Abstract: In the spring feeder in which tangled small springs are separated into individual springs and separated small springs are arranged in a row in the compression-elongation direction thereof, jamming in the conveying path for feeding the springs, which is the final portion of the conveying path of the feeder, is released. A spring feeder includes: a container to which vibrations are appropriately provided; a separation unit for separating a plurality of tangled small springs; and a conveying path for feeding springs that is disposed outside the container and conveys the springs inside the container to the outside of the container. A conveying portion for connection that has a conveying groove for connection is provided in an end portion of the conveying path for feeding. An ejection portion for spring removal that has an ejection nozzle is attached in an appropriate position of the conveying groove for connection.

Abstract: A method of distributing products, including computer processing content of the orders including regrouping the orders into groups of orders, and ungrouping the content of each order group into a order subgroups; regrouping the products, including performing a collection of the products, reading the identifier of each collected product and arranging each to obtain a concordance between the product groups and the order groups, ungrouping the products, including for each product group performing a collection of the products, reading the identifier of each collected product and arranging each in a compartment associated with a product subgroup to obtain a concordance between the product subgroups and the order subgroups, and a step of final separation including for each product subgroup performing a collection of each of the products, reading the identifier and arranging each in a compartment associated with a physical order.

Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.

Abstract: A system is provided for the identification and separation of heterogeneous material, the system comprising: a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material; a computer receiving and analyzing data from the hyperspectral identification system and selecting desired materials from the heterogeneous materials; and an ejection system, whereby the desired materials are ejected from the system.

Abstract: An automated system for sorting dissimilar materials, and in particular for sorting plastics from other materials and for sorting different types of plastics from one another comprises, depending upon the embodiment, combinations of a sizing mechanism, a friction separation, an air separator, a magnetic separator, a dielectric sensor sortation bed, shaker screening, a ballistic separator, an inductive sensor sortation system and a float/sink tank. The dielectric sensor sortation system may be either analog or digital, depending upon the particular implementation. One or more float/sink tanks can be used, depending upon the embodiment, each with a media of a different specific gravity. The media may be water, or water plus a compound such as calcium chloride. In addition, multiples of the same general type of module can be used for particular configurations. A heavy media system or a sand float process can be used either alternatively or additionally.

Abstract: A screen frame assembly is provided for use with a screening machine. The screen frame assembly includes first and second generally planar screen frames and a coupling between the first and second screen frames that includes a tab in the first screen frame and a receiving slot in the second screen frame. The receiving slot is configured to receive the tab and includes a centering feature for laterally aligning the first and second screen frames relative to one another. The centering feature may include a pair of opposed inwardly angled edges of the receiving slot. The coupling may include an overlap region between the first and second screen frames that is engageable to thereby permit lifting of the second screen frame by a lifting force exerted upon the first screen frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interacting light with particles, including but not limited to biological matter such as cells, in unique and highly useful ways. Optophoresis consists of subjecting particles to various optical forces, especially optical gradient forces, and more particularly moving optical gradient forces, so as to obtain useful results. In biology, this technology represents a practical approach to probing the inner workings of a living cell, preferably without any dyes, labels or other markers. In one aspect, a particle may be characterized by determining its optophoretic constant or signature. For example, a diseased cell has a different optophoretic constant from a healthy cell, thereby providing information, or the basis for sorting. In the event of physical sorting, various forces may be used for separation, including fluidic forces, such as through the use of laminar flow, or optical forces, or mechanical forces, such as through adhesion.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there are systems and methods of separating a mixture of carbon nanotubes comprising dispersing carbon nanotubes into a fluid to form a dispersion of individually-suspended carbon nanotubes and focusing the dispersion of individually-suspended carbon nanotubes into a single file stream of carbon nanotubes. The methods can also include characterizing the single file stream of carbon nanotubes and sorting the carbon nanotubes based on their properties.

