Abstract: A centering unit for diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment is presented. The centering unit for diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment comprises at least two arms with grippers for centering diagnostics laboratory transporting compartments of different diameters. For accurate and reliable centering of laboratory transporting compartments, the two arms are biased with a single elastic member. A laboratory system and a method for centering diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment and diagnostics laboratory transporting compartment holder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor unit distributes products and an automated product and item recognition system use such a unit. The technology is usable in customer self-service checkouts, as well as in automated warehouses for sorting products. The distribution unit includes at least one horizontal conveyor to move products to the recognition unit, at least two vertical conveyors placed above at least one horizontal conveyor and oriented at an angle to the movement axis of the horizontal conveyor, and at least one sensor to identify the position of products on conveyors. The horizontal and vertical conveyors are designed to enable the independent adjustment of the conveyor speed based on the readings received from at least one sensor. The approach provides improved accuracy and performance for automated recognition of products with different shapes, weights, or sizes and simplified use of the automated system without any need for the placement of products in sequence.

Abstract: A semi-automated bulk sorting system includes a primary conveyor having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of sorting stations downstream from the primary conveyor and configured to sort the outbound parcels and cartons, where each of the sorting stations has a sorting platform. The system also includes a plurality of infeed chutes coupled between the primary conveyor and the plurality of sorting stations, and a plurality of automated diverter arms configured to automatically divert the outbound parcels and cartons from the primary conveyor down one of the plurality of infeed chutes to a respective sorting platform of the plurality of sorting stations. The sorting platform of each of the sorting stations is configured to cause the outbound parcels and cartons to accumulate on the plurality of infeed chutes.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of automatically generating inspection templates of a plurality of known good fasteners to identify fasteners at an inspection station is provided. The method includes providing a data entry mechanism to provide content needed to identify a plurality of unidentified mixed fasteners. The method also includes storing the content in a database, extracting the content from the database and creating the inspection templates from the extracted content. Each of the templates including a fastener profile and a set of features. Each of the features includes a range of acceptable values. Each of the templates has a fastener identification code associated therewith.

Abstract: A mixer for a continuous flow reactor and methods for forming the mixer and the operation thereof. The mixer allows for segmentation of a primary reactant flow through a plurality of ports into many smaller flows that are injected as jets into a secondary reactant flow in channels of the mixer. The channel has a constant width dimension to enhance even flow distribution and local turbulence of the primary and secondary reactant flows. The constant width dimension of the channel and the size and number of the ports of the mixer can be configured to ensure the primary reactant flow injected into the channel directly impinges on a surface of the channel that is opposite the injection point at normal operating conditions.

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: A sorter system comprises a transport for advancing items along a transport path, a diverter for directing items from the transport path into a selected pocket along a sort path, and a pocket brake disposed in the selected pocket. In one embodiment, the pocket brake comprises a pivotable flange defining a pivot axis, at least one support element disposed on the flange, a braking element disposed on the at least one support element for decreasing a velocity of an item entering the selected pocket along the sort path, and a registration surface for stopping translation of the item along the sort path.

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 high-speed fastener inspection system is provided to perform 100 percent inspection of various geometry features and to sort a large number of fasteners at high speed. The inspection system includes a rotary table having an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of radial slots extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. When a fastener is be placed in a radial slot with the head of the fastener facing upward and the shank extending into the slot, the side view of each fastener is unobstructed. A loading mechanism, an anti-jam mechanism, and a sorting mechanism are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotary table. At least one vision inspection camera is provided for capturing the image of each fastener after each fastener is placed in a radial slot. An image analyzer is operatively connected to the vision inspection camera for analyzing the captured image and to determine whether the fastener is defective.

Abstract: A gate assembly for diverting substantially flat articles is provided. The gate assembly comprises a mounting bracket having an upright support member and a mounting member secured to the upright support member and a diverter vane having a slot for slidably receiving at least a portion of the upright support member of the mounting bracket. A least one protrusion is formed on the mounting bracket and at least one recessed area is formed in the diverter vane with each recessed area receiving a corresponding protrusion of the mounting member. A motion mechanism secured to the mounting bracket for selectively moving the combined mounting bracket and diverter vane thereby diverting the articles to a predetermined desired location.

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 device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.

