Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor adapted to operate by utilization of magnetic wheels and more particularly to a conveyor wherein the power from a drive source in transmitted to a large number of rollers through magnetic wheels capable of affecting the power transfer in a non-contact manner under the action of magnetic force, whereby the rollers constituting a conveyance surface are driven to perform a simultaneous multi-shaft rotation. According to this construction, the generation of noise is suppressed and mechanical wear, rising of dust and damage are prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent the interference of magnetic forces induced inevitably between adjacent magnetic wheels and hence possible to avoid malfunction of the magnetic wheels.

Abstract: A magnetic curve for a chain conveyor having links at least partly made of a ferromagnetic material, comprises a base portion (11) to which an upper guide portion (12) identifying surfaces for the conveyor sliding is fastened. Magnets (17) are present at the lower part of the slide surfaces for attracting the links against said surfaces. Said magnets (17) are fastened to the base portion (11) and advantageously are made up of pairs of magnets (17a, 17b) mutually interconnected, at the lower part, by a plate (19) of a ferromagnetic material securing them to the base (11).

Abstract: A magnetic transport system (8) has at least one magnetic transport roller (20) mounted to a frame (10) for conveying a ferromagnetic web (12). The transport roller (20) has a magnetic core (22), a first bonding layer (24) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the core (22), a first layer (26) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the first bonding layer (24), a second bonding layer (28) for bonding second layer (30) to the core (20). Second layer (30) comprises a wear and abrasion resistant material. Further, a ferromagnetic web (12) is arranged for movement along the magnetic transport roller (20) for transporting materials thereon.

Abstract: A magnetic transport system (8) has at least one magnetic transport roller (20) mounted to a frame (10) for conveying a ferromagnetic web (12). The transport roller (20) has a magnetic core (22), a first bonding layer (24) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the core (22), a first layer (26) at least partially surrounding and bonded to the first bonding layer (24), a second bonding layer 28 for bonding second layer 30 to the core (20). Second layer (30) comprises a wear and abrasion resistant material. Further, a ferromagnetic web (12) is arranged for movement along the magnetic transport roller (20) for transporting materials thereon.

Abstract: A two-axis, 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 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.

Abstract: A hollow guide rail 10 defining a pneumatic cylinder tube which is made up of multiple tubular members 16 connected in end to end fashion. Each tubular member 16 has a reinforcing rib 17 extending between its opposite ends, a rib-less part 24 formed on the tubular member 16 near each of its longitudinal ends by cutting away a part of the reinforcing rib 17, and a coupling rib 25 defined by the portion of the reinforcing rib 17 which remains between each rib-less portion 24 and the nearest longitudinal end of the tubular member 16 after the portions of the reinforcing rib 17 have been cut away. The tubular members 16 are connected to each other by fastening the coupling ribs 25 of adjacent tubular members 16 together with connecting plates 33 fitted over the coupling ribs and nuts and bolts 34.

Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a load carrying top surface assembled from links extending sidewards of the width of the belt, and which incorporates eyeparts (17, 18) on the first row provided with holes in sidewards alignment for the connection rods (23), and where the holes at the eyeparts at second row have been extended as slots, in which the connection rods (23) are movable in the direction towards first rows eyeparts and where the eyeparts at first row are tied to the eyeparts at second row by means of connection parts (19), and where the side links have been provided with L-shaped guide tabs, intended to guide the conveyor belt in horizontal and in vertical direction and to retain the conveyor belt at the supporting wear profiles.

Abstract: A curved belt conveyor, to be used mostly above ground and operating with any desired length, can be operated advantageously without belt band rollers so that no tumbling action can take effect upon the belt band. This makes for long service life, as well as quieter, more uniform and safer operation. Drive is accomplished either via a linear motor drive system acting laterally upon the belt band, said system consisting of magnets arranged on the running wheel carriers and the stators that are firmly integrated into the guide ducts, or where, in the guide ducts, for example, a traction chain runs that is connected correspondingly with the running wheel carriers. The side edges of the belt band are grasped via the running wheel carriers and are so connected with them that one can achieve a swing-motion connection.

