Abstract: A device for loading a transporting unit provided for transporting piece goods, in particular mail deliveries, includes a first conveying unit which can be moved into the transporting unit and is provided for conveying and unloading a first stream of piece goods in the transporting unit. At least one second conveying unit is provided for conveying and unloading a second stream of piece goods in the transporting unit in order to optimize loading with respect to a transport filling density of the transporting unit, along with an increased loading throughput and increased working convenience. The piece goods are distributed among the streams of piece goods according to at least one sorting criterion.

Abstract: A system for holding one or more bags. The system includes a cart, a first chute disposed on the cart, and a second chute also disposed on the cart. The first chute includes a first edging along each side of the first chute. The second chute includes a second edging along each side of the second chute. The second chute is intertwined with the first chute. The system may further include a third chute and a fourth chute disposed on the cart. The third chute may include a third edging along each side of the third chute, and the fourth chute may include a fourth edging along each side of the fourth chute. The top and bottom of the first chute and the top and bottom of the second chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart, while the top and bottom of the third chute and the top and bottom of the fourth chute are positioned on opposite ends of the cart at about 180 degrees apart.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting objects. The apparatus has an input conveyor, an output conveyor, two loading devices, two unloading devices and a drive. Each loading device is configured to fill the input conveyor with at least one object. Each unloading device enables an object to be removed from the output conveyor. The apparatus can be switched between an input optimized mode and an output optimized mode. In the input optimized mode, both loading devices and one unloading device are activated. The apparatus guides the input conveyor past both loading devices and the output conveyor past the activated unloading device. In the output optimized mode, one loading device and both unloading devices are activated. The apparatus guides the input conveyor past the activated loading device and the output conveyor past the two unloading devices.

Abstract: A casino chip sorting device may comprise a transport disc, a drive, an ejector, a cam, and a blade. The drive may be operably coupled to the transport disc, for rotating the transport disc, and the transport disc may have multiple recesses for collecting individual chips. The ejector may be extendable into a recess from beneath the transport disc to move a disc that is in the recess and the cam may be selectively rotatable by the drive to push the ejector into the recess. The blade may have an upper surface positioned to receive a casino chip moved by the ejector. Additionally, a processor associated with the casino chip sorting device may be programmed to recognize a jam.

Abstract: A sorting device for the sorting of gaming chips comprises a base frame, a collection container, an oblique transport disc adjoining the collection container, the oblique transport disc separating and receiving gaming chips, a gaming chip characteristic identification system positioned adjacent the transport disc, a transfer device distributing the gaming chips in removal units according to characteristics identified in the gaming chip characteristic identification system. The sorting device has a transport for transferring the gaming chips directly from the transport disc to the removal units, and a radially external region of the transport disc contains recesses into which the gaming chips are separated.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus (1) has a first conveyor (2) with a plurality of cups (4) to receive products such as fruit (3). Moving substantially parallel with the first conveyor (2) is at least a second conveyor (5) having a plurality of discrete product holding compartments or pockets (6). The second conveyor (5) can move in the same or opposite direction to that of the first conveyor (2). The first conveyor (2) is operated so that products (3) are selectively discharged from the first conveyor (2) into respective compartments (6) until a required number of the products having a prescribed characteristic have been received and that pocket (6) can then be moved to the product transfer or emptying point. The characteristic of the product (3) can be for example type, weight, quantity, colour, shape, surface quality and/or density.

