Abstract: A sorting table with an adjustable screen for fruit, has a series of conveyor/sorter rollers arranged in a sorting plane and parallel to each other, the conveyor/sorter rollers each having at least one sorter section, a spacing being provided respectively between opposing sorter sections of successive conveyor/sorter rollers in order to allow fruit to pass selectively through the table, via said spacing. The sorting table includes conveyor/sorter rollers provided with sorter sections that have an adjustable diameter and a control device for controlling the diameter of the adjustable-diameter sorter sections. Application to sorting a fruit or grape crop.

Abstract: A device for reducing rotation of an article during singulation of a stack of articles is disclosed. The device may include a torsion element, a rotatable member configured to rotate about an elongated axis of the torsion element between a first position and a second position, and a revolving member coupled to the rotatable member. An outer surface of the revolving member contacts a drive belt in the first position and an article in the second position. The torsion element exerts torque on the rotatable member when it moves from the first position towards the second position. The torque causes the outer surface of the revolving member to apply a frictional force to the article, thereby minimizing rotation of the article. Systems and methods of singulating articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to reducing a number of jams that can occur in an automated teller machine with the employment of a moveable platen that increases a width of a channel for documents. A document analysis area can receive a document via a first transport path, wherein the document analysis area can include a channel in which the document travels to enable at least one scan component to capture an image of the document. The channel is created by one or more platen. The one or more platen can be movable to increase the width of the channel so as to allow documents to pass-through the document analysis area without causing a jam or error for the automated teller machine.

Abstract: A machine for extracting infill from artificial turf includes a first conveyor forming an inclined surface having movable tracks to engage and move a length of artificial turf from a first end to a second end of the machine. A rake disposed on the first end of the machine may include teeth configured to engage an underside of the turf for feeding onto the first conveyer. The machine may also include a first roller disposed above the first conveyor, where the first roller is movable to apply a downward force to a top surface of the first conveyor. The machine may further include a second roller on the second end of the machine, where the second roller includes protrusions that agitate the turf for assisting in removing infill. The machine may also include a second conveyor to receive infill removed from the turf for discharge from the machine.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and associated methods for counting and sorting coins are described herein. In one embodiment, a coin processing machine can include a coin input region, a coin counting portion, and a coin sorting portion. The coin counting portion can include a first hopper that receives coins from the coin input region, and a coin discriminator that receives the coins from the first hopper and discriminates the coins to determine their value. The coin sorting portion can include a second coin hopper that receives the coins from the coin discriminator, and a coin sorter that receives the coins from the second hopper and sorts the coins into individual denominations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting items of media along a transport path. The apparatus comprises at least one clamp member to apply a clamp force to a bunch of media items located between a support surface and said clamp member, wherein said clamp member is selectively moveable towards or away from said support surface to apply a predetermined clamp force to the bunch of media items.

Abstract: A device for reducing rotation of an article during singulation of a stack of articles is disclosed. The device may include a torsion element, a rotatable member configured to rotate about an elongated axis of the torsion element between a first position and a second position, and a revolving member coupled to the rotatable member. An outer surface of the revolving member contacts a drive belt in the first position and an article in the second position. The torsion element exerts torque on the rotatable member when it moves from the first position towards the second position. The torque causes the outer surface of the revolving member to apply a frictional force to the article, thereby minimizing rotation of the article. Systems and methods of singulating articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive and lightweight carrying mechanism in which side frames and a guide plate are not required to be formed separately and assembled and a small number of components are required. A pair of right and left side frames (2a, 2b) and a medium guide (3) are integrally formed to form a frame structure body (1). On one surface side of the medium guide (3) of the frame structure body (1), a carrying belt (8) for carrying a medium is disposed, and on the other surface side of the medium guide (3), a driven roller (10) for holding the medium between the carrying belt (8) and itself is disposed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear conveyor (21) for transporting glass panels (3) in the vicinity of grinding stations (9, 13) or a washing station (15) of a system for producing glass panel blanks including a linear conveyor (23), for example, a driven toothed belt, and opposite the driven toothed belt a beam (25), from which a fluid, in particular water, is discharged. The glass panel (3) is pressed against the linear conveyor (23) in a non-positive manner and reliably conveyed by water discharged from the beam (25). Such linear conveyors (21) can be arranged at the upper or lower edge of a glass panel (3) in order to trim the glass panel using at least one grinding disk (27), for example.

