Holder Means Forms Recess To Receive Or Seat Load Patents (Class 198/867.11)
  • Patent number: 11299350
    Abstract: A transport bag (10) for a suspended conveyor system, particularly a rail-guided conveyor system or a transport chain conveyor system, has a conveyor member, particularly a carriage (20) of a rail-guided (41) conveyor system or a conveyor chain link of a transport chain conveyor system, and a transport bag (10) having a receiving region for receiving one or a plurality of units of goods (91). The transport bag is attached, via a suspension means (17), in a suspended manner to a carrying means (23) of the conveyor member. The transport bag has two frame brackets (15, 16) which are pivotally connected to the suspension means. The two frame brackets (15, 16) are substantially 2-fold rotationally symmetrical to one another, but not mirror symmetrical to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventors: Roberto Fenile, Martin Ruge
  • Patent number: 10836488
    Abstract: A drone comprises at least one propeller for generating lift and an article containment area for containing an article to be carried by the drone. The floor of the article containment area comprises a dynamic support surface for supporting the article and allowing the article to move into, out of and through the article containment area. The dynamic support surface may be a conveyor belt forming the floor of the article containment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Costanzo, David Herbert Myers, Eric M. Pressler, Sean Edward Stephens, Matthew L. Fourney, Timothy J. Hicks, Zachary R. Schexnaydre, Jiaming Zha, Preston Hill
  • Patent number: 10821648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device (H) comprising a heating section (24) for thermally conditioning preforms (1) consisting of thermoplastic material, comprising an upper orifice portion (21) having an opening, a collar-like support ring (54) arranged below the orifice portion (21), and a bottom portion (56) closed at the lower end, to a temperature profile suitable for blowmolding, wherein the heating device (H) has transportation means (33) for the transportation of the preforms (1) along a transportation path (55) of the heating device (H), and wherein the transportation means (33) each bear at least one handling means (41) for holding and handling the preforms (1), wherein a radiation screen (52), which follows the transportation path of the preforms (1), and which has a recess (53) at least on one end face to partially enclose a preform (1) held in the handling means (41) adjoining the recess (53), is provided in an intermediate space between two handling means (41) each provided for handling a pr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: KHS Corpoplast GmbH
    Inventors: Niels Meyer, Frank Lewin, Deniz Ulutürk
  • Patent number: 10201960
    Abstract: A lamination device that laminates a laminate material on a front surface of a substrate includes a transport unit that transports the substrate in a transport direction, and first and second pressurizing units that pressurize the laminate material disposed on the front surface of the substrate. The second pressurizing unit is movable in the transport direction at a velocity higher than a transportation velocity of the substrate. When the laminate material is laminated on the substrate transported, the first pressurizing unit laminates the laminate material on the substrate from a central portion between an upstream end of the substrate in the transport direction and a downstream end of the substrate in the transport direction toward the upstream side of the transport direction, and the second pressurizing unit laminates the laminate material on the substrate from the central portion of the substrate toward the downstream side of the transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Ogawa, Tomoyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9022841
    Abstract: Coin processing apparatuses, such as consumer or commercial coin processing apparatuses for counting and/or sorting coins, are described herein. The apparatuses can include coin conveyors having a plurality of individual coin carriers linked together to form a chain. In some embodiments, each of the coin carriers includes a corresponding pocket that is configured to receive a coin from a coin hopper as the carrier chain passes through the coin hopper during its cycle. The coin carriers can carry the coins past one or more sensors for identification or “discrimination” of the coin denomination. After discrimination, the coins can be knocked from the carrier pockets and into, e.g., a selected coin chute for transfer to a collection bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Patent number: 9004272
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a conveyer structured to convey a plurality of articles along a conveyer path and at least one processing station provided along the conveyer path to perform at least one processing operation. The conveyer path includes at least one loop or festoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ackley Machine Corporation