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A liner for use in a waste sorting and disposal system is configured for placement in a container is provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, systems, and devices for processing rubber materials including rubber from tires, tubes, shoe soles, or any other rubber containing product. Characteristics of the rubber materials, such as chemical composition and/or product manufacturer, model, and manufacture date, can be identified. Identification can be performed by personnel, can be automated, or can be a combination thereof. The characteristics of the rubber material can be used to sort the rubber product. Rubber materials suitable for a particular end product can be selected for further processing, which can include size reduction, material separation, chemical and physical processes, devulcanization, or a combination thereof. Processed rubber materials can be stored or delivered to a user or manufacturing site with product specifications.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating flat mail items includes two transport devices for transporting two independently mobile stacks of mail items to an extraction device for extracting mail items from both stacks of mail items and supplying the mail items to a transport run. A single-component extraction element of the extraction device is provided for extracting mail items from the two stacks of mail items. An economical device for separating flat mail items from both stacks of mail items can be obtained, and the device generates a continuous flow of mail items.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A package unbundling station receives bundles of articles to be unwrapped. The station includes a clamp for holding a bundle in a fixed position and a pair of spaced-apart movable cutter assemblies which cut at least one of wrapping and banding on at least two sides of the bundle, resulting in an “open envelope” which is transferred to a work station for easy removal of the articles which are then conveyed for subsequent sorting. In one embodiment, an unbundling station is coupled with a package sorting system and receives banded and/or wrapped bundles of articles and includes at least a pair of spaced-apart movable cutter assemblies which cut at least one of the banding and/or wrapping materials of the bundle and subsequently outputs the opened bundle to an output station for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A vibratory separator including a screen having a filter element and a center screen disk. The vibratory separator also including a magnet disposed on top of the center pedestal support, wherein the center screen disk and the magnet are configured to magnetically interact. Additionally, a method for replacing a screen for a vibratory separator including actuating a vibratory separator decoupler and breaking a first magnetic interaction between a first magnetic interaction surface and a second magnetic interaction surface. The method further including removing a first screen from the vibratory separator, installing a second screen into the vibratory separator, and establishing a second magnetic interaction.

Abstract: A cyclone structured for separating feed material having mixtures of differently sized material, the cyclone having a separating section and an inlet head having a feed inlet zone, wherein the feed inlet zone has a volute axis and adjacent sectors in which the volute axis progressively decreases relative to and in the direction of the central axis through subsequent sectors extending downstream from the inlet port of the inlet head. The inlet head is also structured with a vortex finder extending into the feed chamber a distance L1, and an inlet port formed in the inlet head which extends a vertical distance H1, such that the ratio of L1 to H1 is less than one (L1:H1=0.0 to 0.95).

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: Sorting table with sorter rolls eliminates foreign matter remaining mixed in with the products of the harvest of small fruit. The present invention features a sorting system constituted by a succession of rotating rolls of cylindrical shape arranged in parallel so as to form a mobile sorting plane, and a locomotion device, allowing the rotating drive of the rolls in the same direction, so as to allow transporting the grapes dumped on the upstream part of this sorting plane, in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of the rotating cylindrical rolls and over the entire length of the sorting plane. The rotating cylindrical rolls are laid out so as to allow the passage and drop-off of only the small fruit to be sorted, whereas the foreign matter of a size larger than that of the latter remains on the surface of the mobile sorting plane and is evacuated at the downstream end of it.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In one embodiment, at least one of the medical waste items is a regulated drug that is regulated by, for example, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The regulated drug is inaccessible once disposed in the container. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A oscillating sorting conveyor is adapted for separating whole berries of wine grapes from undesirable components such as “shot berries” (immature grapes), stems, raisins, leaf material, bugs, pebbles and the like. The sorter deploys a downward tilting trough that is driven to oscillate. A screen is disposed at the bottom of the trough such that whole berries are conveyed over the screen while the undesirable components pass through the screen. The preferred embodiment of the screen has a non-uniform cross-section to improve the efficiency of removal the undesirable components without clogging or requiring constant maintenance. The preferred embodiment of the oscillating conveyor is driven by a cam and cam follower, in which the cam driving shaft is counterweighted to minimize vibration. The more preferred embodiments minimize damage to the grape berries while efficiently removing the undesirable components.

Abstract: A control module is presented for a sorter for sorting materials from a material stream that can include a plurality of types of materials. The sorter comprises at least two control modules and each control module includes control circuitry, at least two sensors, and a corresponding sorting assembly for each sensor. Each sensor is capable of detecting at least one type of material in the material stream and is capable of transmitting data to and receiving signals from the control circuitry. Each sorting assembly is capable of being actuated by the control circuitry to substantially sort materials from the material stream based on the readings of the sensors. The control circuitry is capable of receiving signals from and transmitting signals to each sensor and each sorting assembly.

