Abstract: A diverter valve is provided for use in directing a flow of bulk material from a source to at least one receiver. Included in the present diverter valve is an inlet housing having an inlet port and partially defining a valve chamber, an outlet housing connected to the inlet housing, having at least one outlet port and defining an end of the valve chamber. A rotating disc is rotatably disposed in the chamber and constructed and arranged for selectively creating fluid communication between the inlet port and diverting the flow to a selected one of the at least one outlet port.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations. At least one of the plurality of stations having two conveyors each having a tiltable platform such that each of the two conveyors can be used to receive and return containers.

Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly (24) is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit (22). The assembly (24) includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins (34) and a surmounting turret assembly (36) designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins (34). The particulates within the bins (34) are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets (110) each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly (112) and a lower, multiple-chute assembly (114). Preferably, each bin (34) has a top wall (50) which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls (64), and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure (58) leading to the lower outlet (110); in this fashion, the bins (34) can be grouped with the sidewalls (64) in close adjacency, and with the outlets (110) located to feed into a single inlet (26) of the downstream treating device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the management of books returned by patrons in a library or similar setting are disclosed. In various aspects, apparatus for receiving a book from a patron, conveying the book, and placing the book onto a book collector in a near vertical orientation as well as associated methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations.

Abstract: A container storage and retrieval system (1) has first, second and third storage zones (2, 3, 4) for storing containers. The first storage zone (2) stores containers of product in frames (6), each frame (6) including a plurality of stacks (7) of containers. The second storage zone (3) stores containers of product in stacks (7). An automated retrieval system retrieves selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone (3) and replenishes the second zone (3) with containers by receiving frames (6). The third storage zone (4) includes a second automated retrieval system for retrieving selected partial stacks or stacks of containers, and replenishing the third storage zone with containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone. Orders are collated by transferring a required number of complete frames (6) from the first storage zone (2), a required number of complete stacks (7) from the second storage zone (3) and a required number of stacks (7) or partial stacks from the third zone (4).

Abstract: An elevation conveyor 5 includes a turntable 17 and a roller conveyor 18. The roller conveyor 18 is supported onto the turntable 17. A turntable controller 7 turns the turntable 17 so that the roller conveyor 18 matches with a carrying direction of a conveyor rail for receiving or delivering a load and then drives the conveyor rail and the roller conveyor 18 to receive or deliver an FOUP 8. An elevation conveyor 5 is held in a cable 20a installed in an elevation space 9 through a coupling member 20b of a cableveyor 20, and can freely elevate and stop at a port 21 installed on each floor while being interlocked with motion of the cableveyor 20 caused by reciprocating circulation of the cableveyor 20 in a vertical direction by an elevation conveyor controller 4.

Abstract: A system for merchandise ordering and order fulfillment for highly efficient and accessible remote placement and assembly of merchandise orders. The system includes a network comprising a programmed central station and remote stations of various types permitting customer entry and employee fulfillment of merchandise orders.

Abstract: Transportation devices of an aerial cableway, such as gondolas or chairs, are stored in a storage region, which includes at least one storage rail. By way of a conveyor device the transportation devices are conveyed from the endless cableway region of an aerial cableway station to the storage region and back, and by way of a device on the storage rail said transportation devices are slid along. The sliding device is a motor-driven trolley that can be moved to and fro along the storage rail. The transportation devices are conveyed to the storage rail or storage rails by way of the conveyor device, wherein the transportation devices are pushed further and further along the storage rail by the transportation devices that follow. For transporting the transportation devices back from the storage rail or storage rails, the trolley is used, which, preferably acting upon the last transportation devices stored at the end of the storage track, pushes all the transportation devices to the conveyor device.

Abstract: An guide apparatus and method for collecting and moving material into or away from a selected bin (30a, 30b, 30c) that resides within an array of storage bins. The guide apparatus comprises three or more trolleys (90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95a, 95b, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) that move along at least one track (79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, 86f, 87a, 87b, 88a, 88b, 89) to create a guide assembly for a conveyor (60) or conveyor groups (67, 68, 69, 70).

Abstract: An arcuate guide apparatus and method for collecting and moving material into or away from a selected bin (30a, 30b, 30c) that resides within an array of storage bins. The arcuate guide apparatus comprises three or more trolleys (90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95a, 95b, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) that move along at least one track (79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, 86f, 87a, 87b, 88a, 88b, 89) to create a guide assembly for a conveyor (60) or conveyor groups (67, 68, 69, 70).

Abstract: A track-and-trolley conveyor guidance system for collecting and moving material into or away from a selected bin (30a, 30b, 30c) that resides within an array of storage bins. The conveying system comprises three or more trolleys (90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95a, 95b, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) that move along at least one track (79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, 86f, 87a, 87b, 88a, 88b, 89) to create a guide assembly for a conveyor (60).

Abstract: A conveying system for distributing material into any bin in a horizontal array of storage bins comprises a circular guide positioned over the array of bins (24), a linear guide (22) that rotates along the circular guide, and a conveyor (30) that is supported by the linear guide. By rotating the linear guide and attached conveyor along the circular guide and by shuttling the conveyor linearly, the conveyor has an infinite number of discharge points to fill any one of the underlying array of bins.

