Abstract: Provided is a flow analyzer and a flow analysis method each of which makes it possible to stably and continuously measure a sample. The flow analyzer and the flow analysis method each include: a marker introducing device (2) which is for introducing a marker into a tube (3); and a marker detecting device (5) which detects the marker and outputs a detection signal to an analyzing device (4), the analyzing device (4) acquiring analysis data on the basis of the detection signal.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for loading test tubes (1) in conveying devices (6) included in an automatic conveyor (7) for test tubes, comprising a recruiting device (2) for test tubes adapted to feed test tubes to a positioning device (4) for test tubes having a lane (15, 16) consisting of two spaced, parallel walls (17) on the edges of which respective motorized belts (18) slide, the distance between said walls (17) forming the lane (15) being adjustable and such that a test tube makes a 90° rotation when horizontally falling from the recruiting device (2), thus remaining vertically hanging and resting on the belts (18) by the projecting part of the cap with respect to the lateral body of the test tube. The belts (18) convey the test tube to a loading area (8) where the test tubes are handled by a test tube handling device (5) to a working point (9) included in the conveyor (7) adapted to automatically convey test tubes from and to modules for preparing and analyzing biological material.

Abstract: An automated document processing apparatus comprising a detector; a plurality of pockets; and a pocket selector gate assembly which causes a document being processed by the apparatus to be routed to one of the plurality of pockets based on information read from the document by the detector, the route of the document being determined by the position of a pocket selector gate, the pocket selector gate position being controlled by a motor which is mechanically coupled to the pocket selector gate, the mechanical coupling being such that, when the pocket selector gate is in a first position, the pocket selector gate is locked in place even after the motor has been deenergized. The mechanical coupling may be achieved by way of a link arm and pin, the pin mating with the link arm and engaging a mating slot of the pocket selector gate.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plurality of pistons, each of the pistons comprising of a cylinder and a piston rod, a first collar for supporting the cylinders at a first end and a second collar for supporting the cylinders at a second end, for each of the cylinders, a first air inlet through the first collar into the first cylinder end and a second air inlet through the second collar into the second cylinder end, a plurality of valves, each of the valves connected to a source of compressed air, and a plurality of air hoses interconnecting each of the valves with one of the air inlets.

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 hopper loading system for a pallet making apparatus includes a first conveying system for conveying a layer of stringers from a stacked array in adjacent substantially horizontal relation along a first direction, and a second conveying system for conveying stringers in adjacent substantially horizontal relation to one of a plurality of hoppers along a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction.

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: A reciprocating rod of the ejector is borne in a non-sliding state by permanent magnets on the reciprocating rod and permanent magnets surrounding the reciprocating rod. The reciprocating rod linearly projects out and retracts by the reciprocating components which cause the reciprocating rod to reciprocate by the driving signals from the driver circuit. A slanted surface is provided at the foremost end of the reciprocating rod. When the granular objects to be ejected flow-in continuously, the projecting-out action takes place correspondingly with the leading granular object to be ejected and, after the following granular object(s) to be ejected has been ejected, the retracting action takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for sorting objects on a transport device. The device and the method are characterized in that first the friction between the object and the transport device is determined, and, on that foundation, the transfer of the object is then triggered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects includes providing a sorter having a conveying surface, a plurality of pusher shoes capable of traveling laterally of the conveying surface, a plurality of diverting rails extending diagonally under the conveying surface, and a plurality of diverters associated with the diverting rails. The pusher shoes including an article-contacting member extending at least partially above the conveying surface to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface and a transfer assembly having a magnetic member below the conveying surface. The transfer assembly engages ones of the diverting rails to laterally displace the corresponding one of the pusher shoes. Actuators are provided at the diverters. The actuators are selectively energized to attract at least one of the magnetic members towards the associated one of the diverting rails. Residual magnetic attraction between the actuators and the magnetic members is reduced when the actuators are not being energized.

Abstract: An improved needle inspection station for use in a combined index machine for forming drilled taper point needles of the type having a plurality of chucks mounted on a rotating platform adapted to selectively engage and release a needle to be formed, a rotary drive for indexing the platform and the chucks through a plurality of radial positions, and a plurality of work stations circumferentially disposed adjacent the radial positions occupied by the chucks. A needle inspection platform slidably mounted on the baseplate reciprocally movable toward and away from a chuck occupying a position adjacent the inspection station. A slide member is movable toward the chuck to permit the gripper to engage the needle, retract it from the chuck and rotate it 180 degrees to reverse the orientation of the needle relative to the chuck. The slide member is then movable back toward the chuck to allow the gripper to replace the needle in the chuck.