Abstract: A motorized paddle assembly for a material sorter is presented. The motorized paddle assembly comprises a paddle, internal mechanisms, and a housing that encloses the internal mechanisms. The paddle is attached to a circular hinge to enable the circular hinge and the paddle to rotate about an axis. The motorized paddle assembly includes an upper plate for the circular hinge. The upper plate allows the free rotation of the circular hinge while substantially preventing unwanted material from falling behind the circular hinge. In a series of adjacent motorized paddle assemblies, a gasket is mounted between adjacent motorized paddle assemblies to substantially prevent unwanted material from falling between the adjacent motorized paddle assemblies.

Abstract: A device (32) is provided for separating particles in a material (34), the particles having different conductivities. The device (32) comprises a feeder (36) for accommodating the material (34), the feeder (36) defining an outlet opening (38). Charging means (40) is located within the feeder (36) and proximate the opening (38) of the feeder (36), the charging means (40) being arranged to directly charge the particles. The device (32) further includes a rotatable drum (42) that is located adjacent the opening (38) of the feeder (36). In use, the charging means (40) is arranged to produce a cloud of similarly charged particles that leave the feeder (36) via the opening (38) and land on the drum (42) substantially as a monolayer, with conductive particles (48) subsequently losing their charge to the drum (42) and thus falling off, while the insulative/less conductive particles (50) remain charged and thus attracted to the surface of the drum (42) so as to be removed further on in the rotation of the drum (42).

Abstract: A screening apparatus, in particular for mixtures, which are difficult to separate, as e.g. crude oil sand mixtures, comprising a base support frame, aligned substantially horizontally, supported relative to the support floor through damping springs as an opposite oscillating mass; several inclined energy storage spring packages, each provided as a double coil spring assembly, carrying a screening box as an oscillating mass; and several unbalanced mass motors, flanged to the base support frame, imparting an oriented box oscillation with an effective KV value of 9.5 upon the base support frame and through the energy storage spring packets upon the sieve box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A sorting system for mail items includes sorting registers, a storage module operating on a last-in/first-out principle, a sorting circuit to convey a stream of mail items. The sorting registers and the storage module are connected via switch points to the sorting circuit, wherein the storage module comprises a storage area and an insertion function. An extraction function extracts mail items from the storage area, and a process controller controls the mail item stream and the switch points. The process controller sets, if there is a conveyance fault, part of the switch points so mail items intended for the faulty sorting registers are introduced into the storage area. When the fault is rectified and/or a predefined occupancy level is reached, mail items stored in the storage area are extracted by adjusting a remaining feeding of mail items into the mail item stream, and fed to the sorting registers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: A method for handling trays for use with an article sorter includes providing a conveying surface along a plurality of sorter units and conveying empty trays along the conveying surface. The empty trays that are being conveyed along the conveying surface are stopped with a tray stopping device that is positioned at least partially below the conveying surface and operable to project a portion of the tray stopping device above the conveying surface to engage and stop an empty tray. The stopped empty trays are moved from the conveying surface to the tray support areas in a direction generally transverse to the conveying surface. The empty trays are at least partially filled at the tray support areas, and the partially filled trays are moved from the tray support area onto the conveying surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: An automatic tray handling system for use with an article or mail sortation system, such as a flats mail sortation system, is operable to automatically remove filled or partially filled trays from individual sorter units and to replenish the sorter units with empty trays. The empty trays and/or filled trays are moved along at least one conveying surface adjacent to the sorter units. The automatic tray handling system includes a plurality of tray moving devices, which are operable to move the empty trays from the conveying surface to the sorter units, whereby the trays are at least partially filled by the sorter units. The tray moving devices are then further operable to move the at least partially filled trays from the sorter units to a conveying surface, whereby the filled trays may be conveyed to downstream operations, such as an automatic labeling station. Preferably, the empty trays are movable in a continuous loop about the mail sortation system.

Abstract: A method of separating particulate material of differing size or density including the steps of: tumbling the particulate material to produce continuous or discrete avalanches (19) in the surface of the particulate material to move particles of smaller size (14) or higher density (22) towards the centre of the particulate material and particles of larger size (16) or lower density (24) radially outward from the centre of the particulate material; and extracting particles at selected radial locations (8, 10). A device for separating particulate material of differing size or density is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for making one or more rod-like fillers of shredded tobacco for use in the making of cigarettes or the like employs one or two pneumatic conveyors having endless foraminous belts trained over pulleys and including elongated stretches below communicating parts of a common suction chamber. A shower of intermixed tobacco shreds and smaller particles including tobacco dust and coarser particles is directed against the under sides of the elongated stretches. The shreds are attracted to and advance with the respective belts to form streams which are ready to be trimmed and thereupon draped into cigarette paper or the like. At least some smaller particles penetrate through the respective belts into the corresponding parts of the suction chamber. The contents of the suction chamber are evacuated by suction and are returned to the undersides of the elongated stretches of the belts for classification.

