Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers in preselected positions on one or more conveyors. The guide rail system has inner and outer subsystems for locating the containers on the conveyor. The inner subsystem includes one or more offset adjustable point devices, each located at a preselected offset location adjacent to a straight segment of the conveyor and spaced apart from a boundary between it and a curved segment by a preselected distance. The inner subsystem also has one or more first and second transition rail portions, each mounted to said at least one offset adjustable point device, for engaging the containers as they are moved on the straight segment and the curved segment respectively. The first and second transition rail portions are positionable by the offset adjustable point device to locate the containers in the preselected positions.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a conveyor portion, a side member having first and second side members, a connecting member, a first locking member and a driving unit. The first locking mechanism attached to the second side member locks and unlocks a connection between the second side member and the connecting member. In an unlocked state, the second member is movable along the connecting member towards or away from the first member. In a locked state, the second member is immovable relative to the first member. The driving unit is operative to move the second side member along the first direction close to or away from the first side member when the first locking mechanism is in the unlocked state and is operative to move the conveyor portion, the side member and the connecting member in unison along the first direction when the first locking mechanism is in the locked state.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, may include a controller configured to coordinate operation of valves and remotely controllable regulators that are fluidically communicative therewith, allowing the control of positioners of positioner zones that are fluidically communicative with such remotely controllable regulators. Preferred embodiments may find application as, e.g., a pneumatic system to control positioners, whether such positioner find use in bottling applications or elsewhere. Additional aspects of the inventive technology may relate to methods for pressurized fluid positioner control.

Abstract: An apparatus vertically realigns pallets in a stack of pallets. The apparatus has left and right panels with upper portions that are angled outwardly, and lower portions that are substantially vertical. Misaligned pallets in a stack placed in the apparatus engage the upper portions of the panels and are moved toward vertical alignment as the stack is lowered into the apparatus. The apparatus also includes compression plates that are movable between first and second positions relative to the apparatus. In the first positions, the compression plates have surfaces that angle toward each other and engage with misaligned pallets in the stack of pallets as the stack is moved from the apparatus toward a pallet dispenser. In the second position, the compression plates pivot toward the rear of the stack of pallets exiting the apparatus and push the stack into the pallet dispenser, thereby achieving additional vertical alignment of the stack.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as a position control apparatus that comprises a fluidic drive system configured to drive, with a single fluidic displacement, each of a plurality of positioners in a first relative direction; and a bias system that includes a plurality of biasers that bias the positioners in a direction that is opposite the first relative direction. In particular embodiments, and as but a few of the many possible design features, positioner actuators may be fluidicly linked in parallel and with the fluid compressor, the positioner actuators may each include a piston; and a plurality of positioners may each be responsive to at least one of the pistons.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as a position control apparatus capable of moving at least one side guide component of an item conveyance system to any of a plurality of component positions, as desired, within a component position range. The apparatus may comprise a fluidic drive system configured to drive, with a single fluidic displacement, a plurality of positioners in a first relative direction; and a bias system that includes a plurality of biasers that bias the positioners in a direction that is opposite the first relative direction. The bias system may include at least one biaser for every positioner, and the apparatus may enable adjustment of the positioners to a plurality of positions within a positioner range. The positioners may effect positioning, as desired, of the at least one component to a desired component position within the component position range.

Abstract: A conveyor device for containers having a receiving rail for receiving a neck area of the containers, the containers being held by the receiving rail and are movable within this receiving rail. Guide mechanisms are provided with guide elements that are arranged beneath the receiving rail and guide the movement of the containers. The guide elements are movable in the longitudinal direction of the containers and the movements in the longitudinal direction of the containers of a plurality of different guide elements are mechanically linked to one another.