    Inventor: E Michael Ackley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8944242
    Abstract: A carrier bar to convey at least one pellet-shaped article along a predetermined conveyer path in a direction of travel, the carrier bar comprises at least one pocket adapted to receive a pellet-shaped article and each pocket having a pocket wall, and a product settling area included in each pocket and having a dimple defined in the product settling area by an edge, said dimple adapted to seat the bottom side of the pellet-shaped article, wherein said dimple is offset from a center of said product settling area and said dimple is shaped to position, hold, or bias a portion of the pellet-shaped article towards and/or against a portion of the pocket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ackley Machine Corporation
    Inventors: E. Michael Ackley, Vincent M. DeLuccia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8939746
    Abstract: In a quick-change system for exchangeable machine elements, particularly in a container processing machine in which the machine element (E) can be brought into a target position and can be localized in a target position by a securing unit comprising at least one securing element, at least a second securing unit (P2) is provided with which a machine element that either has not been brought into the target position or that has moved out of the target position (X) can be localized in a securing position. The securing position is detected and evaluated as grounds for a corrective action before commencing an operation or during the operating sequence before a corrective action is initiated and executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Erik Blochmann, Bernhard Sternkopf
  • Patent number: 8820512
    Abstract: A workpiece supplying apparatus includes a plurality of carriers, a carrier case, a first gear pair, a guide, and a second gear pair. Each carrier includes a base and a plurality of holding portions, which project from a surface of the base. The holding portions are arranged in a one-dimensional manner and each hold workpieces. The carrier case accommodates the carriers. The first gear pair draws out each carrier from the carrier case toward a workpiece unloading position along a drawing direction. The guide guides the carrier drawn out by the first gear pair in a direction that differs from the drawing direction while bending the carrier so that its rear surface is located at an inner side. The second gear pair collects the carrier guided by the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Sugiura, Hiroki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 8813951
    Abstract: In a transport device for transporting containers, the transport device includes at least one transport unit movable along a curved track for transporting at least one container in response to a drive unit, the transport unit having a transport component mobile on the track and a receiver device for holding at least one container wherein the receiver device is constructed and arranged to be aligned in response and in relation to at least one movement force imparted upon the receiver device or the container as a result of movement of the transport unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Jochen Forsthoevel, Frank Winzinger
  • Patent number: 8777000
    Abstract: Disclosed is a centering element for use with container holders or turntables on container processing machines, comprising a centering cone that has a cone-type or taper-type centering surface for receiving and centering each container on the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Krämer, Lutz Deckert
  • Patent number: 8695791
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a carrier puck for a conveyer system, the carrier puck comprising a circular lower body, and an upper body attached to the circular lower body, and where the puck further comprises a slide ring arranged in a ring groove positioned above a lower contact surface of the lower body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Michael Öhman
  • Patent number: 8371216
    Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith A. Chisholm, Alex A. Hanna, Alfred V. Camporini, David J. Pontzer, Thomas DeMare
  • Patent number: 8245839
    Abstract: There is provided a conveyance receiver 1 having a bottom face 6 formed in parallel with the conveyance path to abut against the conveyance path and a support face 7 formed to match a shape of an outer periphery 5 of the honeycomb formed article 4. The support face 7 is made of a cured porous polyurethane resin material having a Shore D hardness Hs of 40?Hs?70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Tajima, Keita Morishita, Yasunori Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8232103
    Abstract: A method for replacing a first sample carried on a moving secondary conveyor onto a moving primary conveyor at a potential interference point while the primary conveyor is transporting a second sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Lynn Miller, Frank Jay Robb, Peter Louis Gebrian, Sandor Lajos Kovacs
