are circulatingly traveled in a predetermined direction, the first magnet circulatingly travels at the same speed as the traveling speed of the second magnets because it tends to secure the above stable position.

Abstract: The invention is related to induction drives for either straight or curved conveyors as well as methods of driving endless conveyor belts. Pivotable magnets are free floating in holders or interconnected to create a virtual continuous magnetic body. When the virtual continuous magnetic body encounters the stator's electromagnetic field the resultant magnetic flux pushes the continuous magnetic body through the groove of the conveyor bed. The pivotable magnets are dimensioned so they will not interlock with each other, as their pathways are reversed.

Abstract: An endless conveyor belt has a thermal fluid (gas or liquid) sprayed against a portion of its underside to define a temperature-controlled region of the belt. To prevent the lateral escape of the thermal fluid, stationary seals are provided which contact the belt underside adjacent respective longitudinal edges of the belt. To keep the seals in continuous contact with the belt, despite warping that might occur, the seals carry magnets, and the belt is formed of a magnetizable material. Hence, the magnets force the belt and seals together.

Abstract: A sorter conveyor system according to the invention includes at least one endless conveyor loop including a rail. One or more conveyor segments are mounted on the rail. Each segment is a series of cart units each having wheel structures mounted for rolling movement along the rail, a carrier for carrying one or more items thereon, a selectively actuable mechanism for actuating the carrier laterally in at least one direction to unload an item from the carrier to an unloading station adjacent the conveyor loop, and a coupling mechanism for joining each cart unit in each series in a head to tail relationship. One or more drive elements are connected to one or more of the cart units and configured to permit the conveyor segment to be driven by a linear drive unit.

Abstract: A conveyor device comprising a guiding rail for guiding at least one transport mechanism. A ferromagnetic guide, including a magnet, is fixed to the guiding rail. An article carrying part is detachably connected to the transport mechanism through a magnetic circuit that flows through two spaced apart ferromagnetic guide parts carried by the transport mechanism. The ferromagnetic guide and the ferromagnetic guide parts are located relative to each other such that there is an air gap there between through which the magnetic circuit flows to create an attractive force, Fm, holding the article carrying part on the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A tilting conveyor cart for a sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and device for imparting a given law of motion to an object traveling along a path, whereby at least one timing body is fed along the path with the same given law of motion, and generates a magnetic field which interacts with at least one portion of the object to connect the object magnetically to the timing body.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. The sorting conveyor includes: a conveyor track; a train of conveyor carts connected end-to-end. Each of the conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base having a roller structure for engaging the conveyor track, an extended fin driven member responsive to an linear induction motor including a guide roller assembly, and a hitch mechanism for connecting each conveyor cart to an adjacent conveyor cart. The linear induction motor including a guide roller assembly for moving the conveyor carts on the conveyor track includes a motor; a mounting frame attached to the conveyor track for supporting the motor; and a pair of cantilevered, guide rollers connected to a motor and adjacent to each surface of the extended fin driven member for off-setting the mechanical load of the other guide roller.

Abstract: A sorter conveyor system according to the invention includes at least one endless conveyor loop including a rail. One or more conveyor segments are mounted on the rail. Each segment is a series of cart units each having wheel structures mounted for rolling movement along the rail, a tray for carrying one or more items thereon, a selectively actuable mechanism for tilting the tray laterally in at least one direction to unload an item from the tray to an unloading station adjacent the conveyor loop, and a coupling mechanism for joining each cart unit in each series in a head to tail relationship. One or more drive elements are connected to one or more of the cart units and configured to permit the conveyor segment to be driven by a linear drive unit.

Abstract: A speed control system for a sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor. The conveyor system includes a plurality of selectively energized linear induction motors for driving the train along the conveyor track. A speed control system including a fixed-frequency, variable-voltage transformer is connected to a portion of the linear induction motors for varying the speed of the train.