Abstract: To provide a mail sorting and distributing transfer system, which extends transformable time of mail fed from a mail charging line so that the mail can be timely, reliably transferred to conveyor baskets on a mail sorting line, there is a mail sorting and distributing transfer system in which transfer timing levers maintain the receipt ports of transfer baskets provided on an outer circumferential edge of a sorting and distributing turntable in a state where the receipt ports of the transfer baskets are in registry with a mail charging line during the receipt of mail and where the lever pivots so it moves the associated transfer basket. Underlying conveyor baskets on a mail sorting line are moved parallel to and in synchronization with the transfer baskets during the transfer of the mail. The lever is pivoted about an axis parallel to the axis of the mail sorting and distributing turntable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accumulating articles (28) includes inputting a plurality of individual articles to deliver the articles from an article supply source (26) onto an inclined slide (42) having a guide surface. In particular aspects, the articles are regulated with a guide member (44), and directed to a first conveyor (50).

Abstract: A mushroom compost compacting assembly includes a feed hopper unit, a mixer unit, a conveyor unit and a compactor unit all of which are separate and distinct from each other. The units are detachably connected to each other so that the units could be assembled at the mushroom house itself adjacent to the mushroom beds. Compost would be fed to the hopper unit and then to the mixer unit which would spread the compost and feed some of the compost to the conveyor unit with the remaining compost being fed to the compactor unit. The compactor unit includes a series of compactor drums for compacting the compost. The compost fed into the conveyor unit would be discharged directly on the netting of a mushroom bed while the compacted compost from the compactor unit would be delivered to the mushroom bed directly on the compost delivered by the conveyor.

Abstract: Foil sheets are removed from two stacks located one above the other on a stack rack by a swingable transfer assembly having a transfer platform along the sides of which guide rails carry a suction beam which, as the transfer assembly is swung up and down, can engage the uppermost foil sheet on one or the other stack. The suction beam draws the foil sheets onto the transfer platform where the foil sheet is oriented or aligned and from which the foil sheet is drawn onto a deposition station which can have belts carrying the laminate or in a direction orthogonal to the destacking transfer direction.

Abstract: A communication system for a storage and retrieval machine comprises a conductor bar, base and carriage electrical devices, a sliding brush, first and second transmitters, and first and second receivers. The sliding brush is mounted to the carriage and is in slidable electrical contact with the conductor bar. The transmitters and receivers are coupled to the conductor bar or the sliding brush, depending on the direction of transmission. The first and second transmitters transmit positive half-waves and negative half-waves, respectively, across the conductor bar in response to inputs. Hence, two one-bit intra SRM communication links are provided between the SRM carriage and base. A communication system for communicating high priority and low priority messages between a base and carriage of an SRM comprises base and carriage electrical devices, and first and second communication links.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading a firing table arrangement with product for firing, wherein the firing table arrangement comprises on at least one horizontal plane a plurality of rollers having ends disposed at a distance from one another for picking up the product for firing, comprises a supporting structure (20), aligned relative to the firing table arrangement, with two horizontally projecting supporting arms (24) each of them running traversely relative to the rollers, laterally outside the firing table arrangement which are accommodated on the supporting structure (20) so as to be adjustable in height, said supporting arms having inner sides facing one another and a front end, a drive member (26) disposed on the inner side of one supporting arm (24) which, after coupling to the rollers of the firing table arrangement, set them in a rotating movement, and a device disposed on the inner side of the other supporting arm for the rotatable guiding of the rollers of the firing table arrangement.

Abstract: A shelf servicing apparatus for a shelf store including a cabin adapted to be vertically movable along the apparatus and including a loading mechanism for placing containers in or removing containers from shelf locations of the shelf store. The cabin includes several positioning locations for containers to be placed in or removed from the store and, in order to enable a placement in or removal from the store. In order to enable a placement in or removal from a store of a large number of containers in a rapid and inexpensive manner, a conveying mechanism is located in a cabin by which the containers can be transferred to or removed from the loading mechanism and by which the containers in the cabin can be transferred from one positioning location to another. Preferably, the conveying mechanism is formed by at least one conveyor belt which, in turn, forms positioning locations.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus for selectively bulk filling or blend filling and concurrently discharging particulate material, such as reticulated tobacco and the like, into an open topped silo, bin, or hopper. The material handling apparatus includes a first shuttle car located over the open top of the silo for movement back and forth over the silo, a first belt conveyor on the first shuttle car in alignment with the direction of movement of the first shuttle car, a second shuttle car located over the top of the silo and above the first shuttle car for movement back and forth over the silo along a path parallel to the movement of the first shuttle car, and a second belt conveyor on the second shuttle in alignment with the direction of movement of the second shuttle car.