Abstract: Retainer grooves are formed widthwise at a constant pitch on the external surface of a timing belt to retain the lead terminals of an electronic component therein. A magnet is mounted to a rail for guiding the timing belt to attract the lead terminals of the electronic component to the retainer grooves. The electronic component can be prevented from falling off or being displaced due to an inertia force generated at the time of intermittent feed so as to be stably conveyed not only horizontally but also in vertical or circular arc directions.

Abstract: In a passenger conveyor, in order to reduce installation dimensions and, more particularly, a height of the passenger conveyor, the passenger conveyor is constructed to be driven by a linear motor, with stators and moving members of the linear motor being formed such that surfaces thereof facing each other are located in horizontal planes and generated magnetic flux of the stators is perpendicular to the facing surfaces. The moving members are mounted on the respective treadboards.

Abstract: A control system in a goods assorting apparatus whereby the moving state of an assorting carrier by the linear motor driving system is detected by a group of photoelectric switches which are arranged at regular intervals in each section of a reaction plate for detection of the speed of the assorting carrier and issuance of synchronizing signals. This control device ensures accurate dividing of goods into the specified assorting destination.

Abstract: A bend segment for a chain conveyor having a substantially U-shaped plastics element. The legs (2,3) of the U-shaped element form the rails over which the chain can move. The chain contains links (4) each having a substantially rectangular bearing surface and a connection system (5,6) located below the bearing surface. The successive links are pivotally coupled to each other through the connection systems. The links are composed of at least partly of a magnetizable material. Permanent magnets (8',8") are arranged at least in the connecting portion (12) between the legs of the U-shaped element. The permanent magnets (8) are arranged in chambers, closed at the top, formed in the bottom surface (1) of the U-shaped plastics element. The chambers and the magnets (8) extend in the bottom on opposite sides of the connecting portion over a substantial part of the width of the legs (2,3) of the U-shaped element.

Abstract: A conveyor has an endless belt spanned over upstream and downstream rollers and having upper and lower stretches. The belt has an outer surface adapted to carry a load in the upper stretch and a lower surface turned inward. Permanent magnets are fixed to the inner surface of the belt and a linear-motor stator is provided underneath the upper stretch and juxtaposed with the permanent magnets thereof. The stator and magnets together form a linear motor for advancing the upper stretch downstream. An array of such permanent magnets is imbedded in the lower surface of the belt spaced apart to permit the belt to flex.

Abstract: A chain conveyor comprises a link chain (14) with flat elements of ferromagnetic material joined centrally by articulation elements and a guide track (10) consisting of side shoulders (11, 12) identifying a central channel (13). The side shoulders (11, 12) have flat upper surfaces on which run the flat elements of the chain near magnets (19) which are inserted in grooves (15,16) lateral to the shoulders (11, 12) said grooves being subsequently closed by strips (22, 23).

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven conveyor apparatus has an endless enclosure which is made of a non-magnetic material and which has an interior surface which defines an enclosed channel. Within the channel are a plurality of channel partitioning elements which have a magnetic core and which extend to edges which are slidably fitted against the interior surface of the channel enclosure. A prolongation is positioned between each partitioning element for spacing apart each successive partitioning element. At least two electromagnetic drive units, which movably reciprocate between two positions, are positioned adjacent an outside surface of the enclosure to effect transport of the partitioning elements. Infeed and outfeed units are associated with the channel enclosure for, respectively, introducing product to be conveyed into the channel and removing conveyed product from the channel.

Abstract: Improvements in the primary and the secondary of linear induction motors for a SAILRAIL air bearing support and conveying systems increase the efficiency of such systems. In the primary the core includes a plurality of laterally adjacent toothed laminations with the edges of the teeth being complementarily curved to the curvature of the rail. The electrical windings extend around air ducts formed in the primary, improving cooling. Additional cooling is achieved by bleeding air to vertical nozzles in the core, the cooling bleed air also helping to support a runner as it passes over the primary. The secondary is provided in the runner and includes two sets of curved flexible plates held in a pocket in the runner adjacent the operating surface thereof. The inner plates are ferromagnetic and the outer plates are copper or aluminum and are generally wider than the inner plates.

