Abstract: The disclosed forming apparatus includes a frame. The frame defines a vertical axis, a horizontal axis, and a longitudinal axis. A carriage is movably connected to the frame. A first stomp foot is movably connected to the carriage such that it may move along the vertical axis. A first end effector is movably connected to the carriage. The first end effector is controlled by an actuator. The disclosed method for forming a composite part includes applying at least one ply of composite material over a forming surface of a forming tool and deforming the at least one ply of composite material over the forming surface of the forming tool with a forming apparatus.

Abstract: A device and method for loading pellets. A funnel includes a means for loading pellets into a reactor tube, and a means for quickly and easily measuring the elevation of pellets in the reactor tube while the reactor tube is being loaded. A vacuum-assist device may be used to pick up and transfer a desired volume of porous pellets while removing dust from the porous pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a containment enclosure comprising two compartments (21, 22) and a sealing system between the two compartments. The sealing system (16; 23, 30) comprises a door (23) having two opposite faces (23a, 23b). The door comprises a transfer support (30) on one of its faces. According to the invention, the door allows two closed positions distinct from one another, in which positions the door forms a gastight interface between the two compartments.

Abstract: An autonomous self-propelled grain cart for short-coupled operation with a grain harvesting combine includes a frame and an operator's cab affixed to the frame. The operator's cab includes interactive controls for steering, regulating propulsion, and utility operation by an operator. A plurality of drive units propel the cart over the surface of an agricultural field. A grain hopper includes a grain bin and an unloading apparatus. A power system is electrically communicative with the drive units and the grain hopper unloading apparatus. The grain cart also includes a position sensing system, and a control system. The control system includes a central processing unit having an associated memory, a display, a user input device, and an instruction set resident in the memory. The instruction set, when executed and integrated with the position sensing system, functions to autonomously maintain a close-coupled position with respect to an operating combine.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, an illustrative product cartridge comprises first and second opposing walls separated by a distance defined by a product to be transported by the cartridge, the first and second walls configured to define a product access aperture to allow ingress and egress of a plurality of instances of the product between the first and second walls. The product cartridge also comprises product engaging members disposed on the first and second walls, the product engaging members configured to slidingly engage and secure the plurality of instances of the product in parallel when inserted into the product access aperture and at a defined spacing between the plurality of instances of the product. A transfer access aperture opposite the product access aperture is configured to allow an external object to substantially simultaneously push each of the plurality of instances of the product out of the product access aperture.

Abstract: Provided is a component loading apparatus which includes: a work table comprising a working plane; a component recognizer configured to recognize components placed on the working plane of the work table; a head configured to suck the components; and a tray support for supporting a tray on which the components sucked by the head are loaded.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved container for storing, shipping, and dispensing proppant materials used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The container systems incorporate stretchable hopper structures in the container. The hopper expands and contracts responsive to the amount of proppant material held in the container. When the container is filled with a sufficient amount of proppant, the hopper stretches to expand the storage volume. When the sufficient amount of proppant material is dispensed from the container, the hopper contracts to lift and dispense the container contents.

Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposite sides. The container has multiple levels of dunnage components, the dunnage components of at least one level being movable between open and closed positions to enable an operator to load and unload products more easily. The dunnage components of at least one level may have openings through which pass guides supported at least partially by the container.

Abstract: Air bags (220A, 220B) are provided respectively at two planes facing each other on the inner circumference surface of a cylindrical member (210). Retrieving polycrystalline silicon rods (11) involves accommodating it inside the cylindrical member (210) of a carrying tool (200), for example, by putting the cylindrical member (210) on the rods (11) from above, and inflating the air bags (220) by gas injection so as to press the sides of the polycrystalline silicon rods (11) from a direction perpendicular to a plane including both pillars of the U-shaped silicon core wire so that the polycrystalline silicon rods (11) are held in place inside the cylindrical member (210). Then, the polycrystalline silicon rods (11) held in place are taken out of the reactor. Even if the polycrystalline silicon rods (11) have cracks, a collapse and the like are avoided as the air bags (220) absorb external impacts or the like.