Abstract: A transportable system for separating materials in a waste stream. An arrangement of separation and grinding devices is mounted on a transportable platform. The devices are configured and arranged to produce three or more product streams from a plastic-rich feed mixture. One of the product streams is a coarse heavy stream, one stream is a ground plastic-rich product stream, and one stream is a ground light material stream. The system can be transported to a waste-goods location, operated to separate waste-goods, and relocated a new location.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for detecting overlapping mail pieces wherein a lead mail piece edge is diverted from the regular conveyance and a light barrier is used to detect if another mail piece follows. Specifically, the diverted mail piece may break or interrupt a light barrier thereby triggering a counter which determines the time between the interruption and subsequent interruption. If the time is less than that required for the diverted mail piece to pass the light barrier, then an overlapping mail piece is present.

Abstract: The problem of the invention is to provide a material web, comprising a supporting web and information carriers positioned thereon, in which the supporting web is constructed as a continuous web and on which are only located faultless information carriers. According to the invention from one material web are separated at least the faulty information carriers and a uniform sequence of faultless information carriers is produced on a supporting web.

Abstract: An automatic tray-handling system for use with a mail sorter (26) having a plurality of tray supporters, comprises a transporter (50) having a conveying surface (56) and an insertion/extraction assembly (58); and respective feed (44a, 44b) and discharge conveyors (46a, 46b) adapted to feed empty trays (38) to the transporter conveying surface (56) and receiving at least partially full trays (38) from the transporter conveying surface. The insertion/extraction assembly (58) is adapted to insert empty trays (38) to tray support areas and remove at least partially full trays (38) from tray support areas. The conveying surface operational is adapted to receive empty trays (38) from the feed conveyor (44a, 44b) and at least partially full trays (38) from the insertion/extraction assembly (58). Moreover from the conveying surface empty trays are dischargeable to the insertion/extraction assembly (58) and to the discharge conveyor (46a, 46b).

Abstract: A sorting system includes trolleys traveling along a path between respective stations for loading and unloading items in a direction transversely of the direction of travel of the trolleys. Each station includes an inductor for generating a variable magnetic induction field which is sensed by a detecting mechanism, such as an antenna, disposed on the trolley. In response to the magnetic induction field being detected, a loading/unloading device on the trolley (e.g., an endless belt) is actuated to load or unload items.

Abstract: A machine comprising a base and an elongated cradle pivotally mounted on the base is used to facilitate separation of nested tapered drums from a stack. With the cradle in an upright position, the machine is moved toward the stack to embrace the stack in the cradle. A pair of clamps on the cradle embrace and grip successive drums at a lower end of the stack, and then the cradle is moved to a lay-down position, carrying the stack with it. A first clamp of the pair, gripping a first drum, is moved away from a second clamp of the pair and then releases the first drum so that it can be separated from the second drum. The first clamp is then moved toward the second clamp. The second clamp releases the second drum, and the laid-down stack is moved along the cradle to align the second drum with the first clamp and a third drum in the stack with the second clamp. The first and second clamps then grip the second and third drums, respectively, and the first clamp is again moved away from the second clamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller screen gapping system for a roller screen including a series of spaced parallel rolls mounted on pillow blocks at each end thereof, the pillow blocks slidable along respective bed plates transversely of the roll axes to adjust the gap between adjacent rolls. The gapping system comprises spring biased bolts to clamp the pillow blocks on the bed plates, unclamping cylinders carried by each pillow block and exerting an unclamping action on the bed plate to unclamp the pillow blocks for lateral sliding, gapping cylinders carried by each pillow block adapted to contact an adjacent pillow block to adjust the gap between adjacent rolls and a common push cylinder mounted on each of the bed plates and adapted to push all the pillow blocks against a fixed pillow block. A hydraulic control circuit including various solenoid valves controls the operation of the different hydraulic cylinders. The invention also provides for the method of operating the gapping system.