  • Patent number: 8141697
    Abstract: A carrier bar for conveying at least one caplet along a predetermined conveyer path includes at least one pocket adapted to receive a caplet. Each pocket includes a longitudinal axis that is angled or offset from a direction of travel of the carrier bar in use. Each caplet includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ackley Machine Corporation
    Inventor: E. Michael Ackley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8132664
    Abstract: A product holding puck having a base including an outer wall and a radially spaced apart inner wall defining a cavity between the outer and inner walls, the outer and inner walls extending axially about a central vertical axis. The outer wall of the puck defining first and second recessed regions and first and second openings respectively aligned with the first and second recessed regions and extending through the outer wall. The puck further including first and second bumpers each including a body and a support member, the support member extending axially through a respective ones of the first and second openings of the outer wall and the body disposed in a respective ones of the first and second recessed regions of the outer wall, the body of each of the first and second bumpers including an outer face extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Avantage Puck Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Paskell, Bruce Cleevely
  • Publication number: 20110290622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide element comprising partial guide elements (2, 3) that can be interconnected by means of at least one connecting element (4). In order to provide a guide element that can be very simply replaced in a timesaving manner, particularly a replaceable star plate, the invention proposes that at least one connecting element (4) comprises a first partial connecting element (5) and a second partial connecting element (6), wherein one of the two partial connecting elements (5, 6) comprises a lockable receptacle (7), in which the insertion side (8) of the other partial connecting element (5, 6) corresponding to the receptacle (7) can be inserted, so that the one partial connecting element (5, 6) is locationally securely retained at the other partial connecting element (5, 6) in a force-fit manner when the lockable receptacle (7) is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Süther
  • Patent number: 8047359
    Abstract: A reduced noise container carrier for an automated container filling machine has a container receptacle portion sized to receive a plurality of different sized containers; a side portion situated between the container receptacle portion and the bottom portion for engaging a plurality of mechanical devices of the machine; a substantially flat bottom portion for engaging a conveyor belt of the machine; an identification portion encoding an identification of the carrier; and, a noise reduction portion comprising a groove encircling the side portion of the carrier and a band disposed in the groove. The noise reduction portion is disposed to engage noise reduction portions of other carriers when the carriers collide on the conveyor belt and to avoid engaging portions of the machine other than the conveyor belt during a period of time when the machine is using the speed of the conveyor belt to calculate the position of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Integration and Automation Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Fellows, Lawrence C. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8047830
    Abstract: For use in a blow molding machine for containers, especially plastic bottles, a production line is provided for thermally pretreating preforms transported by holders, where each holder is loaded with at least one exchangeably fixed fitting such as a shielding plate. To reduce the exchange period for the holders the fitting is secured by a quick-change element which remains on the holder during the exchange and is adjustable on the holder between a secured position and a release position by the application of an external force, and which can be adjusted manually and/or mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Michael Kiefl
  • Patent number: 8020690
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a singling equipment for a device for packaging articles, comprising a singling plate which rotates around an axis and a removing wheel which rotates around an axis and which comprises a plurality of removing units with two grippers for receiving and clamping the articles, whereas both grippers are pivotable around a respective gripper lever axis, each removing unit is ratable around an own pivot axis and each gripper has a gripper jab, whereas the distance between the gripper lever axis and the gripping jaw is equal at each gripper-pair and the gripper jaws are designed to grip the stick of a lollipop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: CFS Weert B.V.