Abstract: A bundle distribution system comprised of tilt tray carriers coupled in tandem forming a continuous loop, each conveyor being a link in the loop. Vertical and horizontal wheels guide the conveyors along a closed loop path which may include curved and straight sections as well as vertical curves and inclined path sections. Each carrier includs a pivotally mounted tilt tray normally maintained in an upright position. Linear induction motors (LIMs) cooperate with a conductive plate arranged along the underside of each carrier for propulsion. The LIMs are distributed at spaced intervals along the closed loop track, each carrier being a movable element of the motor. The LIMs are operated in parallel and a speed sensor provides feedback for controlling the operating speed to a tolerance of within .+-.5%. The cam follower rollers of a tilting assembly follow a movable tilt cam which initially unlocks the tilting mechanism from the locked position followed by tilting of the carriage about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Chain conveyor in which a chain with flat conveying surface slides on guides with which there are associated magnets that retain the chain against the slip faces of the guides. Between these faces is a channel-shaped gap of which at least the sides consist of inserted elements which close seats in the guide which house the magnets.

Abstract: A chain conveyor comprising a chain movable over a track having one or more bends therein, comprising chain links having a substantially rectangular carrying surface with adjacent chain links in the chain being hinged together, and comprising a magnetic field generator at least in the outside bend zones of the track, and wherein the chain links are made of magnetizable material.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor system utilizing an endless flat belt is disclosed. The belt travels in an endless path which includes a spiral portion. The belt is primarily driven in the spiral portion by a frictional engagement between the belt and a rotating driving element. The frictional engagement results from a combination of a tension induced in the belt by a secondary drive and a magnetic force between the rotating driving element and the belt.

Abstract: A plurality of entrainment members can be individually summoned or called for by a release or summoning mechanism and can be individually and successively coupled at a substantially uniform spacing with respect to one another by a shuttle or transfer wheel with an endless revolving driven traction element. In order to reduce the technical constructional expenditure and the noise emission during operation of the clock conveyor there are provided magnetic devices for coupling the entrainment members in force-locking or frictional manner with the endless revolving driven traction element.

Abstract: A winding apparatus for winding a magnetic element through a form, the apparatus having at least one chain which has a plurality of magnetic carrier units disposed about the form for loading the coil of the element through the form and, after loading, for winding the element from the loading coil about the form under tension to tightly wind a final coil. Each carrier unit includes a device for generating a magnetic force to magnetically hold the element and to release portions of the element when tension on the element between the outer periphery of the final coil and the advancing point of separation of the element from the inner periphery of the loading coil exceeds the magnetic force exerted by the carrier units. The winding apparatus also includes a device for driving the chain during loading and winding, and structure for defining the path of the chain during loading and winding.

Abstract: A chain conveyor which moves along a curved path comprises a conveyor chain (1) formed of plate links (3), which are hinged to each other, and a track (2) on which the links (3) slide. The track (2) is made of plastics material in which a magnetic strip (6) is embedded. The strip (6) is made of magnetic powder bonded with plastics material and the remainder of the track (2) has ferromagnetic powder incorporated in it. The links (3) are ferromagnetic and thus a magnetic field passes through the track (2) and the link (3) to hold the conveyor chain (1) in contact with the track (2) especially where the track is curved. Where the track is curved the magnetic strip (6) is preferably at the outside of the curve.

Abstract: A chain conveyor is described, which comprises a track including at least one bend zone and a conveyor chain. The track comprises two spaced parallel rails over which the chain can move. The chain has links presenting a substantially rectangular carrying surface made of synthetic plastics material and a connecting system situated below the carrying surface and including hinge eyes on opposite sides of each link and a hinge pin of ferromagnetic material passed through the hinge eyes of each pair of adjacent links, thereby hinging adjacent links together. The chain is capable of flexing not only about the hinge pins but also in the plane of transport defined by the carrying surfaces of the successive links. Guide surfaces depend from the underside of the carrying surfaces for guiding the chain laterally relative to the rails. The maximum perpendicular distance between these guide surfaces is shorter than the minimum perpendicular distance between the guide surfaces formed on the rails.