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: 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: A method of sequentially sorting pieces of material in real-time into output bins where each piece has a composition defined by a plurality of control elements. Each piece is analyzed to determine the concentrations of each control element in the piece. The output bins are assigned target concentrations of the control elements that are defined by customer requirements. The method establishes a bin order used during composition checking to place each piece in a selected bin. The selected bin is the highest order bin that can accept a piece while retaining the actual concentration for each control element of the selected bin within the target concentration for each control element of the selected bin. To optimize the value of the input material to be sorted the bin order is established for each piece based on real-time sort parameters that can determine via global optimization of data from similar input material.

Abstract: A sorting system for sorting packages at high speed to a large number of destinations by automation. The sorting system provides a feeding mechanism for depositing flat packages in an upright position on a conveying system. The conveying system includes lower and upper conveyors for supporting the package. Ejection modules are included along the length of the conveying system for guiding as well as ejecting individual packages along the conveying system. The ejection module extends around the items to prevent falling of the items in a first position, and breaks away from the around the article when a plunger pushes the article from the path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for directing a parcel to a correct station from a conveyer. A parcel guide is actuated to move transversely across the conveyer adjacent the correct station.

Abstract: A sorting system for sorting packages at high speed to a large number of destinations by automation. The sorting system provides a feeding mechanism for depositing flat packages in an upright position on a conveying system. The conveying system includes lower and upper conveyors for supporting the package. Ejection modules are included along the length of the conveying system for guiding as well as ejecting individual packages along the conveying system. The ejection module extends around the items to prevent falling of the items in a first position, and breaks away from the around the article when a plunger pushes the article from the path.

Abstract: A stacker has a feed unit for feeding separate sheets in a direction, a stacking unit for stacking the separate sheets in a normal position, and a sheet classifying mechanism for shifting a sheet into a position different from the normal position, upstream of the stacking unit with respect to the direction. Sheets to be used to classify respective batches of sheets stacked by the stacking unit can selectively be shifted into the position different from the normal position by the sheet classifying mechanism. Since those shifted sheets can easily and clearly be recognized by the operator, the batches of stacked sheet can be sorted out with ease. The sheets remain sightly in appearance as no classifying ink mark is applied to those sheets used to classify the batches of stacked sheets.

Abstract: A log organizer that receives logs fed end-to-end thereinto. The organizer includes a tubular device disposed with its axis paralleling an elongate log support extending under the device. The device has an elongate opening extending along its bottom side. A log lodged within the device is directed to one or the other side of the support with pivotal movement of the device.

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: The method and apparatus of this invention are to sort disks into predetermined ranks depending on their thickness. The disks are conveyed stepwise in each supply cassette at equal intervals, and partly pushed to measure their thickness. They are transferred from the supply cassette to a receiving cassette of the corresponding thickness rank.

Abstract: A pellet diameter inspection system has a laser scanning apparatus operable for detecting and measuring the outside diameter of the pellets, a pellet transfer apparatus operable for transferring pellets end-to-end in a row along a feed path past the laser scanning apparatus, and a pellet reject apparatus operable for removing from the feed path any off-sized diameter pellets measured by the laser scanning apparatus. The pellet reject apparatus includes an ejector member and a support member capable of supporting the ejector member along and adjacent to one side of the feed path and of moving the ejector member through an eject stroke across the feed path from a home position to an end position in order to remove pellets from the feed path and through a reverse stroke across the feed path from the end position to the home position. The pellet reject apparatus also includes an actuator mounted to the support member and, in turn, mounting the ejector member.