Abstract: A gate assembly for diverting substantially flat articles is provided. The gate assembly comprises a mounting bracket having an upright support member and a mounting member secured to the upright support member and a diverter vane having a slot for slidably receiving at least a portion of the upright support member of the mounting bracket. A motion mechanism secured to the mounting bracket for selectively moving the combined mounting bracket and diverter vane thereby diverting the articles to a predetermined desired location.

Abstract: A system for collecting items is configured based on the realization that operators for manually moving the items from position bins to packing material can be positioned in only selected areas on both sides of the conveyor, with batch-forming areas being located on each side only at locations opposite the operator area on the opposite side. For instance, a first operator can serve the first two positions from a first side of the conveyor and a second operator can serve the following two positions from the second side of the conveyor and so on. This arrangement leaves free space, e.g., for packing material, for the second operator on the second side of the conveyor opposite the first operator's two positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for selectively removing an article from a stream or line of similar articles travelling in a pathway on a transport system such as a conveyor. The invention utilizes a synchronous electric motor which, in response to a signal to reject a specific article in the stream, rotates an article-contacting member or paddle into the path of the stream of articles travelling along the pathway whereby it contacts and smoothly removes that article from the stream. The use of a synchronous motor to effect the rotation of the paddle is very important to the present invention.

Abstract: A counting and portioning system which counts discrete articles that conform to predetermined specifications into lots having a predetermined number of articles or a target volume. The system includes at least one portioning bin positioned to receive articles from a conveyor. The at least one bin has at least first and second outlet gates for emptying articles into separate respective first and second locations. A scanner detects and maintains a count of articles that are received in the at least one portioning bin and fall within the predetermined specification. The detector unit generates an out-of-specification signal when an article or group of articles received in the at least one portioning bin falls outside the predetermined specification. A control unit causes the first outlet gate to open when the count or volume of articles is equal to the predetermined number and causes the second outlet gate to open in response to receipt of an out-of-specification signal.

Abstract: A sorting machine receives a bulk of workpieces or fasteners from a hopper unit into a feed station which align the fasteners into a single file for engagement to a transport system of an inspection station. Preferably, the transport system has a conveyor belt with a magnetic member disposed radially inward from the belt. The fasteners are preferably ferrous and thereby engage the conveyor belt via the magnetic field which penetrates the belt. The fasteners are thus carried along the transport system past a trigger sensor which sends a signal to a central controller to timely actuate a dimensional sensing apparatus which takes an image of the fastener and sends it to the central computer for dimensional analysis. If the fastener fails to meet pre-established guidelines the nonconforming fastener is ejected from the transport system via a reject mechanism.

Abstract: A flat article handling system diverter gate includes a wear attachment. The wear attachment is easily replaceable without having to remove the diverter gate from the flat article handling system, or without having to shut down the system for extended periods of time. The wear attachment may be provided as an add-on to a conventional diverter gate, or as a replaceable diverter panel of the diverter gate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting and sorting articles such as fruit and vegetables in which the articles are presented, on a conveyor, under a viewing device and classified. A take-off position is determined from the classification and the article is removed by means of an independently actuated ejector mechanism.

Abstract: This device includes a conveyor chain on which are fixed support members for supporting products, such members being between positions for transporting the products in the station and for removing the products from the device, under the control of a sorting control. Each support member includes a lever joined, by an articulation joint, to a support stem fixed to the chain and including, on one side of the articulation joint, fingers for supporting the products, and on the other side of the articulation joint, an operating portion designed to interact with the sorting control to control the movements of the lever between the transport and removal positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively directing work objects wherein the work objects are passed along a path of travel, predetermined characteristics of the work objects are sensed and work objects having the predetermined characteristics are diverted from the path of travel successively to alternate sides of the path of travel without movement in a return direction intermediate diversion of successive work objects.

Abstract: The conveyor system is comprised of a plurality of spools connected by chains at each end of the spool. The space between an adjacent pair of spools defines a pocket. An ejector is carried by the chain within each pocket to eject fruit from the pocket. The ejectors are selectively activated by solenoids lying underneath the chain and mounted on a conveyor channel across which the chain and spools are pulled. A photooptical detector is provided for detecting when an ejector is missing due to damage or other loss. A system control circuit detects the missing ejector and stops the conveyor at a predetermined position so that the missing ejector stops at a predetermined repair location on the conveyor system.