Abstract: Chip sorting devices include a rotatable disc having a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one removal lever associated with at least one of the channels. The removal lever has an arm configured to extend adjacent at least a portion of a stack of chips when the stack of chips is in a channel. Other chip sorting devices include a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one spring member configured to bias the ejector to a position.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for recuperating at least one target object from a mixture conveyed to a refuse container, the apparatus comprising a tray having an upstream end for receiving the mixture and a downstream end adapted to be positioned above the refuse container, a moving member for conveying the mixture at a predetermined speed from the upstream end to the downstream end of the tray, a control module and a target object detector mounted near the downstream end of the tray, the object detector providing a first signal to the control module when no target object is detected in the mixture and a second signal when a target object is detected in the mixture. The control module stops the moving member from conveying the mixture upon reception of the second signal so that the detected target object can be recuperated.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective diversion of objects such as containers, packing and packing units of different mass. The apparatus has a first transport device for the objects and a diversion device for diverting predetermined objects from the first transport device onto a second transport device. The intensity with which the objects are diverted from the first transport device onto the second transport device is controlled by means of a controlled device.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective diversion of objects such as containers, packing and packing units of different mass. The apparatus has a first transport device for the objects and a diversion device for diverting predetermined objects from the first transport device onto a second transport device. The intensity with which the objects are diverted from the first transport device onto the second transport device is controlled by means of a controlled device.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus which separates a work according to a predetermined standard flowing on a production line and arrays the work in one column is characterized by being equipped with a carrying-in line carrying in the work, a work identifying machine provided on the way of the carrying-in line, a plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units installed neighboring the carrying-in line at an approximately same height as the carrying-in line, a plurality of trays provided respectively corresponding to the temporary accumulating units of plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units, a pusher pushing out a work which flows in said carrying-in line into one column of the temporary accumulating units based on a result identified by the work identifying machine, and a transfer machine gripping/transferring a predetermined number of works all together to the trays corresponding to the temporary accumulating units when the predetermined number of works is accumulated in a temporary accumulating unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sizing watermelons by weight in which a conveyor belt carries watermelons from a loading station to a weigh station and finally to a discharge station where they are directed to one of several bins depending on their weight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sizing watermelons by weight in which a conveyor belt carries watermelons from a loading station to a weigh station and finally to a discharge station where they are directed to one of several bins depending on their weight.

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: An article sortation system includes a plurality of transport units which are movable along a conveying path between induction stations and discharge stations along each side of the conveying path. Each transport unit has side by side loading and support capability and is operable to receive packages from induction stations and discharge the packages at an appropriate discharge station. The system includes a control which determines the destination of articles and resolves blocking conditions between articles at the induction stations or at the transport units. The system may include a reinduction station for receiving an article from a transport unit and reinducting the article onto a transport unit, in order to resolve a blocking condition between a pair of articles on the respective transport unit.

Abstract: A device for sorting and selectively collecting flat products, such as shipping pouches, printed products or workpieces, which are placed at predetermined collecting points along the conveying path of an endless conveyor and below the conveyor in collecting containers, includes a pushing device for moving the empty collecting containers transversely of the direction of movement of the conveyor on a transfer path between a lateral pick-up position and the collecting point. The pushing device is reversibly driven in a guide arrangement of the transfer path, wherein the filled collecting containers can be ejected from the collecting point. For driving the pushing device, the pushing device is connected to a drive member of a fixedly mounted drive unit, wherein the drive member is attached to an endless or revolving traction unit.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for transporting items in a first direction and diverting the items to one of a plurality of stations (50, 52). The system comprises at least one diverter region (DR), and a diverter (16) arranged in the one of the at least one diverter regions. The diverter diverts the items transported by the conveyor in the first direction to one of the plurality of stations (50-1, 2, 3 and 52-1, 2, 3) adjacent said diverter that are spaced from one another in the first direction, when positioned in a diverter region of the conveyor, in response to a fire signal. The conveyor system further includes a source of destination information (46) identifying one of the plurality of stations to which the items transported by the conveyor are to be diverted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributor that enables covers to be fitted automatically on containers in a chamber without requiring assistance from an operator.

Abstract: A device for tiltable ejectors of fruit in conveyor carts integrated into electronic classifiers has a lifting-ejector formed by a bent and supported vertical shaft which turns freely by its upper end section and is operationally connected to the tiltable ejector. Its lower end section is parallel to the supported upper part and serves to pass along an axis of advance, first in relation to a fixed rectilinear deflector, followed within an angularly displaceable deflector under electronic control and finally above an actuating ramp. The angularly displaceable deflector has a position of rest in which, together with the fixed deflector, it determines the trajectory of non-actuation of the lifting-ejector. Another position directs it toward a ramp and determines its trajectory of actuation to secure tilting of the ejector and the fruit carried thereby.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a sorting device, positioned above and orientated across a plurality of conveyors, capable of diverting objects between the conveyors or removing objects entirely from the conveyors, based on the object's destination location or some other characteristic. To accomplish its purpose, the device comprises: a primary conveyor; a secondary conveyor; a monorail positioned above and orientated across the conveyors; a carriage that mounts the monorail; a linear actuator that drives the carriage side to side the length of the monorail; a paddle attached to the carriage that extends downward to contact the objects; a wiper located along the bottom edge of the paddle that is biased in contact with the conveyors; and a controller capable of positioning the carriage so the paddle contacts the object to be diverted and pushes it between conveyors or from conveyors to adjacent destination locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting individual pieces includes a plurality of conveying elements which are guided along a closed track and are coupled to each other to form an endless conveying chain. The conveying elements have an at least approximately horizontal support plane configured to place the individual items thereon. For feeding the conveying elements, they travel along the track past at least one feeding station and they travel past several target stations for emptying the conveying elements. Each target station is provided with a sweeping or deflecting device which travels alongside of the conveying elements and pushes the individual piece from the conveying elements.