Abstract: An adjustable curved fence assembly for a conveyor includes a curved guide fence and a number of pneumatic cylinders attached to the curved guide fence. The cylinder piston rods move between extended and retracted positions to change the radius of curvature of the curved guide fence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying equipment that includes at least one curved corridor (1) in which runs a queue of products moved by an endless mobile belt, said corridor (1) being defined by: a first fixed wall (2) connected to the frame (4) and having a first fixed curvature radius; and a second wall (3) mobile relative to said frame (4) and having a second curvature radius that varies based on the products, said second mobile wall including: a guiding profile (12) that may comprise several members, used as a friction surface and extending from the inlet up to the outlet of said curved corridor opposite said first fixed wall (2); a structure (10) bearing said guiding profile (12), the structure (10) including several segments (11) connected to moving means, said segments (11) being in abutment and distributed between the inlet and the outlet of the curved corridor (1) and being movably housed in said guiding profile (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a width-adjusting device for conveyor corridor(s), comprising a wide gear-reduction mechanism connected to the frame (5) of said conveyor, wherein said mechanism is arranged between the control shaft (12) and the wall(s) of said corridor. The device includes: a final drive capable of reverse operation and consisting of said control shaft (12) in the form of an endless screw and of a toothed wheel (11); and a system for controlling at least one of the walls of said corridor, consisting of an endless screw (13) and a nut, the endless screw being mobile or fixed relative to said toothed wheel (11). The shaft (12) of the final drive is a flexible shaft having a long length and engaging with the tension-retaining system (20) for absorbing the pulling and pushing forces in the rotation direction thereof.

Abstract: A positioning unit (132), comprising: a support (139, 137) for a member to be positioned; an actuator (141, 147) for moving the support between a plurality of predetermined working positions; a position selector (143) comprising a plurality of end-run elements that can be moved in an endless sequence into an operative position which determines an end-run position of the actuator corresponding to a said predetermined working position of the support, wherein the position selector is coupled to the actuator such that movement of the actuator during actuation drives the operation of the position selector. For the positioning of the guides of a conveyor of articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying device for objects. The device comprises a frame provided with a series of carriers (1) that are movable in a conveying direction, the carriers being aligned parallel to each other with a certain gap and transverse to the conveying direction (A), wherein at least some of the carriers bear pusher shoes (3) that are shiftable along said carriers through the gap. The device is characterized in that the gap between successive carriers is at least partly bridged by gap closure means (50), designed such that a pusher shoe can run through the gap relatively unhindered, while an object other than a pusher shoe is prevented from falling into the gap. The conveying device has less down-time than the known device. The invention also relates to a pusher shoe for use in the device.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as a position control apparatus that comprises a fluidic drive system configured to drive, with a single fluidic displacement, each of a plurality of positioners in a first relative direction; and a bias system that includes a plurality of biasers that bias the positioners in a direction that is opposite the first relative direction. In particular embodiments, and as but a few of the many possible design features, positioner actuators may be fluidicly linked in parallel and with the fluid compressor, the positioner actuators may each include a piston; and a plurality of positioners may each be responsive to at least one of the pistons.

Abstract: This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. The guide rails are adjustable to accommodate containers of differing sizes.

Abstract: A skirtboard system for a conveyor belt or line comprising at least two skirtboards mutually opposed to one another. Each one of the skirtboards is positioned near the perimeter of the conveyor. Each one of the skirtboards comprises a support plate, a plurality of elements, each one of the elements mutually coupled with the support plate, a liner formed in interstices between the plurality of elements, a beveled nose formed along an edge of the skirtboard panel, the beveled nose complementary to the angle of the conveyor.

Abstract: A contour trimmer apparatus for potted plants includes a crank and connecting rod mechanism for moving a pair of transversely opposed pot engagement heads between open and closed positions. A gap between the pot engagement heads in their closed position may be adjusted via a lead screw arrangement which adjusts an operating position of the crank of the crank and connecting rod assembly.

Abstract: A clamp adapted to clamp a bar, particularly supporting components such as guides of conveyors of articles. The clamp includes: a clamp body, adapted to accommodate the support bar for supporting the components, with the possibility of adjusting the relative position of the bar with respect to the clamp by longitudinally sliding the bar; positioning means arranged to have a first working position in which the positioning means are elastically urged in abutment against the bar to engage at least positioning notch, provided on the bar, upon reaching a predetermined position, so as to essentially prevent a further longitudinal sliding of the bar once said predetermined position is reached. The clamp further includes tightening means, distinct from said positioning means and adapted in use to hold the bar in position against displacements with respect to the clamp body.

Abstract: The guide (3) of the invention includes two portions: a rail (11) in the form of a relatively rigid metal strip; and a profile (12) made of a thermoplastic material and snap-fitted onto said rail (11), said profile (12) being shaped so as to have a variable section on the entire height thereof for promoting the contact between said guide and the conveyed products at the lower portion of said products. The rail (11) includes a longitudinal rib (13) for stiffening and housing the heads of the screws (14) used for securing the same on the holder (2).

Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by a conveyor defining a path with a curved segment. The guide rail system includes a number of contact portions, for engaging the containers, to at least partially locate the containers in preselected positions on the conveyor, and a number of adjustable point devices, for locating the contact portions in predetermined locations respectively relative to the conveyor. Each adjustable point device includes an adjustment element on which one or more of the contact portions is mounted. The system also includes a drive element connected to the adjustable point devices to locate the adjustment elements, including a flexible shaft substantially aligned with the curved segment, which is connected with selected ones of the adjustable point devices are spaced apart from each other along the curved segment.

Abstract: A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles, such as bottles, includes a plurality of machines arranged in a machine arrangement. At least one of the machines includes an apparatus configured to modify the articles by at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping the articles as they pass from an article infeed to an article discharge of the machine arrangement. A recirculation mechanism moves articles from a downstream machine after a first pass (or run) and recirculates the articles back to an upstream machine in a second (recirculation) pass (or run) so that the articles, which are recirculated through the second pass are again subjected to a different machine modifying operation in at least one machine that the articles have previously passed in the first pass. The articles move continuously through the first and second passes while being subjected to at least one machine modifying operation.

Abstract: An adjustable width guideway assembly for use in a conveyor for conveying articles having different widths. The assembly comprises a first moveable guide and a second fixed guide parallel to the first guide, the first and second guides defining the guideway therebetween. The first guide is moveable towards or away from the second guide between a first position, a second position and at least one intermediate position The disclosure is particularly directed towards an adjustable width guideway assembly for use in an air conveyor conveying light plastic bottles suspended in the guideway by a flange located on the bottle neck.

Abstract: A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles, such as bottles, includes a plurality of machines arranged in a machine arrangement. At least one of the machines includes an apparatus configured to modify the articles by at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping the articles as they pass from an article infeed to an article discharge of the machine arrangement. A recirculation mechanism moves articles from a downstream machine after a first pass (or run) and recirculate the articles back to an upstream machine in a second (recirculation) pass (or run) so that the articles, which are recirculated through the second pass are again subjected to a different machine modifying operation in at least one machine that the articles have previously passed in the first pass. The articles move continuously through the first and second passes while being subjected to at least one machine modifying operation.

Abstract: An idle station transport mechanism for a press, including a first plurality of magnetizable transport rails; a second plurality of magnetizable transport rails axially displaceable with respect to the first plurality of transport rails; and a plurality of transfer bars magnetizable to engage the material. The first and second pluralities of rails form a transport path along which material to be manipulated by the press is arranged to be transported and the transfer bars are displaceable to move the material axially along the transport path. In some aspects, the second plurality of transport rails is automatically displaceable while in the press, the plurality of transfer bars is arranged to magnetically engage a bottom side of the material, or the first and second pluralities of transport rails and the plurality of transfer bars are electro-magnetic. Also, a method of transporting material to a press.

Abstract: A conveyor line for products such as bottles, cans or similar containers with at least one guide railing that is adjustable across the direction of conveyance and is operable by at least one actuator drive, whereby stops which can optionally be moved into several preset positions in the adjustment path of the guide railing or the at least one actuator drive which define various railing positions and thereby delineate the adjustment path.

Abstract: A modular assembly comprises a fixing seat formed with a slot for receiving a positioning member of a moving seat, and a plurality of fastening elements for pressing the positioning member against an inner wall of the slot so that the moving seat is positioned in the fixing seat.

Abstract: A sealing strip comprising a part of a configuration for fastening to a guide wall of a conveyor, the fastening configuration allowing for interlocking via elastic deformation of one of two parts of the fastening configuration.

Abstract: The guide (3) of the invention includes two portions: a rail (11) in the form of a relatively rigid metal strip; and a profile (12) made of a thermoplastic material and snap-fitted onto said rail (11), said profile (12) being shaped so as to have a variable section on the entire height thereof for promoting the contact between said guide and the conveyed products at the lower portion of said products. The rail (11) includes a longitudinal rib (13) for stiffening and housing the heads of the screws (14) used for securing the same on the holder (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. The guide rails are adjustable to accommodate containers of differing sizes.

