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 and/or height 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 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 compact clamp system for use with conveyor belt rubber skirtboards utilizes a minimum number of parts and is easy to adjust, even if positioned in areas that are difficult to access. A base member is attached to the steel support plate of a conventional conveyor. A stationary support member having a downwardly extending leg is fixedly attached to the base member, and a depending pressure bar assembly is hingedly attached to the support member. A wedge pin assembly including one or more wedge pins is fixedly attached to the downwardly extending leg of the support member to apply an inward force to the pressure bar assembly to thereby urge it against the conveyor belt skirtboard and to release that force to facilitate repositioning of the rubber skirtboard to accommodate wear, for example.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed, having a width adjustment unit capable of adjusting a width according to the size of goods to transfer semiprocessed goods in the process line, which includes a transfer unit for transferring goods; conveyor plates provided at both sides of the transfer unit, and guiding the goods by supporting both sides of the goods; and the width adjustment unit including a wire connected with the conveyor plates, a driving pulley operating the wire, and a driven connected with the wire.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system also comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable guide for a container conveyor system. The guide includes multiple pairs of pivoting mechanisms located along the conveyor. Each pivoting mechanism includes a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm which can be independently manipulated to locate a guide within a container envelope. The multiple pairs of pivoting mechanisms are operable coupled by a set of drive cables to permit simultaneous adjustment of the pivoting mechanisms.

Abstract: An adjustable lane guide system comprising: 1) first and second generally parallel and spaced apart support bars; 2) a plurality of lane guides generally perpendicular to the support bars; and 3) a plurality of adjustable attachment mechanisms joining the lane guides to the first and second support bars. Each of the adjustable attachment mechanisms comprises a bearing block that engages the support bars; a pair of opposing wings on either side of the bearing block also engaging the support bars and each having first and second ends, the first ends hingeably attached to the bearing block and the second ends flared by a spring located between the pair of opposed wings such that pressure applied to each of the second ends causes the wings to be drawn toward each other against the pressure of the spring thereby allowing the adjustment mechanisms to move laterally along the support bar so that the distance between adjacent lane guides can be changed along the first and second support bars.

Abstract: A belt curve conveyor has a number of guide wheel units provided in proximity to the peripheral part of a fan-type belt slung over between tapered end pulleys of a drive side and a driven side, wherein the guide wheel units comprise first and fourth guide wheels are supported by a holder member secured to a base and second and third guide wheels supported by a bracket, a rotary lock part is provided at inner center of the holder member around an axis of rotation of the bracket while a keyhole is formed at an outer surface to be engaged with a key part arranged on a detachable lock handle so that the second guide wheel and the third guide wheel become separated from an inner surface of the belt by inserting the key part of the lock handle in the lock part, pressing and turning the lock to rotate the bracket in the same direction by 90 degrees, which enables the belt to be removed.

Abstract: Chain guide assemblies for conveyor systems including matched chain guide strips and preassembled straps that interconnect and locate the chain guide strips in constant perpendicular spacing. In certain aspects, the matched chain guide strips are preassembled with the straps to form preassembled chain guide assemblies. The chain guide assemblies can describe straight segments as well as circle segments. The chain guide assemblies present a relatively open configuration to facilitate cleaning and servicing the chain guide assemblies and attached conveyor chains.

Abstract: A guide device on a vertical roll rolling mill frame (WG) which has vertical guide plates (FP) for the rolled product on both sides of the vertical roll pair (VW) above the rollers (RR) of the roller conveyor for feeding the rolled product 2 and removing the rolled product from the roll and on a carrier (TR) for each vertical guide plate (FP), shiftable transversely to the rolling direction, adjustable and lockable. The carrier (TR) of each guide plate (FP) is connected on its back side with the linear positioning member of a mechanically or hydraulically driven shifting device which is fixed on the bearing body (LK) of the vertical roll. The carrier (TR) is cantilevered slidably above the roller conveyer and parallel to its roller axed in a cantilevered kulisse (FK) which is fixedly connected with the rolling mill frame.