Abstract: Proper article storage management is made possible in the article storage facility which stores articles in containers and in an inactive gas environment. The article storage facility includes a storage rack having storage sections, a transport portion which transports containers to the storage sections, gas supplying portions each of which supplies inactive gas to the container stored in the storage section, and a display. The display displays display sections such that the arrangement of the display sections corresponds to the arrangement of the storage sections in the storage rack and displays a supply state of inactive gas in each of the display sections.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a workpiece container for storing at least one workpiece having a bottom surface and a peripheral edge. In one embodiment, a workpiece support structure is located within the container enclosure, which forms multiple vertically stacked storage shelves within the enclosure. Each storage shelf includes, in one embodiment, a first tine and a second tine for supporting the workpiece in a substantially horizontal orientation. The bottom surface and peripheral edge of a workpiece seated on a storage shelf extends beyond the outer edge of both the first tine and the second tine. An end effector according to the present disclosure may engage these extended portions or “grip zones” of the workpiece.

Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing reactor components in a reactor housing. A reactor installation tool can include a push unit having a central aperture traversing its entire length and a push rod, a housing gripper having a center open section traversing its entire length and an expandable bladder positioned adjacent the center open section for securing the housing gripper inside a reactor housing. Reactor components can be installed by first lowering reactor components into a reactor housing, then lowering the reactor installation tool into the reactor housing above the reactor components, and then inflating the expandable bladder such that the expandable bladder contacts an inside surface of the reactor housing to secure the housing gripper inside the reactor housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge method for discharging an at least partially flexible container without contamination, in which method the container (1) is discharged into a base body (10), a liner (20) that encloses a filling opening (11) of the base body (10) being secured to the base body (10). According to the invention, a filling end (21) of the liner (20) is folded inwards such that a receiving region forms for the container (1). The receiving region is sealed in such a manner that a discharge opening formed by means of a knife (15) allows the container (1) to be discharged whilst being completely sealed off to the exterior.

Abstract: A bracket mount for a disposal bin includes a vertical support plate for engaging a vertical structure, such as a wall or washroom partition; a bin plate for engaging the disposal bin, wherein the bin plate and the vertical support plate are pivotally engaged; and a cover stilt for supporting the cover the disposal bin in an opened position. The bracket mount may be provided as part of a container assembly including a bin and a cover, wherein when the bin plate with the bin attached thereto is positioned proximal to the vertical support plate, the cover is pivotal to cover and uncover the open end of the bin, and when the bin plate with the bin attached thereto is pivoted outwardly from the vertical support plate, the cover stilt is pivotable outwardly from the vertical support plate to support the cover in an open position relative to the bin.

Abstract: A method of controlling entry of a bin entrant into a bin in which a bin sweep is located and controlling operation of the bin sweep by the bin entrant within the bin, the method including the steps of providing a system that includes a bin sweep, a human safe relay for removing power from the bin sweep, a Class II, Division 1 rated device that removes power from the bin sweep, motor safety controls to selectively energize and de-energize at least one motor of the bin sweep, an activation member with a predetermined stand-off distance from the bin sweep, and operating procedures that include a list of operations to be followed by the bin entrant and an entry attendant located outside the bin, the bin entrant and entry attendant performing the operations of the operating procedures.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and device are provided for utilizing a sliding wall hopper. A sliding wall hopper may include one or more sliding walls that may slide with respect to one or more outer supports of the hopper. The one or more sliding walls may make contact with at least a portion of the material moving through the hopper. The material may be discharged to at least a hopper discharge or a conveyor device. Some embodiments may be configured for use with biomass as the material, but other materials may also be utilized.

Abstract: A substrate can be appropriately accommodated in a cassette. A substrate transfer device includes a substrate transfer unit that delivers the substrate with respect to the cassette configured to accommodate the substrate; a detection unit that detects the substrate accommodated in the cassette; and a control device than controls the substrate transfer unit.

Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed. A first feed is disposed at least partially within the storage unit, and a second feed is coupled to the first feed. The second feed is configured to receive one or more materials and to transfer the one or more materials to the first feed. The first feed is configured to elevate the one or more materials to the storage unit.

Abstract: A separator separates sheets from a bundle. Slack in the strap used to raise and lower a clamp is used to determine when the clamp reaches the bundle. A non-horizontal conveyor tilts beneath the clamp to receive multiple articles, and then tilts over another bin to deposit the articles. The second bin includes an angled surface, which is straightened to shift the articles for clamping. The clamp is supported by, but not attached to, a support connected with the drive. When the clamp reaches the pile, the clamp stops but the support may continue to move. The clamp is tiltable. The article is transferred by an air jet onto a surface with a roller separated from the surface. Upon transfer, the roller forms a nip with the surface. The article is deposited on an exit conveyor having a flexible, raised portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved device and method for removing grain or other particulate matter from a grain bin. The invention comprises a sweeping arm having inlets, a joint, and a vacuum tube in operational communication with the sweeping arm. The sweeping arm is passed around the circumference of the grain bin around the joint, so that the particulate matter can be collected by way of the inlets in the sweeping arm and the vacuum. A handcart may be used to propel the arm around the joint. The inlets are of adjustable size.

Abstract: A method transferring drill cuttings, the method comprising transferring the drill cuttings from a pressurized transference device to a pressurized container; transferring the drill cuttings from the pressurized container to a land-based pit discharging station; and discharging the drill cuttings into the land-based pit discharging station. Also, a system for transferring drill cuttings while drilling, the system comprising a pressurized transfer device; a pressurized container in fluid communication with the pressurized transfer device; a conduit disposed between the pressurized transfer device and the pressurized container; and a land-based pit discharging station in fluid communication with the pressurized container.

Abstract: A flexible freight bag includes a flexible base unit having first and second panel halves that are interconnected to form a flexible base panel, and a hanging strap assembly connected to the flexible base unit. The first and second panel halves have adjacent inner end portions that are fastened to each other to form a seam across the flexible base panel. A fastener unit is attached to the inner end portions of the first and second panel halves and is operable to be detached from at least one of the inner end portions so that the inner end portions are separable from each other.

Abstract: A work aligning system capable of easily altering the kind of works to be aligned. The work aligning system (1) comprises a storage device (10) in which nuts (11) are stored, a take-out base (30) on which the nuts (11) are placed, and a robot (20) for grasping and taking out the nuts from the take-out base (30) and aligning the nuts. An electromagnet (53) is provided at the tip end of the robot arm (23) of the robot (20). The storage device (10) is equipped with a plurality of buckets (131-134) in which nuts (11) of different kinds are stored, and a feed screw mechanism (14) for moving one bucket selected from the plurality of buckets (131-134) to a position near the take-out base (30). The take-out base (30) is equipped with a part (31) on which the nuts (11) are placed and a drive device (32) for discharging the nuts (11) on the part (31) to one bucket selected from the plurality of buckets (131-134).

Abstract: A storage tray (1) for automatically unloading stacks of flat articles stacked on edge, the storage tray having panels (4A, 4B, 5) and a bottom plate (2) provided with slots (10) through which moving fingers (110) can pass for moving the edges of said flat articles away from or towards said bottom plate (2) and for automatically unloading said flat articles from the storage tray (1), and for automatically loading said flat articles into said storage tray (1), said panels (4A, 5) defining bearing faces (72) suitable for receiving the flanks of the stacks of flat articles and provided with grooves (70, 80, 90) in register with the ends of the slots (10) so that the moving fingers (110) extend beyond the stack of flat articles into the grooves (70, 80, 90) so as to ensure that all of the flat articles are moved. A method of loading and of unloading the storage tray (1).