    Inventor: Seferinus Jelle Asma
  • Publication number: 20110174598
    Abstract: A tote for a conveyor system may include an upper part and a lower part. The upper part may define an upper, article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surface may be adapted to receive and support articles while the articles are conveyed in or on the tote. The lower part may define a lower, substantially plane bearing surface that extends over an area substantially equal to the article-supporting surface. The upper and lower parts may be transparent to X-rays. The upper and lower parts may be made from fire-retardant material. A plurality of support points and areas may be provided between the upper part and the lower part in order to transfer forces between the article-supporting surface and the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Crisplant A/S
    Inventor: Brian Lynge SØRENSEN
  • Publication number: 20110132729
    Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith A. Chisholm, Alex A. Hanna, Alfred V. Camporini, David J. Pontzer, Thomas DeMare
  • Patent number: 7921990
    Abstract: A tote for a conveyor system may include an upper part and a lower part. The upper part may define an upper, article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surface may be adapted to receive and support articles while the articles are conveyed in or on the tote. The lower part may define a lower, substantially plane bearing surface that extends over an area substantially equal to the article-supporting surface. The upper and lower parts may be transparent to X-rays. The upper and lower parts may be made from fire-retardant material. A plurality of support points and areas may be provided between the upper part and the lower part in order to transfer forces between the article-supporting surface and the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Crisplant A/S
    Inventor: Brian Lynge Sørensen
  • Patent number: 7918334
    Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a viscous or semisolid product. The device includes a versatile product holding tray for manufacturing or forming the product. This tray is a polygonal member that includes a top surface for receiving the liquid or semisolid product, and a plurality of sides wherein at least one side includes a registration recess that is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a retaining bar of an endless conveyor to facilitate positioning of the tray upon the conveyor so that the retaining bar advances the tray during manufacture of the product. The device also includes an endless conveyor that includes a plurality of spaced tray retainer bars thereon for holding and advancing the tray to one or more product forming stations for forming the product on the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Gaetano, Robert John Mazurek, Thomas Clayton Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20110048904
    Abstract: A carrier for transporting at least one container along a conveyor path, the carrier having a base that can be placed on a conveyor surface of the conveyor path and at least one retaining means for retaining the container at least during transport, where the container has a lower region and an upper head region during transport, and the retaining means is configured and disposed in the carrier for engaging at the head region of the suspended container. A method for transporting the container utilizing the carrier, where the container is inserted in the carrier such that it is supported at the head region and retained during transport in a suspended manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Krones AG
    Inventors: Rupert Meinzinger, Michael Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7819239
    Abstract: An feeder for an auto mounting device includes a main frame, a blocking mean, an intake assembly, a transmission assembly, an input assembly and a sensor. By the sensor detecting the movement of the auto mounting device and transmitting a signal to activate the transmission assembly, the feeder could be in a normal operation without having an intimate contacting with the auto mounting device. Therefore, the feeder can favorably prevent from tremor and attrition while operating in response to the auto mounting device, conducing to a prompt and regular action of the auto mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Schenson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qi-Hong Wu
  • Publication number: 20100140058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying dough portions (7, 15, 16), comprising a circulating conveyance means (2,20) forming a conveyance surface for in a conveyance direction (T) conveying and supporting the dough portions (7, 15, 36), a support device for at least partially supporting the conveyance means, wherein the support device (5, 25) is adjustable or interchangeable for setting a relief of the conveyance surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Lothar Pasch
  • Publication number: 20100140057
    Abstract: A conveyance device uses a simple structure to cause a travel body on which food and drink are placed to travel stably. The conveyance device (10) causes the travel body (11) to travel and convey the food and drink that can be placed on the travel body (11). The conveyance device (10) has a conveyance drive section (13) provided along a travel path (12) on which the travel body (11) travels and also has a travel body connection section (14) connected to the travel body (11) and moving in the direction of travel of the travel body (11) by being driven by the conveyance drive section (13). The conveyance drive section (13) is placed on a side of the travel path (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: ISHINO SEISAKUSYO CO., LTD