Abstract: A conveyor system aligner, method of aligning and continuous aligning belt includes providing a belt support assembly having a generally vertical support surface and a channel defined in the support surface. A belt drive propels the aligning belt along the support surface and items, such as cartons, are conveyed past the aligning belt. A continuous aligning belt is provided that has a contact portion and a guide member. The contact portion has a contact surface and a glide surface. The glide surface is configured to travel along the support surface. The guide member is adapted to be captured by the channel and travels in the channel to support the aligning belt.

Abstract: A conveyor system can includes a feed conveyor, a declined conveyor, and an inclined conveyor. A declined stationary surface is suspended above the declined conveyor and positioned to exert a counter-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist forward rotation of the articles down the declined conveyor. An inclined stationary support surface is suspended above the inclined conveyor and positioned to exert a forward-moment on the articles related to the weight of the stationary support surface and the coefficient of sliding friction of the stationary support surface that is sufficient to resist counter-rotation of the articles that results in movement of the articles down the inclined conveyor. The vertical height of the stationary surfaces can be adjusted. A related method is also described.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus and method for conveying materials in which the conveyor belt has chord members located along each belt side. The chord members are adapted to fit within a slotted track assembly whereby the chord members slide relative to the track assemblies when the conveyor is actuated.

Abstract: A transporting device, for conveying goods over a conveying route, includes a transporting belt and at least one rope-like traction element for exerting a traction force upon the transporting belt. The transporting belt follows the traction element, at least along a transporting section of the conveying route, and is in communication there with the traction element through a coupling. The coupling has at least one spring element which, in the aforementioned transporting section, encompasses the traction element, with spring effect, for the creation of a force coupling.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval unit (1) is provided for operating a product storage shelving (2), which has at least one shelf, on which essentially cubic products (4, 5, 6) are arranged and held. The products can be removed and fed to a driven, essentially horizontal continuous belt (8) of a height-adjustable storage and retrieval unit that is movable along the product storage shelving. The products removed are centered by a centering device with a lateral product centering element (9), which is arranged on a transverse side of the continuous belt (8) in the area of at least one longitudinal end of the continuous belt. The lateral product centering element centers a product removed from the product storage shelving (2) against a lateral longitudinal stop (10) of the continuous belt (8). Differently configured cubic products may be handled by the storage and retrieval unit in an easy, fast and reliable manner.

Abstract: A transport system, in particular airport baggage handling system, for transport of containers with articles, in particular bags, includes a discharge unit for unloading a container which supports an article and defines a longitudinal axis. The discharge unit includes a curve section to define a curved transport path, and an engagement assembly for guiding and moving the container at a desired speed. The engagement assembly is constructed to move the container along the curved transport path at a transport speed by which the article is forced outwards as a result of centrifugal forces so that the article spontaneously slides from the container.

Abstract: A chain conveying apparatus for spouts or bags having spouts, including a pair of annular chains. The attachment plates are provided on the respective oppositely-rotating annular chains so that the attachment plates have play in a vertical direction. Centering guide members are disposed so as to be close to the axial portions of the spouts so as to regulate the movements of the spouts in the direction perpendicular to the attachment plates' moving direction; upper-side guide members and lower-side guide members are disposed above and below the attachment plates so as to regulate the height position of the attachment plates; and flange regulating members are disposed so as to be above the flanges of the spouts, which is being conveyed, with a narrow gap between the flange regulating members and the flanges so as to regulate an upward movement of the spouts.

Abstract: A non-horizontal conveyor for feeding objects has a conveyor belt, a first pulley at a first end forming a loading area of the conveyor, and a second pulley at a second end forming a feeding area of the conveyor. The conveyor also has a conveyor cover having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper part extends from the second pulley towards the first pulley, thereby covering a substantial part of the conveyor and preventing the objects from falling out of the conveyor during transport. The lower part is resiliently attached to the upper part adjacently to the first pulley, thereby preventing a plurality of objects from aggregating in the loading area at the first pulley. Furthermore, the conveyor cover has two symmetrical members rotationally attached to its lower part.