Abstract: A sortation and sequencing system for sorting a plurality of different items into discrete orders and putting the items into a predetermined sequence within each discrete order or group of orders. The system includes an induction station for accepting items in random succession, and a sensor at the induction station for sensing an identifying characteristic unique to each item and for generating tracking signals uniquely corresponding to the items for tracking the items through the system. A controller receives the tracking signals and generates sort command and sequence command signals which are in part responsive to the tracking signals. A sorter receives the items from the induction station and directs individual items to selected ones of a plurality of sort locations, each sort location corresponding to an individual order or group of orders, in response to sort command signals from the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is a sorter for products conveyed successively and continuously. The sorter components include a main screw rotated continuously by a drive shaft to arrange in order and convey products to be sorted. The main screw has helical grooves for engagement with the products and an annular groove portion for stopping therein each of the to-be-sorted products. The annular groove portion is positioned between helical grooves of the main screw. A rotatable sub-screw with helical grooves is located near the main screw at the annular groove portion for engagement with the products to be sorted. The sorter further includes a delivery means disposed at the annular groove to deliver the products from the main screw to the sub-screw and an interlocking mechanism rotating off the drive shaft which synchronizes the delivery means with the sub-screw. This sorter is a high speed, reliable system for sorting products undamaged.

Abstract: Problems in counting and stacking fried food products such as tostadas are solved by an improved counter/stacker device in which tortilla food products ride a first moving belt through a photoelectric counting station. After being counted the product drops into a stack retainer shaped to hold the product. A series of stack retainers are arranged along the length of a flexible, intermittently moving, continuous belt. When the counting station signals that the required number of product have been counted and deposited into a stack, the flexible belt bearing the stack retainer is rapidly advanced to bring an empty stack retainer into position beneath the counting station. The stack retainers ensure that the product stacks do not shift and are stationary for a period of time, thereby facilitating manual or automatic packaging of the product.

Abstract: A water based dredge includes a grizzly with a sieve and a pair of bi-directional rakes. The rakes translate relative to the stationary sieve to slide waste or recoverable material off of the grid and onto a refuse barge or material processing apparatus, respectively. A grab deposits dredge material onto the sieve and an operator determines whether the material includes waste such as clay or the like or recoverable material such as rocks, dirt, or sand. If the operator determines that the dredge material is waste, the rakes will be actuated for movement from a first direction to thereby push the waste off of the grizzly and onto a refuse barge. If the operator determines that the dredge material includes recoverable material, the rakes will be operated in a second direction so the recoverable material is slid from the grizzly and into a crusher or other appropriate processing apparatus.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus for flat, stackable articles, such as CDs, micro-cassettes, video tapes or similar articles. A single article is continuously removed from a stacked stock at the bottom side of the stack, and is then coded and moved forward by pushing members of a conveyor along an horizontal path, which is inclined transverse to the direction of travel. A series of discharge stations are positioned at the lower side of said path. The code applied ensures that each article is discharged at the correct station. Characterizing features of the apparatus are:1) the slanting position of both the stock, the path of travel and the conveyor;2) the adjustable bottom construction of the stock holder in conjunction with the pushing members of the conveyor.3) the transparent first portion of the path along which the objects are moved by the conveyor with scanning means and additional printers for stickers to be applied upon the passing articles.

Abstract: An in-line ram rejector system particularly for high speed bottling lines with unspaced plastic containers relies on a multi-beam optical system to keep track of the containers between a contamination detection station and a rejector station equipped with a ram rejector. The rejection station is also provided with an automatic side gate on the conveyor. When the leading edge of a tracked, identified container meets the beam, the side gate on the conveyor opens, and when the trailing edge of the same tracked identified container passes by the beam, the container, for example, a plastic beverage bottle is rammed out the open gate onto a neck rail, which catches the container upright.