Abstract: A curved conveyor section allows the transport of articles guided between two guide rails, the spacing (e) between the two guide rails is adjustable. At least one of the two guide rails is elastically deformable, an adjustment assembly is designed to displace and deform the elastically deformable guide rail so as to provide it with a specific curvature which depends on its position. Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes, for each guide rail (7), a deforming plate (9, 9?) which is elastically deformable, and the guide rail (7) is rigidly secured to the deforming plate.

Abstract: A method of changing a width of a variable-width substrate conveyor including a feeding device for feeding a circuit substrate along the guide rails, a pair of guide rails having guide surfaces for guiding the circuit substrate being fed by the feeding device, in a longitudinal direction of the guide rails, and a width changing device for moving the guide rails relative to each other toward or away from each other, to change a distance between the guide rails, wherein an image-taking device is operated to take an image of a portion of at least one of the guide rails, and the width changing device is controlled on the basis of the image taken by the image-taking device.

Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The can spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.

Abstract: A positioning system of guide elements of a conveyor of articles comprises: at least one guide positioning unit comprising a guide positioning element adapted to be operatively associated with a respective guide element for the positioning thereof; a system of traction-transmitting cables operatively associated with the guide positioning unit, for transmitting traction forces; at least one traction unit associated with the system of traction-transmitting cables for exerting traction forces on the system of traction-transmitting cables. The guide positioning unit is either a driven guide positioning unit (133), wherein the guide positioning element is caused to be moved by the traction forces transmitted by the system of traction-transmitting cables, or a driving guide positioning unit, comprising a motor group associated with the guide positioning element.

Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.

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 collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers. A diverter may be used to direct incoming product bags between parallel conveyors.

Abstract: An egg transfer apparatus is configured to distribute eggs substantially evenly with reduced breakage on a moving conveyor. The egg transfer apparatus includes a conveyor having opposite first and second ends and a plurality of elongated, flexible guides extending between the conveyor first and second ends in adjacent, spaced apart relationship with each other. The guides define a plurality of channels that are configured to evenly distribute eggs placed on the conveyor. The guides are elevated above the conveyor by an amount that decreases in a direction towards the conveyor second end. In addition, the guides converge toward the conveyor second end.

Abstract: A pivotable wall assembly for retaining material on a conveyor belt allows for the wall to be pivoted down for easy access to the inside surface of the wall. Numerous wall assemblies may be attached end to end in individually pivoted back. The easy access makes it quicker and safer to inspect the inside walls to make adjustments, and to remove or replace the liners, the walls and the conveyor idlers. The easy access reduces the man-hours of labor for inspections, adjustments and liner replacements reducing the cost of conveyor maintenance. The modular construction of the pivotable walls allows easy assembly and disassembly. The pivotable walls can be used with hoppers, or other material handling structures. The top and bottom walls have angled portions for engagement with each other to reduce noise, vibrations and dust resulting in less corrosion and wear on the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured to be mounted to a conveyor body. The support bracket is preferably formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected at one end to the mounting segment and at another end, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob.

Abstract: A collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers. A diverter may be used to direct incoming product bags between parallel conveyors.

Abstract: An idler system for conveyors, the system providing an idler which is released or propelled downwardly away from the conveyor belt, when a pre-determined condition is present, such as the tripping of an idler guard or the presence of a pre-determined amount of pressure on the idler. The idler itself may be releasably attached to a conveyor framework, or it may be provided with an idler bracket which is partially or wholly released with the idler.

Abstract: A guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured for mounting to a conveyor body. In one aspect, the support bracket is formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected to the mounting segment and, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob. In certain aspects, an extension segment is interposed between the mounting and the support segments to space the support segment further from a conveyor body. In other aspects, the support bracket and clamping sections are separate pieces pivotably joined by a fastener.

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: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.