Abstract: A groove inclined path for diagonally downwardly delivering hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets loaded through a loading port is provided in a storage hopper for storing the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets. The groove inclined path is defined by a plurality of groove-inclined-path members each having an inclined plate and side plates to define a groove structure, the groove-inclined-path members being vertically disposed so that flow directions of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets become opposite. The vertically adjacent ones of the groove-inclined-path members are disposed so that the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets dropped from upper one of the groove-inclined-path members are brought into contact with the plate member of immediately lower one of the groove-inclined-path members to reverse a flow direction thereof, thereby reducing a flow speed of the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets.

Abstract: Method of controlling the amount of material delivered by conveyor belt includes measuring the speed of the conveyor belt or a drive pulley that drives the conveyor belt. A weighing device weighs material dispensed onto the conveyor belt from at least one material dispenser. Based at least in part upon such speed and weight measurements, an electronic controller maintains or changes the speed of the conveyor belt by dictating the output of at least one motor that drives the drive pulley.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the treatment of bulk material, comprising a platform 24?, 24?, 28 for supporting bulk material and at least one outfeeding device 28 arranged on the platform for feeding bulk material placed on the platform towards an outlet 29 arranged on the platform, wherein the feeding device has a feeding direction towards the outlet, a first and a second beam 30, 31, 32, 33 is arranged on the platform above the outfeeding device, which beams extends transversal to the feeding direction of the outfeeding device and at least a portion in over of the width of the outfeeding device, wherein the second beam 32 being arranged at a higher level above the outfeeding device than the first beam 31.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A gyrator feeder that gyrates a dispensing member to uniformly and circumnavigating dispense material by generating a true circular orbital vibratory motion in the dispensing member by either rotating an offset weight along a vertical central axis of the dispensing member or by positioning vibratory motors diametrical opposite from each other on a gyrator housing and synchronizing the vibratory motors with each other to thereby dispense material.

Abstract: A storage and discharge apparatus for particulate material includes a silo and a dispensing cone adjacent a lower end of the silo. The dispensing cone is formed in a partial conical shape and includes a fill portion oriented to face the lower end of the silo at a base end of the conical shape and a dispense portion at an apex end of the conical shape. The dispense portion includes extension sections that extend longitudinally outward from the apex end of the conical shape.

Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating dust migration at a wellsite is described. An oilfield material reservoir is provided for receiving oilfield material, the oilfield material reservoir having an enclosure. A dust collector is provided for collecting dust generated at the oilfield material reservoir, and a duct in communication with the enclosure and the dust collector is provided for transferring dust generated at the oilfield material reservoir to the dust collector.

Abstract: A system and method to excavate and fill is disclosed. The system includes a canister adapted to receive and store excavated material. In addition, a plurality of blades are mounted inside of the canister about a horizontal shaft proximate a bottom end of the canister. A motor is adapted to rotate the plurality of blades to move the excavated material stored in the canister to the bottom end of the canister and a blower is adapted to blow the excavated material at the bottom end of the canister out of an opposing side of the canister through a discharge port. The canister includes a downward sloping lip disposed above the plurality of blades, where the downward sloping lip funnels the excavated material on to a downwardly rotating blade of the plurality of blades.

Abstract: A grain bin access door and chute system that can be retrofitted into existing grain bins or installed in new grain bins. The access panel includes an outer door and an inner door and allows a user to quickly access and assess the grain within a bin without fear of falling into the grain or through the crust of grain which can form a bridge on the top of grain. The access door includes a lever-controlled chute door and pipe-chute connection. This allows grain to be gravity fed into awaiting grain trucks or rail cars without using a more dangerous grain auger and without relying on outside energy sources. Additionally, grain transferred through a gravity-fed method is less likely to become damaged than grain transferred through a grain auger. An optional grain agitator may likewise be installed within the grain bin.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an elliptic rubber stopper supply method and device thereof, which can smoothly and steadily supply an elliptic rubber stopper to an assembling side of a rubber stopper without blocking a supply route with the rubber stopper. The elliptic rubber stopper supply device sprays alternately a gas on a rubber stopper, matches a minor axial direction of the rubber stopper to a spraying direction of the gas, and inserts the rubber stopper into an elliptic first hole in that condition. Also, the device includes first shape corrective portion for correcting a shape of the rubber stopper. The first shape corrective portion has a rubber stopper receiving portion and a pair of air outlets for spraying alternately a gas on both side surfaces of the rubber stopper. One of the air outlets is arranged on the one side of the rubber stopper receiving portion, the other is arranged on the other side thereof. Each the air outlet is offset in a rubber stopper axial direction and located.