Abstract: A loader and unloader is disclosed which is utilized in conjunction with an automatic test machine for handling electric devices such as integrated circuits ("ICs"), semiconductor chips, and the like. The loader handles trays containing a number of ICs to be tested and transfers them to a location on the handler where the ICs can be accurately and quickly removed from the trays for testing. Following the testing, the unloader of the present invention handles the trays which receive the ICs in accordance with various sort categories depending upon the test results. The present invention also encompasses a dual receptacle transfer arm which shuttles IC trays between and among the various components of the loader and unloader. These components are configured so as to minimize travel distance and handling time, thereby increasing the productivity of an automatic test handler into which the present loader and unloader may be incorporated.

Abstract: A conveying system includes a transport conveyor and a diverter mechanism disposed thereabove for pushing articles transversely off the transport conveyor. The diverter mechanism includes a belt having paddles projecting therefrom. The belt is periodically driven to cause a paddle to transverse the main conveyor to displace an article. Each paddle is formed by two plates connected at their inner ends to the belt via hinges, with the hinge of one plate being spaced from the hinge of the other plate in the direction of belt travel. The outer ends of the plates are fixed together and sandwich a flexible wiper therebetween.

Abstract: A device for counting, inspecting, sorting, and stacking planar food products such as tortillas. The tortillas are sandwiched between a pair of conveyor belts moving at the same speed to a discharge location between a pair of rollers around which the respective conveyor belts extend. The speed of the tortillas causes them to be flung from between the rollers onto a discharge tray. A counter determines when a predetermined number of tortillas have been discharged onto the discharge tray. The counter then triggers an actuator to remove the tray from beneath the stack of tortillas, thereby allowing them to fall onto a discharge conveyor belt. The discharge conveyor belt is then moved an incremental distance. The tortillas passing through the device are scanned in order to detect defective tortillas.

Abstract: A trash bag for recyclable waste which will eliminate a second collection of recyclables and having color or another type of code thereon to permit the bag to be identified and separated from trash bags containing ordinary trash, and a system and method for collecting recyclable waste. The trash bag is designed to be placed in the normal trash collection stream along with bags of ordinary trash and to be delivered to an existing landfill or incinerator or to another separation location at which identification and separation of the bags from the bags of ordinary trash is accomplished. According to the invention, identification and separation of the bags of recyclable trash can be performed manually or in an automated manner at the landfill, incinerator, or other separation location.

Abstract: The disclosed sorting conveyor and method of operating sorting conveyors provide for greater utilization of the apparatus, by using different separations between any leading article and its trailing article, either close separation of the articles when the leading article is to remain on the conveyor while its trailing article is being diverted or wide separation when the leading article is to be diverted while its trailing article remains on the conveyor; and when the sorting conveyor is applied to order-filling, the article discharge points can be chosen for the various kinds of articles so as to increase to a maximum the occurrence of small article-to-article separations.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting tires and the like. A series of tire transport apparatus are utilized to each selectively draw from a conveyor containing tires of a variety of types and sizes a specific tire type and size which is then transported to a storage apparatus wherein all tires of that particular type and size which have been sorted from the supply conveyor are stored. A series of tire transport apparatus are also utilized to remove the tires from the storage apparatus.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) for sorting out packaged items identified as defective, especially bottles (2), by diverting same from a first horizontal conveyor belt (4) to a second conveyor belt (8) traveling beside the first belt in synchronism in parallel thereto, is characterized by a diverter (5) which is controlled in a timed fashion by an identification station (3) for defective bottles and imparts to the bottle a kinetic impulse transversely to the belt traveling direction (a). The diverter (5) comprises a motor drivable shaft (9) with a spiral coil segment (10) ascending in the belt traveling direction (a).

Abstract: A conveyor system transports keyboards for automatic testing by a keyboard testing mechanism located at a test station, and a discharge conveyor accepts rejected keyboards. At the testing station the keyboard and the keyboard testing mechanism are brought into a testing relationship (where the keyboards and test mechanism are located physically closer and in electrical contact); they are thereafter removed from that relationship. On the main conveyor there is a separation element for effecting a right-angular turn of rejected keyboards from the normal conveyance direction for the passed keyboards.