Abstract: The curved conveyor section allows the transport of articles guided between two guide rails (7) and comprises means for adjusting the spacing (e) between the two guide rails. At least one of the two guide rails is elastically deformable and the adjusting means are designed to displace and deform said elastically deformable guide rail so as to provide it with a specific curvature which depends on its position. Preferably, the adjusting means comprise, for each guide rail (7), a deforming plate (9, 9′) which is elastically deformable, and the guide rail (7) is rigidly secured to said deforming plate.

Abstract: A two axis bottle guide rail change over apparatus for an air conveyor supports a pair of guide rails and is operable to simultaneously adjust a lateral spacing between the pair of guide rails and/or simultaneously adjust a vertical positioning of the pair of guide rails relative to the air conveyor.

Abstract: A device for conveying insulating glass panes, which are slightly inclined from the perpendicular, is provided with a horizontal conveyor (2) on which the insulating glass panes stand, and with a supporting device (150), which extends above and parallel to the horizontal conveyor (2). The supporting device (15) defines by one or more supporting elements a pane movement plan (16) against which rest the insulating glass panes of the horizontal conveyor (2). The horizontal conveyor (2) has two parallel and synchronously drivable conveying elements (7,8), supporting surfaces (10,11), which are aligned substantially vertical to the pane movement plane (16). The distance of one of the conveying elements (7,8) from the other conveying elements (8,7) is variable. The conveying elements (7,8) are movable independently of one another transverse to the pane movement plane (16).

Abstract: In a transport mechanism of a sorting machine for large thin objects, objects to be transported (paper sheets such as postal matter) stored in transport boxes can be made collectable into smaller collection boxes than the transport boxes. The transport boxes storing and transporting the paper sheets given sorting information are attached to a free chain which is supported by the rail that is twisted and always drives, and when it approaches a spot where the rail is twisted, the free chain is also twisted following the rail. The transport boxes attached to the free chain are also tilted at the same time, and the paper sheets reach an end surfaces on the side at which the transport boxes are lowered and are positioned.

Abstract: A unitized vertical support for attaching auxiliary equipment to a conveyor system or other industrial application. The support is made of a tube having one end in a molded plastic base. When plastic is injected into the mold, plastic flows into the tube during the molding process, thus creating a unitized support which presents movement of the tube relative to the base.

Abstract: A sideboard assembly for an infeed system of a waste processing machine includes a sideboard for attachment to a sidewall of the infeed system of the waste processing machine. The sideboard assembly also includes a plurality of fasteners for removably attaching the sideboard to the sidewall of the infeed system of the waste processing machine.

Abstract: A system for transporting containers, which is especially suitable for use in a plant for the production of paints, varnishes and the like, comprises a longitudinally extending bearing structure for containers. The structure in turn comprises a first, fixed, prtion defining one or more fixed bearing surfaces, and a second, movable, portion defining one or more movable bearing surfaces. Handling means are coupled operatively to the movable portion in order, in use, to bring about coordinated movements of lifting/lowering and longitudinal advance/return of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The can spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure (2) of an apparatus for the movement of containers, comprising a plurality of distribution stars (3) for containers disposed substantially along an arc of a circle.

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: An adjustable railing support system has a conveyor and a railing extending along each side of the conveyor. The conveyor is used to transport containers of various sizes and shapes in different runs. For each size and shape of container, the support posts must be adjusted and the actuators are connected to a programmable logic controller that is operable and connected to sequentially adjust the support posts relative to the conveyor until all of the support posts have been adjusted as required to transport container of one particular size and shape. The controller has a memory so that the precise location of the support posts for a particular product line can be stored. When switching from one known product line to another, the adjustments can be made automatically from the memory of the controller.