Abstract: The present invention consists in employing conveyors and/or pushers in order to permit movable planes (7,110) to be advanced along bearing guides (1, 102) showing a quadrilateral shape. The advancing motion of the movable planes (7, 110) is caused by several devices which are housed in seats, suitably profiled, of the guides (1, 102). These devices are mounted on a peripheral chain line (3, 104). According to a first embodiment, the aforesaid devices are provided with a series of small bars (5) which are mounted on the chain (3) and supports magnetic elements (4) dragging metallic discs (6) applied under sliding planes (7). According to a second embodiment, the chain line (104) supports a series of plates (106) which are provided with pushers (108) working in contrast with a spring and pushing vertical stirrups (111) which are provided under the sliding planes (110).

Abstract: A motion converter is disposed at the input to a work station to convert the constant velocity of sheet material as it is payed out from a roll into a cyclic, stop and go motion. The motion converter includes a pair of actuators containing electromagnets and these are alternately energized to attract the sheet material first against a contoured surface and then a flat surface. Sheet material accumulates in a serpentine path within the motion converter when attracted toward the contoured surface and it is expelled rapidly therefrom when attracted toward the flat surface. A programmed position control operates the electromagnets in response to position feedback signals from sensors on the motion converter.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for conveying newly formed, hot bottles from the forming machine to an annealing lehr which is conventionally positioned with its lehr mat or belt running in a direction parallel to the movement of the transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyor surface is driven at a first speed as it passes in front of the multiple section glass forming machine. After passing the machine sections, the conveyor, made of a plurality of horizontal links, has the individual, successive links moved closer together to, in effect, shorten the length of the link belt conveyor. This shortening is the result of the drive for the link belt conveyor being discontinued just after the belt is engaged from beneath by a magnetic link belt chain driven at a slower speed. The chain is guided in a first straight line parallel to the machine conveyor direction and then guided through a 90.degree. arc to pass in front of the lehr so the bottles can be transferred from the conveyor surface to the lehr mat with a lehr loader.

Abstract: A transporting device of the conveyor belt type, in which a transporting belt, on which the material to be transported can be supported, is capable of being moved along a transport path by a driving mechanism and carried using rolling bodies. The transport path is equipped with an electrical travelling-wave stator (10). Permanent magnets (16) are provided arranged in series, which communicate with the transporting belt (20) in a power-transmitting fashion and form a linear motor with the travelling-wave stator (10) with an air-gap between the pole faces of the attracting permanent magnets (16) and the travelling-wave stator (10). The permanent magnets (16) and the travelling-wave stator (10) are held at air-gap space (a) by rolling bodies (14).

Abstract: A bend segment for a chain conveyor comprising a chain movable over a track including one or more bends, said chain being composed of links of a magnetizable material having a substantially rectangular load bearing surface, the successive links in the chain being pivoted together. The bend segment includes a device for producing a magnetic field to retain the load bearing surfaces of the links flat on the track, which consists of a pair of rails of a magnetizable material wherebetween are provided, at predetermined distances, members for interconnecting the rails and/or for keeping these spaced apart. A synthetic plastics strip is provided in at least the inner bend of the bend segment against the inside of the rail. The device for producing a magnetic field include magnets placed between the rails, with the magnetic lines of force of the magnetic field produced by the magnets extending through the rails to attract the chain links against the rails.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system is provided with a driving unit disposed at an upper horizontal portion of the system and a linear motor disposed at a midway portion of the system for driving the passenger conveyor, thereby not requiring the provision of expensive linear motors over a full rise of the system, and adding a linear motor to only a portion of the conventional system, while the comfort of the passengers is considerably improved.

Abstract: A bend segment for a chain conveyor, including a chain movable over a track including one or more bends. The chain is composed of interconnected links of magnetizable material having a substantially rectangular load bearing surface. The bend segment is an integral element, U-shaped in cross-section, with an under surface formed with elongate pockets, extending into the legs of the element and extending in the longitudinal direction of the bend segment. The pockets are arranged to receive magnets provided to keep the chain flat in a bend of the track.