Abstract: A document transport device for document scanners and classifiers such as bar code readers which is able to send a read document different directions depending on its classification is discussed. The transport device uses a pivotable surface to direct documents and is able to be used with high speed document reading machines and documents of varying size and width.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving small particles of material from one location to another includes a flow diverter to divert the flow leaving a first conveyor to a second or third conveyor wherein one of the second or third conveyors is a reject conveyor to remove that material which includes foreign objects therein. The flow diverter is operated in response to a foreign object detection device which is operable in response to material moving along the first conveyor wherein the information obtained from the foreign material detecting device is received in a computer, wherein the computer actuates a piston operated air cylinder to move a perforated sheet member from one location to another so that the flow of material from the first conveyor or any part of the material leaving the first conveyor may be diverted to a reject conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and sorting produce, in particular fruit, provided with a mechanism to discharge the produce is described. The apparatus includes a pair of conveyor lines located on either side of an endless drive chain. Each conveyor line includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers are spaced apart such that one item of produce can be held between each pair of rollers. The discharge mechanism includes a plurality of ejectors wherein one ejector is located between two rollers, a plurality of pivot axes, and a plurality of linking members designed to connect together the plurality of pivot axes while allowing the axes to mutually move angularly and longitudinally. This apparatus is especially suited to sorting fruits according to their quality.

Abstract: Off-loading conveyors having endless roller chains to which are mounted bow tie rollers on rods extending laterally from the chain. The bow tie rollers define concavities for receipt of product units to be conveyed and off-loaded at an appropriate station. Off-loading elements are mounted to the chains which include paddles extending to between the bow tie rollers. The off-loading elements include levers which cooperate with an actuation system to pivot the paddles through the concavities to remove product at appropriate stations.

Abstract: A conveyor discharge apparatus, and a related method of operation, that can lift and thereby eject any article carried by a conveyor of the apparatus through substantially relying on the motor that advances the conveyor of the apparatus. The apparatus includes an ejection mechanism having a plurality of ejection fingers that are each associated with a separate one of the pockets of the conveyor and are selectively movable between rest and ejection positions so as to lift and eject articles carried by the pocket in which the particular finger is located. The ejection mechanism is further configured such that the power required to lift and eject any article from the pockets is provided substantially by the motor that advances the conveyor. In operation, the conveyor is advanced via the motor and the fingers are selectively moved substantially via the power of the motor from their respective rest positions to their respective ejection positions.

Abstract: A conveyor discharge apparatus, and a related method of operation, that can lift and thereby eject any article carried by a conveyor of the apparatus through substantially relying on the motor that advances the conveyor of the apparatus. The apparatus includes an ejection mechanism having a plurality of ejection fingers that are each associated with a separate one of the pockets of the conveyor and are selectively movable between rest and ejection positions so as to lift and eject articles carried by the pocket in which the particular finger is located. The ejection mechanism is further configured such that the power required to lift and eject any article from the pockets is provided substantially by the motor that advances the conveyor. In operation, the conveyor is advanced via the motor and the fingers are selectively moved substantially via the power of the motor from their respective rest positions to their respective ejection positions.

Abstract: Off-loading conveyors having endless roller chains to which are mounted bow tie rollers on rods extending laterally from the chain. The bow tie rollers define concavities for receipt of product units to be conveyed and off-loaded at an appropriate station. Off-loading elements are mounted to the chains which include paddles extending to between the bow tie rollers. The off-loading elements include levers which cooperate with an actuation system to pivot the paddles through the concavities to remove product at appropriate stations.

Abstract: A card output hopper apparatus (20) receives cards (82) and delivers them to a preselected card tray (42). The output hopper rotatable deflector (52). The deflector (52) is situated in a recieving position to deflect a delivered card (82) toward a card tray (42). The deflector (52) rotates as the card is delivered to drive the card past a retainer (64) and onto a card stack in the card tray (42). The deflector (52) is also rotatable to a receiving position to deflect the card toward an opposing card tray (44).