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: An adjustable railing support system has a conveyor and a railing extending along each side of the conveyor. The conveyor is used to transport containers of various sizes and shapes in different runs. For each size and shape of container, the support posts must be adjusted and the actuators are connected to a programmable logic controller that is operable and connected to sequentially adjust the support posts relative to the conveyor until all of the support posts have been adjusted as required to transport container of one particular size and shape. The controller has a memory so that the precise location of the support posts for a particular product line can be stored. When switching from one known product line to another, the adjustments can be made automatically from the memory of the controller.

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: The present invention provides a guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured to be mounted to a conveyor body. The support bracket is preferably formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected at one end to the mounting segment and at another end, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob.

Abstract: A clamp for locking at least one pin (12) or the like, for use in conveyor belts or conveying devices in general, comprising a body (1) provided with coaxial apertures (5) and housing, slidable but unable to rotate, a spring-loaded (7) movable member (9) which is provided with a through hole (10) to be aligned with the apertures (5) for the passage of the pin (12) and connected axially to a control knob (11), in which the body (1) presents a portion (2) of rectilinear axis (X) and a connection portion (3) terminating with an at least approximately flat face (4) which forms with the rectilinear axis (X) an angle (a) less than 90°, the common axis (6) of the coaxial apertures (5) being substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the face (4) lies.

Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.

Abstract: A sheet feeding mechanism comprising feeding sheets to an accumulating area. The accumulating area being at a first lateral plane and comprising spaced side rails at said first lateral plane. The accumulating area is between the side rails. The side rails are movable to a second lateral plane spaced from the first lateral plane. The distance between the side rails may be adjusted and after adjustment, the side rails are moved back to the first lateral plane.

Abstract: A unitized vertical support for attaching auxiliary equipment to a conveyor system or other industrial application. The support is made of a tube having one end in a molded plastic base. When plastic is injected into the mold, plastic flows into the tube during the molding process, thus creating a unitized support which presents movement of the tube relative to the base.

Abstract: In the case of an inner book conveying channel having mutually adjustable lateral guides and having a height-adjustable inner book support, on which inner books are fed in an upright position while being laterally supported, for operationally reliable conveying of very thin inner books an inner book support (2) is provided with bottom lateral guides (9), which are preferably arranged on either side and height-adjustable jointly with the inner book support (2), and with middle lateral guides (12), which are positioned between the bottom lateral guides (9) and top lateral guides (11). Said middle lateral guides are freely displaceable along vertical guides and by virtue of height adjustment of the inner book support (2) are liftable by the bottom lateral guides (9) into a vertically offset position.

Abstract: A dual lane board handling apparatus includes a first zone including first and second parallel pairs of rails extending in a first direction; a second zone including third and fourth parallel pairs of rails extending in the first direction; first tracks supporting the first and second pairs of rails so that the first and second pairs of rails can move on the first tracks in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a drive for moving the first pair of rails on the first tracks in the second direction such that the first pair of rails can be selectively moved between a first orientation wherein it is in alignment with the fourth pair of rails and a second orientation wherein it is in alignment with the third pair of rails; a drive for moving the second pair of rails in the second direction; and belts on the first, second, third, and fourth pairs of rails for conveying boards along the rails in the first direction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a support railing for a curved conveyor path. The support railing is of the type which follows the radius of the curved conveyor path. The support railing is secured in brackets, with at least one bracket in each end of the support railing. The support railing further displays a flexible intermediate section with fixed end pieces in each end of the intermediate section. The flexible intermediate section with its fixed end pieces is telescopically secured in the brackets.

Abstract: A guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured for mounting to a conveyor body. In one aspect, the support bracket is formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected to the mounting segment and, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob. In certain aspects, an extension segment is interposed between the mounting and the support segments to space the support segment further from a conveyor body. In other aspects, the support bracket and clamping sections are separate pieces pivotably joined by a fastener.

Abstract: A unitized vertical support for attaching auxiliary equipment to a conveyor system or other industrial application. The support is made of a tube having one end in a molded plastic base. When plastic is injected into the mold, plastic flows into the tube during the molding process, thus creating a unitized support which presents movement of the tube relative to the base.