Abstract: In a veneer stacking system, a sensing device for sensing the incoming veneer sheets and computer determining from the information of the sensing device the stack on which the sheets are to be deposited. Knock-off shoes are positioned above the path of incoming veneer sheets. Multiple hydraulic cylinders connected into a hydraulic control system controls movement of the shoes. The multiple cylinders are simultaneously actuated by master cylinders which in turn are simultaneously actuated by a computer controlled mover piston. Air leaked into the hydraulic system is bled off by bleed orifices in the master cylinders communicating with a hydraulic fluid reservoir whereby air rises in the system up through the orifices and into the reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting and rejecting defective containers comprising a plurality of reflective infrared sensors, an electronic logic control and a container removal device. The system assesses the quality of the flange of the container and senses the height of the container by sensors irradiating the flange portion of the container with narrow beams of infrared light at varying heights and receiving radiation reflected from the flange portion. The acceptability of the container is determined by the quantum of reflected radiation received by the sensors. Unacceptable containers are removed by a high-speed pneumatic cylinder coupled to independently controlled, solenoid-operated air valves which govern the movement of the cylinder piston of the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating articles from materials to be trashed, usable in separating food utensils from soiled or used paper products in restaurants, comprising a bin mounted on a frame adapted to seat on a trash barrel or the like, means for collecting the trash mounted in the bin for sliding movement thereoutof, and an upright member mounted in the bin against direction of movement of the collecting means. Such means takes the form of a flat plate which is perforated with a plurality of holes to function as a sieve. As the plate is withdrawn to an extended position outside the bin, the trash drops into its barrel while the utensils, having been previously removed from the bin and put into a compartment formed by the upright member and plate, are not lost in the trashing step. Means are provided to guide the plate in its movement and to prevent it from disengaging from the apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system for automatically sorting objects comprises a control guide which branches off into a plurality of branches having different depths, moving members which have rod-like pins which are guided by the control guide and divert the objects in a transverse direction, and a pin-moving device, such as cam, for moving the pin of each moving member vertically in response to a signal generated by a detecting device. The cam has two arc portions of different radii which depress a transversely slidable rod of the moving member. The moving member follows a path determined by the control guide having a depth corresponding to a depending length of the rod of the moving member, and is guided along this control guide groove. With this system, good or defective articles are automatically diverted in a transverse direction by the moving members, so that the objects are sorted based on a their transverse positions.

Abstract: A veneer stacking system providing the feature of consistent air suction above the multiple veneer stacks enabling reliable separation of the veneer sheets from an overhead conveyor. This consistent air suction is provided by independent air chambers for each stack. It also includes aligning belts for aligning the sheets on the overhead conveyor. An aligning belt replaces a section of one or both of the conveyor belts and is independently driven to speed up or slow down one side of the sheet to achieve the desired alignment. It also includes improved knock-off shoes activated byh cylinders connected to master cylinders in a master cylinder housing activated by a common mover piston for simultaneous knock off of veneer sheets onto the stacks.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatically eliminating a group of articles to be treated of which at least one is missing or defective in this group, this apparatus comprising essentially a detecting cell located above the articles or containers transported by a conveyor, a magazine for storing these containers located near the detecting cell, and pushers arranged vertically under the magazine and under the containers transported by the conveyor.

Abstract: An ejection station for a conveyor sorter having a carrousel ejector wheel with reciprocating fingers. The ejector wheel has a front side mounted adjacent the edge of the supply conveyor belt. The bottom of the wheel moves at substantially the same speed as the belt and in the same direction. The ejector fingers are mounted around the outer surface of the wheel and move axially out of the front side over the conveyor belt to eject items from the belt. Operation of a finger is initiated when the nib of the finger enters a V-shaped guide groove. As the wheel rotates, the nib moves along one leg of the "V" pushing the finger out. At the middle of the groove, the direction of the finger reverses and the nib moves along the other leg of the "V" retracting the finger into the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for selectively sorting objects which comprises a fixed conveyor table having guide rails thereon and an endless conveyor member movable over the table. The conveyor member is formed of a plurality of connected plates which each have a slot therein and which each include a slidably mounted pushing element. The pushing element includes a throttle planet wheel comprising at least two spaced rollers engageable with the rail to move the slider transversely across the respective plate. Objects are thus discharged from the conveyor at selected stations spaced along the conveyor travel path. Each station is provided with a multi-positioned hopper which can supply the discharge object into one of a plurality of containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing and sorting articles. The apparatus includes at least one reading station having an optoelectronic sensor for forming an image pattern of each article, an evaluation device connected to the optoelectronic sensor and a transporting device which transports the articles underneath the optoelectronic sensor. The transporting device includes an endless transporting belt having a conveying surface with transversely disposed ribs for subdividing the surface into a plurality of sections.

Abstract: An improved rejector for selectively transferring articles from a conveyor or conveyor-like device, to a delivery region such as a second conveyor based upon one or more signals which may be associated with any of the articles to be so transferred. The system utilizes a further conveyor-like device running substantially parallel to the conveyor carrying the articles to be transferred, the conveyor-like device having a plurality of pusher members substantially transverse to the direction of motion of the conveyor-like device, and slideable by a guide between a normally withdrawn position and an extended position passing over the conveyor carrying the articles to be transferred so as to transfer an article therefrom to the delivery device.