Abstract: A stopping device for an automation module for a printed circuit board (PCB) wherein the PCB is stopped in a stopping position and then removed from the stopping position. A stopping means serves to stop in the stopping position a PCB which is fed on a conveyor of the automation module that can impart an acceleration to the PCB. A pressure means is provided to apply pressure on the PCB when it arrives in the vicinity of the stopping position so as to impart a deceleration to the PCB and avoid rebound thereof against the stopping means. The pressure means also applies pressure on the PCB when it is removed from the stopping position by the conveyor to enable the conveyor to impart an acceleration to the PCB.

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

Abstract: An inlet rolling device of power exhaust conveyor for packing sheet used in sharing and packing device of medicine according to the present invention, wherein the power exhaust conveyor is so constructed that a sponge roller is mounted on the inlet side, a shaft is mounted at the central portion of the sponge roller, and a support is connected to the end portion of the shaft and to a hinge shaft fixed to a mounting plate so as to be rotated, thereby enabling the packing sheet containing medicine to be discharged to the outside, comprises a hollow shaft attached to the central portion of the sponge roller and mounted to a shaft so as to be rotated, a primary pulley mounted on the end portion of the hollow shaft, a secondary pulley mounted on a hinge shaft so as to be rotated, a primary belt interconnecting the primary and secondary pulleys, and a secondary belt interconnecting the secondary pulley and a driving pulley mounted on the shaft of a motor for driving the exhaust conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor and packaging apparatus, as well as packaging conveyance and packaging methods for irregularly shaped articles and packages, such as for packaged food products as in the case of conical packages for ice cream confections and the like. In the present invention, pairs of manufactured articles having irregular profiles are moved along a conveyor system. Each of a given pair of articles moves along an independent conveyor path toward a predetermined destination. Each article may undergo a change in alignment along its path such that it is in a preferred orientation upon leaving the conveyor system. In a preferred embodiment, pairs of conical articles are oriented with the narrow ends in opposing directions (interlaced) upon leaving the system so as to minimize the amount of space required for packaging of the two articles when placed adjacent one another.

Abstract: The braking device comprises at least one flexible braking means (1) extending across the trajectory of the sheets (2) and mounted so as to pivot around a transverse axis (4) so that its trajectory around the axis intersects the trajectory of the sheets (2), the direction of rotation of the end of the flexible braking means (1) and intersecting the trajectory of the sheets (2) being opposite the direction of motion of the sheets, and also comprises drive means for pivoting the braking means (1) in dependence on the longitudinal dimensions of the sheets (2) and the frequency with which they pass. The means driving the braking means (1) around the transverse axis (4) comprise a variable-speed electromagnetic actuator (5) connected to control means which in real time record the parameters relating to the longitudinal dimension of the sheets and the frequency with which they pass.

Abstract: A product diverting mechanism used in a packaging system, which is effective to increase the speed at which the products are successively diverted, includes a force applicator for applying a force, including a force component acting in a horizontal direction, to the products transported from a preceding station, in a direction transverse to a direction of transport of the products, a suppressor disposed above a transporter for suppressing an upward shift of the products which occurs when the force applicator applies the force to the products, and an elevator for moving the suppressor up and down. The suppressor is lowered during an operation to divert the products so as to contact an upper surface of the products.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a bundle of signatures moving continuously on a saddle chain to a working station includes an indexing chain moving with variable speed, and a clamping unit for keeping the bundle of signatures at a predetermined position on the indexing chain; a method of operating the apparatus; and a saddle binding machine incorporating the apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor belt skirt assembly adapted to be attached to a conveyor mechanism to retain conveyed material on a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt skirt assembly includes a mounting mechanism having first and second clamping members and a conveyor belt skirt adapted to be attached between the first and second clamping members. The conveyor belt skirt includes a relatively thin upper portion and a relatively thick lower portion. The upper portion of the skirt includes an offset wall forming a pocket adapted to receive the first clamping member.

Abstract: A belt conveyor system using a mechanism that can either create a seal between the skirt and the belt or allow the skirt to make floating contact with the belt regardless of the directional movement of the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a surfacing machine includes centering assembly having a plurality of individually movable biasing element sets, comprising an upper element and a lower element. Each element set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the element set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. The hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a valve. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each element set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower element of an element set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing element would automatically move the same amount when the valve is closed. When the valve is open, the upper and lower elements are free to move independently, allowing the centerline to be easily positioned as desired.