    Inventors: Haruki Ishino, Satoshi Sakajiri, Ikuo Takashima, Eiji Nakayama, Yasuhiro Tokuda, Tetsuji Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20100133072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener assembly (1) for attaching a carrier (2) to a conveyor chain (3). Said fastener assembly (1) comprises a first and a second link plate (4, 5), connected by means of link pins (9) such that they define between them an interspace (6). Said first link plate (4) has an outer side (8). Said fastener assembly (7) further comprises a fastener (10) for a carrier (2), which fastener (10) is attached to the first link plate (4) at the outer side (8) thereof by means of a retainer (11), which retainer (11) at least partially encompasses said first link plate (4) and extends into the interspace (6). The present invention also relates to a carrier (2) for use with said fastener assembly (1), a conveyor chain (3) comprising at least one fastener assembly (1) and a method for modifying a conveyor chain (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Jan Neugebauer, Lars Follin
  • Patent number: 7726096
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for loading a plurality of items into a plurality of containers. The system may include a plurality of pucks, each puck adapted to retain an item. A puck delivery sub-system may include a puck-infeed conveyor to move each of the pucks along an in-feed conveyor path, and a transition apparatus operable to facilitate the transition of the pucks to a continuous puck unloading conveyor. The puck un-loading conveyor may have a releasable engagement mechanism such that when each of the pucks is engaged with said puck unloading conveyor, each of said pucks is fixed in a relative longitudinal position relative to the puck unloading conveyor. An item transfer apparatus may transfer an item from each puck when engaged with the puck un-loading conveyor, to a corresponding container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Langen Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Guttinger, Berger Bernd Pogrzeba, Tony Spadafora, Tomasz Kardynal
  • Patent number: 7717255
    Abstract: A conveying system includes a robotic arm, an end-of-arm-tool, carried by the robotic arm, and a conveyor. In one example, the end of arm tool includes a plurality of engagement mechanisms arranged in an array. Each engagement mechanism includes at least two opposed fingers moveable between engaged and released positions, and is thereby adapted to grasp a soft-sided article from the conveyor. The conveyor includes a plurality of parallel tracks, each track separated from an adjacent track by a groove. A plurality of stops is configured to stop a plurality of soft-sided articles in an array analogous to the arrayed engagement mechanisms of the end-of-arm tool. In operation, the opposed fingers of each engagement mechanism pass through the grooves defined within the conveyor, to grasp upstream and downstream sides of an article, respectively, and underneath the article, which is then lifted by the robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Pearson Packaging Systems
    Inventors: Troy Scott, Chad E. Deines, Steven Gadau, Allen Jerome Chase
  • Patent number: 7708136
    Abstract: A carrier puck is provided which can be adjusted quickly with minimal efforts, such as by using a slider, screw or other mechanical means, to allow a wide range of article shapes and sizes to be accommodated on the processing line. The carrier puck comprises a base piece, at least two substantially identical holding pieces piled in two or more stacks, a means for securing each of the stacks of holding pieces, and a means for adjusting the distance between the stacks. The two or more stacks of holding pieces enclose a void therebetween for accommodating a container. The distance between the stacks can be adjusted quickly with minimal efforts to accommodate containers of different sizes, shapes and contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Turbofil Packaging Machines, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Uriel
  • Patent number: 7681720
    Abstract: The device for transporting containers comprises a cogged belt which extends along a ring-wound trajectory and is wound on at least a pair of cogged wheels which are rotatable on vertical axes, and a plurality of regularly distanced support means borne on the external surface of the cogged belt, which receive respective containers. The cogged belt bears a plurality of skates constrained to the internal surface thereof which engage with guide means that are solidly restrained to a fixed structure of the device, in order to constitute a lateral constraint which prevents transversal movements and deformation of the cogged belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7565966
    Abstract: A transporter/sorter and a transport box therefore are disclosed. The transporter/sorter 1 comprises a guide rail 50 having straight portions and curved portions and forming an endless loop path, a plurality of transport wagons 30 undergoing excursion along the endless loop path in an inter-coupled state, and transport boxes 20 supported on the transport wagons 30, respectively, in a state of being found on the outer side of the guide rail 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhito Yoshitani
  • Patent number: 7549529