Abstract: A rejection system for use with an inspection system, which inspects a number of products transferred at high speed on a conveyor at a predetermined inspection position and generates a product reject signal as well as a product inspection position arrival signal is disclosed, in which there are provided a plurality of product rejection mechanisms for rejecting unnecessary products from the conveyor at different position and a driving circuit for driving the plurality of product rejection mechanism. In this case, the driving circuit receives the product reject signal and product inspection position arrival signal from the inspection system and then produces driving signals to drive the plurality of product rejection mechanisms in time sharing manner whereby the plurality of product rejection mechanisms reject the unnecessary products from the conveyor at different positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting out package units identified as defective by deflecting same from a first horizontal belt to a second belt traveling in parallel, comprises a ram activated at exact times by a detection station for defective package units. The ram has on its free end a roller rotatably mounted about a vertical axis. Preferably, two rollers are arranged in superposition and axial alignment at the free end of the ram in such a way that the center of gravity of each package unit lies in a horizontal plane between the two rollers. Each roller has a circumferential cover of foam rubber or sponge rubber or the like. The rollers project in their rest position a small distance into the path of the package units.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of rejecting articles, such as can closures, are disclosed. The rejection of articles is obtained by variation in the length of a reciprocating member. In one mode of operation, a register of a multiregister counter is activated by an upstream sensor when a defective article is detected, and an actuator shortens the reciprocating member for a single upstroke after a prdetermined number of strokes of the reciprocating member to provide rejection of the defective article. In a second mode of operation, a predetermined number of articles are rejected upon every start-up of the apparatus to provide for rejection of questionable quality articles produced during start-up of the apparatus. In either mode of operation, the position of the variable length reciprocating stacking member can be determined by a proximity detector, to correctly time the lengthening or shortening of the variable length member.

Abstract: An apparatus for laterally deflecting selected articles from a first conveyor to one or more other conveyors comprises either extensible and retractable deflective segments, or gas nozzles whose intensity is adjustable. The deflective segments have tapered front faces which jointly form a smooth deflecting face whose taper increases in the direction of conveyance. The number of segments used depends on the speed component required, and the segments are extended by only a portion of the lateral distance the articles are to cover, the remainder of the distance being covered by the imparted inertia.Alternative embodiments include a deflecting wedge or flap.

Abstract: Automatic card embossing apparatus includes a rotatable embossing wheel carrying about its periphery punch and die pairs for all characters available for embossing. Each character position of the wheel defines an address and the wheel is controlled for rotation to a desired address for embossing the character there-located. Data identifying all embossable characters is processed to derive three control numbers for each character, the first control number identifying the corresponding wheel address for the corresponding punch and die pair, the second number identifying the horizontal position on the card where the character is to be embossed, and the third control number identifying the line number on the card. The data is sorted into ascending order of wheel addresses. In operation, a card is transported to a reference position relative to the embossing wheel and the embossing wheel is rotated to the address of the first control number.

Abstract: The device is conventionally associated to a cigarette packaging machine and comprises a hopper for successively distributing individual layers of adjacently disposed cigarettes into transferring means which successively transfer each layer into compartments intermittently moved in front of said transferring means. A plurality of layers are superimposed in each compartment to form a bundle to be fed to the wrapping means of the packaging machine. During the transferring, the layers are compelled to pass through a passage delimited by side guiding members and by an upper and a lower light-transparent guiding plate, said passage having a width substantially equal to the width of a layer and a height substantially equal to the diameter of a cigarette. The upper plate has a slot in the direction of the transverse dimension of the passage and this slot is subjected to the light rays generated by a light source transversely disposed relative to said passage and above said slot.

Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disc-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) withdraws the discs from a receptacle by a conveyor and moves them in oriented succession along a sorting track where they are automatically indentifed and transferred by transfer devices into respective receiving spaces along the sorting track. The receiving spaces receive the discs at their lower ends so as to form stacks in the receiving spaces, the stacks being built up from their lower ends in inclined troughs forming part of the receiving spaces. Preferably each disc has its leading portion deflected upwardly as it approaches its assigned receiving space, while still retaining driving engagement with the conveyor, and the raised leading portion passes onto a disc catching member at the bottom of the receiving space, after which the disc is driven into the receiving space by the remaining engagement with the conveyor.

Abstract: Batteries are moved along a first roller type conveyor to a leak testing station, above which is located an assembly having a plurality of nozzles matable over battery cell inlets. A first set of alternate cells is supplied with air at a given pressure, and metering means notes pressure change. Thereupon, the remaining alternate cells receive the same treatment. If the cells do not leak, the battery advances from the testing station along the roller conveyor. If a leak is detected, a push bar connected to a cable system below the rollers ejects the battery transversely from the testing station along to a second conveyor, thereby isolating leaky batteries either for removal or further testing to locate more precisely the leak.