Abstract: There is disclosed a goods handling method for carrying in or carrying out goods with respect to storage facilities having multirow and multistage storing spaces including the steps of carrying the goods into a goods inlet apparatus or carrying out the goods from a goods outlet apparatus by causing the goods inlet apparatus or the goods outlet apparatus to travel in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction along the the storing spaces of the goods storage facilities, conveying the goods within a plane parallel to a travelling plane of the goods inlet or the goods outlet apparatus, and transferring the goods, in a consecutive manner, from the goods conveying step to the goods inlet step, or from the goods outlet step to the goods conveying step by absorbing a difference between a goods inlet height or a goods outlet height in the goods inlet step or the goods outlet step and a goods conveyance height in the goods conveying step. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing compost to the beds of a mushroom house includes a mobile, freestanding, selectively positionable distributor, which receives compost and using a conveyor mounted upon it, distributes the compost to the beds. The distributor is fed from above, by a movable guide supported above the distributor, the guide being so positioned and arranged as to direct material onto the conveyor of the distributor. The guide, in turn, is supplied by a system of conveyors, which transport material from a receiving point to the guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending particulate materials in which a plurality of blending chambers receive, by a series of installments, pre-mixed ingredients so as to ensure that each blending chamber contains an average sample. The blending chambers are then discharged in sequence to provide an output as a series of sub-batches which each comprise the predetermined proportions of ingredients.

Abstract: A feed system for feeding light-weight materials, such as tobacco, into large blending and/or bulking bins. The present invention resides primarily in a novel, light-weight feed system comprising a trolley and a shuttle conveyor adapted to reciprocatingly feed rapidly in either a longitudinal or lateral direction with a minimum amount of inertia during acceleration and deacceleration. A feed conveyor deposits said material onto the shuttle conveyor, said feed conveyor comprising drive elements adapted to synchronize movement of the feed conveyor with movement of the shuttle conveyor. The shuttle conveyor, at least in the X direction, is unencumbered mechanically by the feed conveyor.

Abstract: A horizontal plow system method and apparatus has been developed for the homogenous blending and reclaiming of bulk solid particulate matter, such as coal, at a utility plant. The horizontal plow system apparatus comprises one or more displacement assemblies, each further comprising a receiving stationary top plate and a horizontal flight subassembly. Coal is deposited via gravitational forces from an elongated slot bin storage onto the receiving stationary top plate and is then pushed on a bias and ultimately displaced by angular flights during travel of the horizontal flight subassembly along the receiving stationary top plate. Operation of the displacement assembly serves to displace the bulk solid from the sides of the receiving stationary top plate such that portions of coal from along the entire length of the elongated slot bin storage are continuously and simultaneously falling onto a moving transfer belt below, thereby insuring a more even blending of the coal.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling (loading or unloading) grain or another granular material includes an auger which preferably is of the extendable type, rotatably mounted on the outer end of a boom, which is pivotally connected to a mast. A hydraulic piston/cylinder arrangement extends between the mast and the boom. The auger can be rotated alone with respect to the mast and boom, elevated with the boom, and rotated with the boom with respect to the mast so that one end of the auger can remain in one loading or unloading position while the other end moves from one granular material discharging or receiving position to another.

Abstract: A materials handling or processing system which includes at least two processing devices such as shredders, for example, which are subject to unexpected and relatively sudden discontinuance of operation as by clogging or other breakdown condition, and transporting apparatus for conveying materials being processed to the processing devices, the invention comprising means for detecting such breakdown in one of the devices and for consequently directing to the second device the flow of materials normally directed to the broken down device, thereby maintaining continued processing of materials without interrupting their flow through the system.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for depositing material, such as mushroom casing, on a horizontally moving belt from which the material is discharged to a surface beneath said belt. The material may be deposited first in a conveyor box which contains an element capable of moving the material in the box from one end of it to its other end, the said conveyor box having an outlet through which the material is passed to a distributing container. If preferred, the material may be deposited directly in the distributing box. This container also has in it means for moving the material from one of its ends to the other, as desired, in order to achieve a substantially uniform distribution in it of the material. The container has in it an outlet which comprises a slot of uniform gap. This gap is located in a position to be in delivery relationship with said moving belt. The gap is formed through the use of a cut-off plate that may be constructed of adjustable sections.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for laying a uniformly thick and, hence, a uniformly dense bed of compost for growing mushrooms and the like are provided. In the shelf system compost is supplied via a conveyer belt from an external supply through the door of a conventional mushroom house to a transverse, variable speed, reversible distributor which distributes the compost uniformly across the shelf at one end thereof onto a moving belt or web, which belt moves along the floor of the shelf from the supply end of the shelf to the far end thereof. The compost which is distributed by the distributor at the supply end moves on the belt toward the far end on the belt, being passed under a rotating, bladed leveling member located in close proximity to the supply end. The blades are set at a height from the floor of the shelf corresponding to the desired thickness of the final compost bed.

Abstract: Grain to be conveyed is supplied to an elongated chamber having a ram movable longitudinally through the chamber. A discharge opening at the end of the chamber communicates with a grain delivery tube which extends into a grain storage bin. As the ram is moved through the chamber, grain is forced outwardly through the discharge opening, through the grain delivery tube and into the bin. A discharge end portion of the tube within the bin is provided with vertically spaced openings for discharging grain at a vertical position close to the level of grain within the bin. Radially and downwardly directed spouts over the vertically spaced openings prevent the backflow of grain through the delivery tube.