Abstract: A comprehensive container inspection system includes axial container examining features, side wall inspection features and a controllable diverter for routing the containers to one of at least two sorting paths. Each stage of the inspection system is adapted to process moving containers, a continuous line of moving containers being processed and controllably diverted without stoppages. In an axial inspection area, containers are carried through rim, energy absorption and base inspection areas by means of side rollers bridging a gap in endless belt conveyor sections. In a side wall inspection area, containers are continuously rolled before a video detector operable to record and analyze images including at least three of the rolling bottles.

Abstract: Continuously printed forms, e.g. checks, are cut from a sheet, sequenced and fed longitudinally and horizontally so that they are overlapped. Trays are moved vertically downwardly and are laterally open so that the overlapped checks are inserted and thereby stacked in the trays. Defective forms can be removed prior to shingling and slip sheets can be inserted to designate locations at which defective forms have been removed.

Abstract: An automated system and method for transporting and sorting various types of articles, such as parcels and sacks of mail. The system is comprised of a primary conveyor track and a plurality of secondary conveyor tracks which intersect the primary conveyor track at selected locations therealong. Each secondary track has associated therewith a diverter mechanism for diverting selected articles from the primary track to a corresponding secondary track, depending upon the final destinations of the articles. The diverter mechanism includes a diverter arm, which pivots across the primary track to divert selected articles to the corresponding secondary track. The deflecting surface of the diverter arm includes a motor-driven belt, the bottom edge of which is positioned within 1/4 inch of the surface of the track so that articles of irregular shape, such as sacks of mail, do not become trapped between the bottom edge of the diverter arm and the track.

Abstract: A reversed can end ejector system is provided for detecting and ejecting a can end in reverse orientation with respect to a moving stack of otherwise similarly aligned and nested can ends. This system comprises an optical detection apparatus including a light-emitting portion for emitting light in a direction toward the path of travel and a light-detecting portion located adjacent said path of travel. The optical detection apparatus is responsive to one of the presence or absence of light incidence upon its light-detecting portion for producing a control signal. An ejector is movable relative to the stack for contacting and ejecting a reversed can end therefrom and an actuator is coupled with the ejector and responsive to the control signal for driving the ejector in a direction for contacting and ejecting the reversed can end from the stack.

Abstract: A board inserter for use with a printing press provides for the automatic insertion of paper boards or the like between predetermined numbers of printed sheets as they emerge from the printing press. The board inserter is used to make note pads or the like in which stacks of paper are attached to a heavier paper board backing.

Abstract: An article selection apparatus is disclosed having a first conveying device for conveying an article along a path and a second conveying device for receiving the article at an entrance end spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a conveying end of the first conveying device and for conveying the received article, wherein the first conveying device has a gap extending along the conveying path to the conveying end thereof, and a width of the gap is made smaller than the predetermined distance from the conveying end of the first conveying device to the entrance of the second conveying device.

Abstract: A guide unit (9) for the flat objects, the unit includes a plurality of guide paths (12,15,16) and movable along one side of a magazine for holding flexible flat objects transversely to the one side in locations spaced along the one side of the magazine, it being thus possible to place a first such guide path (12) opposite a first such location (6), the other guide paths of the guide unit, which diverge away from the first guide path being placed simultaneously opposite the locations (5,7) adjacent the first location.An ejection device (10) moves any flat objects (8) contained in the neighbouring locations (5,7) outward from the one side of the magazine into the divergent paths (15,16) of the guide unit to provide a clear opening before an object is inserted in the first location.

Abstract: Articles that pass an inspection station seriatim are removed from their subjacent conveyor or not, depending on the results of inspection, by an ejection device which is a pair of vertically superposed horizontal chains that carry between them upright holders on each of which is mounted a rod for vertical swinging movement from an upright inactive position, to a horizontal outwardly projecting active position. Depending on the results of inspection, one of these rods will be pushed down to the lowered or active position to come into registry with the article to be ejected. The endless chains converge toward the conveyor on which the inspected articles rest, so that the rods progressively push the defective articles from their subjacent belt onto a discharge belt, after which the rods are swung back up to their inactive raised position.

Abstract: A ball separator for pool tables that strikes only the "Q" ball as it passes through the ball run which directs playing balls to one crib and the "Q" ball to a separate crib, utilizing a magnetic "Q" ball and a magnet pendulum attracted thereby to strike the same as said ball passes along the ball run, thereby diverting the "Q" ball into a return run to a separate crib.