Abstract: An automated handling line guide rail assembly. The automated handling line guide rail assembly comprises a guide rail that defines the perimeter of a path of a container when conveyed along part of an automated handling line. The path and hence the perimeter are arcuate about a center and positioned at a radius from the center. The guide rail is movable radially to define the perimeter at a plurality of different radii from substantially the same center and the guide rail comprises at least three segments. The first segment is driveable in a substantially radial direction; the second segment is connected to the first segment by a link and the third segment is connected to the second segment by a link such that the second and third segments follow movement of the first segment.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for guide rail adjustment on a conveyor, the arrangement comprising a set of guide rails, a set of mounting elements, which each support at least one moveably suspended guide rail, and means for simultaneous individual adjustment of said set of mounting elements, the means permitting simultaneous adjustment of the position of the guide rails moveably supported by the mounting elements.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for positioning side rails for an article handling conveyor extending in a conveying direction. The assembly includes a frame, two side rails movably mounted to the frame on opposite sides of the conveyor and extending along the conveying direction, each side rail including an input gear. A gear train extends between an actuator and the at least one input gear, whereby movement of the actuator in one direction or the other moves the side rails simultaneously toward or away from the each other via the gear train and the input gear. Multiple rail assemblies along a conveyor, across different sides of a conveyor, and/or along or across different conveyors can be employed. The multiple assemblies can be controlled by a common controller.

Abstract: A glass sheet guidance system includes a guidance member (22) having a small contact area with the glass sheet (12) and being taut to provide guidance to the glass sheet. In order to provide consistent guidance, even in environments where there is a large change in temperature, the guidance member is held taut by a tension member (24). The guidance member is supported by holders (10) so that, while remaining taut, the guidance member can be moved in three dimensions so as to accommodate glass sheets having different widths (1), heights (2), and thicknesses (3). Also, there is provided a method of guiding glass sheets with the guidance system.

Abstract: A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a skirt, and a wear liner. The belt forms a continuous loop having an upper transfer run and a lower return run. The belt defines a theoretical, vertically oriented, center plane about which the belt is generally symmetric. The skirt has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run. The wear liner is removably attached to the skirt in a manner such that the skirt lies between the wear liner and the center plane. The wear liner has a lower edge that that extends above the transfer run and beneath the lower edge of the skirt.

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 transport device and a method for the transport of articles are disclosed. The transport device is provided with a plurality of single lanes for the single articles having a width (BE). Each single lane is provided with one separating element. Adjacent single lanes are separated by one of the separating elements. The widths (BE) are adjustable with at least one displacing means. At least two adjacent single lanes form a group of lanes with a width (BG). Several of the groups of lanes formed in such a way are slidable to each other. The widths are adjustable with at least a further displacing means.

Abstract: A guide for a conveyor of articles includes a guide element elongated in a longitudinal direction. The guide element includes a substantially planar portion and first and second edges opposed to each other in a transversal direction, transversal to said longitudinal direction. A clamp associable with the guide element includes a back portion and two clamp appendixes opposed to each other in the transversal direction and is adapted to clamp the guide element along the first and second edges. The clamp is tightened to exert an action of traction on the appendixes of the clamp to urge them one towards the other in said first transversal direction, so as to tighten said clamp appendixes against said first and second edges of the guide element.

Abstract: A method of operation of a micro device feeder system includes: adjusting a distance between a movable drive plate and a mounting plate for aligning a carrier tape carrying a micro device to a center line for pick-up of the micro device by external device handling equipment; and configuring a tape handling mechanism, having a sprocket assembly, to accommodate a predetermined width of the carrier tape.

Abstract: A packaging machine (10) includes a lane assembly (12) that includes one or more lanes (L) which guide cylindrical articles (B), such as cans or bottles, across a series of substantially parallel conveyors. The lane assembly (12) includes an adjustable guide bar (34) which defines an adjustable portion (V) of the lane (L) that can be adjusted to adapt to the diameter of articles (B). The lane assembly (12) also includes lane extensions (70) that can be adjusted to control the position of rows or articles (B) as the articles (B) exit the lanes (L) onto a conveyor (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjustment of tracks, comprising a mechanism for moving the walls in order to simultaneously adjust the width of different tracks. The device also comprises a system for transverse displacement of the tracks with relation to the medial longitudinal axis of said conveyor. The system comprise a carriage arranged between the support structure for the walls and the mechanism for moving the walls, the carriage being transversely movable and guided by a system of slides arranged at the level of each support structure in order to carry out said transverse displacement of the set of tracks without altering the width thereof. The above arrangement permits the guiding as necessary of lines of bottles or other things, the number of which can vary going from an even number to an odd number.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus (10) includes lanes (L) in which articles (C) are conveyed and grouped. Each lane (L) is defined by lane dividers (16a, 16b, 18, 20) and includes an upstream portion (12) and a downstream portion (14). The upstream portion (16) is defined by lane dividers (16a, 16b) that are substantially parallel to a first axis (X). The downstream portion (14) is defined by lane dividers (18, 20) that are substantially parallel to a second axis (Y), which is at an angle (A) with respect to the first axis (X). The width (W2) of the downstream portion (14) of each lane (L) is adjustable as an adjustable one of the lane dividers (20) that define the downstream portion (14) translates parallel to the first axis (X).