    Abstract: A conveyor having an array of rollers defining a transport plane is used with pallets each having supports forming an upwardly open saddle adapted to hold a coil of metal strip, and a pair of generally parallel and longitudinally extending rails underneath and fixed to the supports. Each rail has a downwardly directed face adapted to ride directly on the rollers and having a generally planar center region and a pair of upwardly angled end regions each forming a small acute angle with the respective center region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Siemag GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Dreisbach, Bernd-Uwe Fingerle, Bernd Büdenbender, Bernd Klein, Jürgen Peschke
  • Publication number: 20090127075
    Abstract: A belt module suitable for use in a modular belt and designed for holding attachments such as flights. The belt module has an attachment holder with a dovetail section on the upper surface that accommodates attachments and the like that are designed to be removably attached to the holder by means of attachments furnished with foot extensions that fit into the dovetail section by sliding the foot laterally into a locked position relative to the attachment holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7448487
    Abstract: A transporting apparatus is described, a representative one of which includes a transporting apparatus which transports at least one specimen container accommodated in a rack to a specimen supplying position for supplying a specimen processing apparatus, comprising: a transport mechanism configured to transport the at least one specimen container to the specimen supplying position by transporting the rack; and a detection unit for obtaining information specifying the position of the rack being transported by the transport mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Koike
  • Patent number: 7318519
    Abstract: A tote (1) used for conveying articles is transparent to x-rays in a conveyor system. At least a lower part (4) of the tote may be manufactured by injection molding rather than rotational molding. A wear-resistant material may also be employed for the lower part (4). The tote (1) may define a closed, hollow body, in which a damping device such as foam rubber, may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: FKI Logistex A/S
    Inventor: Brian Lynge Sørensen
  • Patent number: 7311193
    Abstract: A conveyor chain has a succession of longitudinally succeeding links, a respective entrainment lug projecting transversely outward from each link and formed with a latch seat and a plurality of identical entrainment elements. The entrainment elements each have a transversely outwardly projecting entrainment arm, a transversely inwardly open socket adapted to fit complementarily over a respective one of the lugs, a formation in the socket engageable in the seat of the respective one lug, and a longitudinally extending brace bearing transversely inward on at least one of the lugs adjacent the respective one lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Fochler
  • Patent number: 7311513
    Abstract: The installation for manufacturing objects such as receptacles by thermoforming pellets of thermoplastic material includes conveyor means for conveying the pellets through the various stations in the installation, said stations including a heating station and a thermoforming station. The conveyor means comprise conveyor elements (46) defining cells (48) which are open upwards and downwards, and each of which is suitable for containing one pellet (12) while the entire top and bottom faces of the pellet remain unobstructed, means for depositing the pellets in the cells, drive means for driving the conveyor elements through the heating station, and transfer means (20) for transferring the heated pellets to the thermoforming station. The heating station includes bottom heater means (52) that co-operate with a support for the pellets while said conveyor elements are being driven through the heating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Erca Formseal
    Inventors: Dominique Schwab, Timothy Cooper
  • Patent number: 7246695
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying and orienting multi-diameter plastic closures includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor flights each having a channel configuration. Each conveyor flight includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls which are spaced apart by a distance greater than a portion of the associated closure having a smaller diameter, but by a distance less than a larger diameter of the associated closure. By this arrangement, whereby each conveyor flight is engageable with each of the closures at generally diametrically opposed portions thereof, efficient and consistent handling and orientation of multi-diameter closures is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl E. Zemlin
  • Patent number: 7114616
    Abstract: The device (D) for removable fastening of seats (3) housing containers (C) to a metallic belt (1) includes first fastening means (10) made on the metallic belt (1) and aimed at being mutually coupled with second fastening means (34), made in the lower part of the seats (3) to position and lock the seats (3) to the belt (1). The device includes also supporting and sliding guides (4,5), facing each other and situated below and substantially orthogonal to eh metallic belt (1). The guides (4,5) are operated by operating means, between a first gripping configuration (P), in which they are vertical and constitute an abutment for the second fastening means (34), so as to define a fastening between the metallic belt (1) and the seats (3) for housing containers (C), and a second release configuration (R), in which at least one of the guides (4,5) is moved away from the second fastening means (34), so as to allow the seats (3) to be removed from the metallic belt (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: I.M.A.-Industria Macchine Automatiche, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Trebbi, Gabriele Gabusi