Abstract: Air is directed downwardly from at least one laterally extending air manifold to push newspaper in a stream of mixed recyclable materials against the discs of an inclined disc screen to ensure that the newspaper is conveyed upwardly over an output end of the screen while containers and bottles in the stream tumble downwardly off a lower input end of the screen. In an alternate embodiment, the disc screen has a V-shaped configuration with a lowermost region that provides a laterally inclined trough that received the mixed recyclable materials.

Abstract: A take-away mechanism is provided from a singulation mechanism in a system for handling substantially flat articles of varying size, weight and thickness, and in particular for handling mixed mail. The take-away mechanism includes at least one and preferably more belts which are preferably driven at a rate higher than the rate at which articles are fed to the take-away mechanism, which belt(s) preferably have surfaces in contact with the article of material having a high coefficient of friction. At least two components are provided for applying pressure to articles as they are passed over the belt, the components preferably being spaced along the belt by a distance less than the shortest length of an article to be handled. One of the components may be two or more independently biased rollers and one of the components may be two or more independently biased fingers, the rear component being the rollers and the forward component being fingers for the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A paper handling system includes an acceleration conveyor having an acceleration belt operating at an acceleration speed. The system includes a pinning structure operably positioned to pin paper to the acceleration belt. The pinning structure is a rotary feeder which includes a plurality of flexible bristles extending radially from a roller into engagement with the acceleration belt. The speed of the acceleration belt is sufficiently high to create a suction phenomena such that when paper is pinned to the acceleration belt with the rotary feeder, the paper will be accelerated to a paper speed substantially equal to the acceleration speed. The system also includes a blower system operative to facilitate carrying the paper off of the acceleration belt across a transition gap between the acceleration belt and a product belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a planer machine includes centering sectional shoe assembly positioned in close proximity to opposed cutting heads, between the cutting heads and a centering feed assembly. The shoe assembly includes a plurality of individually movable pressure shoe sets, comprising an upper shoe and a lower shoe. Each shoe set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the shoe set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each shoe set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower shoe of a shoe set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing shoe would automatically move the same amount. The shoe assembly thus centers each and every workpiece independent of the amount of stock removal required.

Abstract: There is provided for a packaging machine an overhead boom arrangement 20 having a number of endless belts 22, 23 driven around sets of rollers 25. The belts 22, 23 contact the tops of articles/bottles 11 or carton blanks 50 and are driven at the same speed as the speed of the articles through the packaging machine. At least one of the belts 23 is height adjustable relative to the other belt or belts 22. The boom arrangement holds the articles 11 whilst the blanks 50 are being folded around.

Abstract: In a device for coating of spacer frames (2) for insulated glass panes, there are nozzles on either side of conveyor (1) from which adhesive or sealant is applied to side surfaces (4) of spacer frame (2). Above conveyor (1) there are pressure rollers (10) which press spacer frame (2) against conveyor belt (1) Pressure rollers (10) engage spacer frame (2) in the area of the side edges of inside surface (6) of hollow section (5) which is forming. In this way a frictional connection between conveyor belt (1) and spacer frame (2) is effected and the leg of spacer frame (2) which lies on conveyor belt (1) is guided laterally. Pressure rollers (10) need not be swivelled up when staves (10) move past pressure rollers (10) when spacer frame (2) provided with staves (15) is being coated.

Abstract: A conveyor system for retaining an empty box thereon includes a conveyor assembly slidably adjustable on a frame. The conveyor assembly includes a set of rollers rotationally mounted on a support rail attached to the conveyor assembly. A corresponding set of rollers are rotationally mounted to another support rail parallel and spaced apart from the first support rail and fixedly attached to the frame. The rotational axis of each of the rollers is angled forward in the direction of operative travel of the conveyor belt and box. In operation, the angled rollers snugly engage the box and urge the box against the conveyor belt when the box is translated thereby. The distance between the two sets of rollers is adjusted by sliding adjustment of the conveyor assembly with respect to the frame, thus providing for expedited set up of the conveyor system to handle boxes of different widths.