Abstract: A continuous belt (14) has upper and lower runs (14a, 14b) and is supported by upper and lower runs (23a, 23b) of steel ropes (23) carried and driven by roller (12, 13). The ropes (23) are supported on wheels (22) carried by a frame (11). Rollers (30) invert the lower run of the belt and lead it onto the lower run of the ropes. Magnetic members (50) are secured to the belt and hold the belt relative to the ropes to inhibit relative movement and reduce wear.

Abstract: A linking apparatus is provided for forming links in product-filled casing. The apparatus includes two rotatable pulley assemblies and two belt assemblies rotatably trained about the respective pulley assemblies. The belt assemblies are spaced apart from one another to define a linking station therebetween through which the casing passes. A plurality of pinching members are magnetically attracted into engagement with the belt assemblies for movement therewith. Each of the pinching members on the first belt assembly cooperates with a pinching member on the second belt assembly while passing through the linking station so as to engage and collapse the filled casing such that the casing can be twisted to form links. A control device is positioned in the path of the pinching members to hold and then release the members thereby controlling the spacing between pinching members within the linking station such that the length of links can be regulated.

Abstract: An improved friction roller including arcuate sections applied to an external surface thereof, the sections configured to receive and engage a magnetic flexible element such as a cable, and including a magnetic field generating coil means for attracting the cable to the arcuate section and thereby to the frictional roller.

Abstract: A fluid levitated generally convex support member particularly useful in supporting a pallet, plate or belt such that the pallet, plate or belt load may be moved in an air powered track system, the system including at least one concave track with means for supporting and guiding the convex member and the pallet, plate or belt thereabove on a thin film of pressurized air jetting from nozzles in the track. The support member includes a generally tubular, flexible and partly deformable outer member and means for internally stressing the outer member so that under load there will be controlled deformation thereof. The deformed member will be closely complementary to the track surface to maximize load carrying capacity while minimizing fluid support power requirements and the detrimental effect of track deformities.

Abstract: Linear motors are employed to position fabricating materials in work stations. The fabricating material forms the movable element of the linear motor and the positioning of the fabricating material is precisely controlled by a closed loop positioning control system which drives the stator windings of the linear motor. Two embodiments are disclosed; one for sheet metal and the other for tubular metal.

Abstract: Automatic tracking of an endless belt, such as a coated abrasive belt, is provided by fitting the belt with at least one permanent magnet, preferably of a flexible, rubber bonded sheet-like variety such as is conveniently adhered to the backside of the belt. One or more magnetic sensors positioned transversely to a longitudinal line defined by the path of the magnets as the belt is driven between rollers detect the magnets in the event the belt exceeds an allowed extent of transverse movement, in which event a control signal is generated which activates a steering mechanism causing the belt to move in the opposite transverse direction.

Abstract: A magnetic drive for a metallic conveyor belt is provided by a driving wheel having permanent magnets disposed in the outer periphery thereof, the magnets protruding radially outwardly so that they act as cleats for driving the belt in addition to supplying a magnetic shear force for driving the belt.

Abstract: In a stepwise drive mechanism of the type comprising a pair of endless coying members, such as for example metal chains, which are formed of a magnetic or magnetizable material, with gripping elements mounted thereon and in which the conveying members are located parallel to one another with the gripping elements fixed temporarily to a plastic film in which receptacles are formed and traverse a machine for processing food and/or pharmaceutical products having different work stations positioned at intervals whose length is a multiple of the feed steps of the drive mechanism, a drive is provided for synchronously driving the conveying members. This drive includes drive wheels respectively located in contact with a corresponding conveying member or chain along a predetermined arc and a drive arrangement for intermittently rotating the drive wheels through an elementary angular displacement which corresponds to a feed step of the conveying members.

Abstract: A stable moving platform from which articles may be measured while in motion on this platform. An endless, moving silent chain type conveyor is modified to allow a center group of links to float relative to the pins which hold the links together. A mechanical force applying means presses the chain downward to define fixed horizontal and vertical planes just as the chain is to enter an inspection zone. A magnetic force applying means under the chains holds the chain in the fixed position defined by the mechanical force applying means as the chain moves through the inspection zone.