Abstract: A magnetic guide for a chain conveyor with ferromagnetic parts comprises at the top a U-shaped member (12) in a single piece having a central channel (13) and upper surfaces (25) arranged at the two sides of the channel to define running surfaces for the chain. The U-shaped member is assembled on a base member (11). The base member (11) comprises at least one seat (16) open above and completely receiving the magnets (17) for attraction of the chain against the running surfaces of the U-shaped member. The U-shaped member (12) identifies a lower supporting surface (20) on the base member for closing of the seat (16) of the magnets in the base member.

Abstract: A curved element for a magnetic conveyer having a chain movable along a guide. The curved element including a first piece on which the chain moves, a second piece, and a separate third piece for housing the magnets.

Abstract: A package sorting conveyor system having at least one conveyor cart movable along a continuous track and at least one unloading station. The conveyor system includes a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray on the conveyor cart and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the package sorting conveyor to unload a package into unloading stations on at least one side of the sorting conveyor. A transition zone funnel upstream of the unloading station receives the package from the conveyor cart. The transition zone funnel includes an inlet adjacent to the continuous track conveyor system at the unloading station for receiving the package discharged from the tiltable conveyor cart; an upwardly inclined downstream wall located downstream of the inlet for preventing the package from tipping over; and an outlet located downstream from the upwardly inclined downstream wall for discharging the package from the funnel.

Abstract: A mailroom conveyor system for transporting and handling a stream of printed and folded signatures supplied by high speed tapes of a folding apparatus of a printing press. The system includes a plurality of grippers, a rail system for guiding the grippers, an electric linear drive system for individually driving the grippers in the rail system, and a control system coupled to the electric linear drive system for individually controlling the movement of the grippers in the rail system.

Abstract: Upper part and return part of a bend segment for a chain conveyor provided with a conveyor chain movable over a track with at least one bend zone, which bend segment consists of at least one substantially U-shaped element made of plastic, which element comprises two legs forming the rails which the chain can move over or in, respectively, as well as a connecting portion connecting the legs of the element with each other, and which chain is provided with links each provided with a substantially rectangular bearing surface and a connection system situated under the bearing surface, wherein at least the portion of the legs of the bend segment that forms the guide for the bearing surfaces and connection systems of the chain links is manufactured from a first, high-grade type of plastic material, and the residual portion, if any, of the legs and the connecting portion are manufactured from at least a second, cheaper type of plastic material, for instance a recycled plastic material.

Abstract: Magnetic curves for chain conveyors, comprising at least one path of travel and a plurality of magnets housed below the path of travel in a groove extending in the extension direction of the curve. The plurality of magnets is divided at least into magnets of a first length and magnets of a second length.

Abstract: A conversion frame mounts to pre-existing bolt holes in a conventional USPS tilt-tray carriage with bolts that extend into the holes which previously supported vertical axis rollers for the mechanical drive tilt-tray carriage. The conversion frame has a forward foot and a rear foot, both of which connect to a ferromagnetic driving plate. The feet elevate a connection platform above the driving plate, and provide clearance for the rotation of four positioning rollers which extend sidewardly from the platform on protruding ears. The conversion kit allows the rapid change-over of a conventional mechanical drive tilt-tray sorter system to a LIM drive system with maximum re-use of parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and for conveying fabrics, individual articles and other material, in particular for feeding web-shaped material into a machine which processes it, for example a paper web into a printing machine, with at least one conveyor element formed for engagement with the material, a guide rail, in and/or along which the conveyor element(s) can move, and a drive device comprising the conveyor element in order to convey the material into and/or through the machine via the conveyor element, wherein the drive device is formed by an electric linear motor whose secondary part or rotor device comprises and/or bears the conveyor element(s) and whose primary part or stator device is mounted in a stationary manner on the guide rail, and the guide rail is formed from a non-magnetic and non-conducting or electrically insulating material, preferably a plastics material, and comprises therein one or more electrical conductor strands to which the stator device is coupled and/or connected so as to be ene