Abstract: A tube transfer device for transferring usable tubes from a tube feeding device to a tube receiving device includes an elevator advancing tubes in a given transport direction from the tube feeding device to the tube receiving device is steps with pauses between the steps, the elevator having receiver elements for individual tubes, a feeler element movable back and forth transverse to the given transport direction during the pauses, the feeler element passing over usable tubes and pushing unusable tubes out of the receiver elements, and a receiver device adjacent the elevator for receiving the unusable tubes from the receiver elements.

Abstract: A machine for removing oversize solids such as large rocks from other material carried by a conveyor. This separator has a wheel with external spokes which radiate outward from its circumference and which is mounted above the conveyor at an angle to the centerline thereof. Requiring no external power source, the device is actuated by the solids to be separated with the energy for separation being derived from their motion on the conveyor. When solids larger than the desired size come into contact with the spokes of the wheel, part of the momentum of these objects is converted to rotational motion of the wheel. As it rotates, it has a tendency to deflect them laterally across the conveyor belt until they are pushed off the side of the conveyor.The wheels can be used singularly or in combination. Their use in combination is most desirable for wider belts. The wheels can be located at varying locations, angles, and heights above the belt. By experimental methods, the wheels are adjusted for optimum placement.

Abstract: When the number of pieces of postal matter stacked at a stacking section in a sorter with an automatic push-out apparatus of the invention reaches a number which allows a push-out operation before or after a full-stack operation, the postal matter is transferred to a corresponding empty tray. The postal matter which is to be stacked at this stacking section during the push-out operation is stacked at a preliminary stacking section. After the stacking section is restored, the postal matter stacked at the preliminary stacking section is transferred to the empty tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an industrial operation wherein objects moving along a main path from an upstream to a downstream location are diverted to a second path for checking. The apparatus comprises an ejecting wheel for sorting objects which shall have been checked defective for some reason and preventing movement of those objects from returning to the main path.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mechanism for moving unfinished books along a raceway and for selectively moving defective books from the raceway onto a second, powered conveyor. The raceway has an inclined surface, and the reject mechanism moves defective books up the inclined surface onto the powered conveyor. The reject mechanism includes a divert conveyor with a chain in continuous motion synchronized with the movement of the books on the raceway. When it is desired to move a book from the raceway onto the powered conveyor a selected pair of pins mounted on the divert conveyor chain are extended to engage an edge of the book and move it up the inclined surface and onto the divert conveyor.

Abstract: A harvesting device for separating round root crops, such as potatoes, from soil and other unwanted material. The crop and the soil in which it is growing is uplifted into the harvesting device by the forward movement of the device. The uplifted material is delivered into two conveyors, one positioned above the other and one running at a different speed from the other. The upper conveyor has a series of transverse members, such as fingers and flaps, which break up the uplifted material into discrete portions and these transverse members form with the lower conveyor a series of pockets so that each discrete portion of uplifted material lies in a pocket. The conveyors are inclined and this combined with the differential speed causes the material to be tumbled and the round root crops to roll free of unwanted material.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and handling empty beverage containers. The empty containers may be received either individually or in cartons upon a moving conveyor. An alignment mechanism separates the containers and moves them to one side of the conveyor. A switch arrangement senses cartons, so that the system can process cartons of empty containers in a different manner than individual empty containers. The containers, whether individually or in cartons, pass through an illumination station wherein they interrupt illumination falling upon a row of photocells. Output signals from the photocells are transmitted to identification circuitry together with clock signals generated in synchronism with the movement of the conveyor. The identification circuitry generates registration signals, which are used to compute value of the containers being received. A paddle mechanism shifts the cartons to a separating station, which forwards properly filled cartons to a storage area.

Abstract: The invention comprises one or more feed conveyors in communication with a sorting conveyor, so that items placed on the feed conveyors can be transferred to the sorting conveyor. Where more than one feed conveyor is used, their outputs are first run through a merge conveyor so that the outputs are compatible with use of a single sorting conveyor. A device for reading a code that has been placed on the item to be sorted is provided and a computing device to which such reader is connected is programmed to determine which diverter is to be activated by a particular code read by the reader. A timing device is provided that, when used in conjunction with the computing device, integrates the travel time of an item along the sorting conveyor to determine when the item has reached the particular diverter required to be activated to cause the item to be properly sorted. A control signal emanates from the computing device when the timer has completed its cycle and is used to switch on the pertinent diverter.