Abstract: Methods of mounting electronic components on a plurality of printed circuit boards simultaneously are provided. An exemplary method may include supplying a first printed circuit board to a first conveyor and then transferring the first printed circuit board to a second conveyor and simultaneously supplying a second printed circuit board to the first conveyor. The method may then include transferring the first printed circuit board to a third conveyor and the second printed circuit board to a third conveyor, and mounting electronic components on about half of the first printed circuit board by moving the first printed circuit board to one side and, simultaneously mounting electronic components on about half of the second printed circuit board. The method may then include sequentially transferring the first and second printed circuit boards to a fourth conveyor, and then sequentially discharging the first and second printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A container transport system can have adjustable neck guides coupled along a container transport line and a neck guide positioning system operably coupled thereto. The neck guide positioning system can move the neck guides relative to the container transport line in correspondence with shapes of containers. The neck guides can extend continuously along the container transport line.

Abstract: An adjustable width guideway assembly for use in a conveyor for conveying articles having different widths. The assembly comprises a first moveable guide and a second fixed guide parallel to the first guide, the first and second guides defining the guideway therebetween. The first guide is moveable towards or away from the second guide between a first position, a second position and at least one intermediate position The disclosure is particularly directed towards an adjustable width guideway assembly for use in an air conveyor conveying light plastic bottles suspended in the guideway by a flange located on the bottle neck.

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 sealing assembly for a conveying system between a conveying belt and a containment wall. The sealing assembly has a primary sealing subassembly, and a secondary sealing subassembly joined by a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly defines a locally flexible region whereat the sealing assembly can be reconfigured to allow selective movement of the primary and secondary sealing subassemblies, each relative to the other. The sealing assembly is configured so that with the sealing assembly in an operative position on a conveying system: a) the primary sealing subassembly is situated to block passage of material from a conveying portion of a conveying belt laterally beyond a containment wall; and b) the secondary sealing subassembly is situated to laterally confine material that has moved laterally beyond the containment wall from the conveying portion of the conveying belt, along a length of the conveying system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated handling line guide rail assembly (10) for use on an automated handling line where containers are being processed. A typical application of the present invention will be on a bottling line where containers are conveyed between various machines to presented to and taken from the various machines by a star wheel and guide rail (16, 17) assembly. Advantageously, the present invention provides an automated handling line guide rail assembly that defines the perimeter of the container's path with a guide rail that is movable radially to define the perimeter at different radii but still centred on substantially the same spot.

Abstract: An adjustable curved neck guide for a conveyor is disclosed. The guide comprises a plurality of segments mounted on first and second plates using a series of pin and slot assemblies. Each segment has first and second surfaces and a guide edge, the segments arranged end to end such that the guide edges define a curve having radius. As the second plate is moved relative to the first plate, the pins slide in the slots thereby moving the segments and changing the radius of curvature defined by the guide edges.

Abstract: A guide for a conveyor of articles, comprising: a guide element elongated in a longitudinal direction and intended in use to be arranged along a transport path of a conveyor of articles for the containment and/or the routing of the transported articles, said guide element comprising a substantially planar portion and first and second edges opposed to each other in a first transversal direction, transversal to said longitudinal direction; a clamp is associable to said guide element, the clamp comprising a back portion and two clamp appendixes opposed to each other in said first transversal direction and adapted to clamp said guide element along said first and second edges.

Abstract: A lateral guidance device including a hollow guide located along the conveyor track of a goods handling system on which products are guided laterally, composed of profiles that fit together with each other, each with an inner face and outer face, one of which is used for guidance purposes. An expandable chamber, housed in the hollow guide, is supplied with expansion fluid from a supply means. The outer faces are returned in to a position of minimum distance (dmin) between these faces by return means, when the fluid feed to the expandable chamber ceases. Thus, the distance between the outer faces is proportional to the supplying of the chamber with expansion fluid, between a minimum distance (dmin) and maximum (dmax).

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for guide rail adjustment on a conveyor, the arrangement comprising a set of guide rails, a set of mounting elements, which each support at least one moveably suspended guide rail, and means for simultaneous individual adjustment of said set of mounting elements, the means permitting simultaneous adjustment of the position of the guide rails moveably supported by the mounting elements.