  • Patent number: 7055679
    Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a base and a modular stanchion. The modular stanchion is magnetically attachable to the base along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the base. The modular stanchion includes a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Hung Shen, Yhu-Tin Lin
  • Patent number: 6971506
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test tube carrier (4) for transporting test tubes in a transport system, said carrier (4) comprising a base (8) having a recess made thereto for accommodating the bottom of a test tube/vial (1), and support members (9, 10) adapted to the carrier base (8) for clamping a test tube (1) inserted in said recess and supporting the same. The support members (9, 10) are permanently affixed to said carrier base (8) and comprise elongated portions with their free ends bent toward the vertical center axis of the carrier base and said upper ends providing a support surface (22) for making supportive contact to the test tube. The bottom of the carrier base recess for accommodating a test tube is advantageously made flat and the carrier base is provided with test tube support members whose support surfaces (22) extend to at least two different heights from the top level of the carrier base (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Oy
    Inventors: Matti Hassinen, Juha Korhonen, Keijo Kaarakainen, Atte Mallenius
  • Patent number: 6799674
    Abstract: A rotary type transfer apparatus used in a continuous manufacturing apparatus for spout-equipped bags. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer rotor and a driving device and installed next to an extraction apparatus. The transfer rotor has spout holding members on its circumference, and the driving device causes the transfer rotor to rotate intermittently in a cycle of stopping, acceleration, constant-speed rotation, deceleration and stopping and causes the speed of the spout holding members of the transfer apparatus to coincide with the speed of the spout holding members of the extraction apparatus during the period of constant rotation and causes the spout holding members to run side by side. During the constant-speed rotation, spouts are transferred from the spout holding members of the continuously rotating extraction apparatus to the spout holding members of the rotary type transfer apparatus via a guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoji Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6715978
    Abstract: An interbay transfer interface between an automated material handling system and a stocker which includes a conveyor belt positioned juxtaposed to the stocker, a plurality of open-top containers positioned on the conveyor belt, at least two locating pins situated on the conveyor belt for engaging the containers, a wave emitting/receiving device positioned immediately adjacent to the conveyor belt, and a controller for receiving signals from the wave emitting/receiving device and sensors mounted on the locating pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Li-Ren Lin, Cheng-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 6695129
    Abstract: An uncovering apparatus may be used on a belt conveyor of a pick-and-place installation having a transporting belt loaded with pick-and-place elements. The pick-and-place elements are covered by a flexible covering and a rigid covering, which may be coupled to one another. This makes it possible for pick-and-place elements to be removed successively in different positions by a removal arrangement without other pick-and-place elements not being covered at any point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Friedrich Eschenweck
  • Patent number: 6644462
    Abstract: A rotary type transfer apparatus used in a continuous manufacturing apparatus for spout-equipped bags. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer rotor and a driving device and installed next to an extraction apparatus. The transfer rotor has spout holding members on its circumference, and the driving device causes the transfer rotor to rotate intermittently in a cycle of stopping, acceleration, constant-speed rotation, deceleration and stopping and causes the speed of the spout holding members of the transfer apparatus to coincide with the speed of the spout holding members of the extraction apparatus during the period of constant rotation and causes the spout holding members to run side by side. During the constant-speed rotation, spouts are transferred from the spout holding members of the continuously rotating extraction apparatus to the spout holding members of the rotary type transfer apparatus via a guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Shoji Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6494313
    Abstract: The Stackable Open Front Grocery and Goods Bin with Air Cushion Mobility and its related conveyer together comprise a goods distribution system designed to deliver products ordered over the internet into special stores called Safety Malls which will lower the cost of everything you buy through the elimination of paper boxes and supermarket and department store janitors and stockmen. Goods ordered over the internet can be automatically be custom loaded into bins at the factory, sorted in a distribution center, and delivered to a store near your home without ever being touched by human hands. Empty bins can be nested, removed from the store, and put through a washing machine to keep the store hygienically clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: William Bernard Trescott