Abstract: A cargo container is modified to carry a fracing proppant such as sand from a quarry or source to the frac site. Openings are cut in the top and bottom of a cargo container and hydraulically operated sliding doors are placed there under. A hopper module with the walls being inclined to approximately the angle of repose for the proppant is installed inside the cargo container. The hopper module is sealed inside the cargo container so that a proppant enters through the top opening at the quarry and flows out through the bottom opening at the fracing site.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include improved systems and methods for sorting and metering materials to be recycled at a material recovery facility. Systems and methods for the accurate and automated sorting and metering of recoverable materials may include a bunker with an integral conveyor adapted to meter presorted materials such that predetermined amounts of the materials may be delivered to a baler for baling and sale. Exemplary systems may include an auger screw type conveyor sized and shaped to deliver the materials to, for example, a baling system. The systems may also include a crusher for reducing the volume of the materials prior to metering from the bunker; by reducing the volume of the materials in the bunker, a baler may operate more efficiently, increasing output from the facility.

Abstract: A grain bag extractor has a frame, with a main auger oriented to discharge grain into a transport vehicle, and feed augers extending laterally from the intake end of the main auger to bring in grain from the sides of the bag. Wheels support the apparatus, a wheel drive rotates the wheels, and a drive control activates the wheel drive. A steering actuator steers the wheels. The drive and steering controls are placed so that an operator can view the bag and feed augers, and control the speed of wheel rotation, and steer the apparatus into the bag.

Abstract: Provided is a device for pushing out lenses from a test tray to a lens tray. The device includes a pushing tray, two force application trays, and at least two bolts. The pushing tray includes a surface and four sidewalls. A number of projections extend upward from the first surface. The projections are configured for pushing the lenses. Two opposite sidewalls each define at least one threaded hole. Each of the force application trays defines at least one slot. A length of the at least one slot runs in direction parallel to the projections. The two force application trays are configured for clamping the test tray. Each bolt passes through a respective slot and is screwed into a respective threaded hole of the pushing tray.

Abstract: The embodiments described comprise a method of filling a flat bottom or hopper bottom grain bin with grain, seeds, or other granular or particulate materials by pushing the granular material through a nominally horizontal or inclined cylindrical tube or u-trough into the bottom center floor opening, where a smooth pipe elbow or inclined plane causes the granular material to turn and flow upward where it cascades into a pile on the floor or into the coned bin hopper bottom, with the pile continuing to rise to a desired level, then reversing the embodiment direction of operation, removing all freely flowing material from the bin through the same tube, using this embodiment to fill and unload several bins, minimizing conveyors to fill and unload every bin. A vertical slotted fill pipe can provide a method to reduce friction while filling tall bins by reducing friction of forcing grain through grain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing waste from a soiled container that houses laboratory animals and has an opening is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor having a receiving end for receiving containers from a stack of containers. The stack is disposed such that the openings are upwardly oriented. The apparatus also includes a manipulator that aligns with and engages an uppermost container of the stack and causes the uppermost container to be separated from the stack and to be flipped over onto the receiving end of the conveyor such that the opening is downwardly disposed. Waste discarded from the container falls through openings in the conveyor, and a waste receptacle disposed below the conveyor collects the discarded waste. The conveyor advances to transport the container away from the receiving end toward a discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A wafer treatment system including a load lock chamber in communication with a process chamber. At least one cradle is provided in the load lock chamber, each cradle being adapted to receive a wafer-holding cassette. The wafers contained in the cassettes assume angularly justified positions. A multiaxial transfer unit picks up wafers from the cassettes and delivers them to the process chamber for treatment after which they are returned to the cassettes. Because all of the wafers lean in the same direction and to the same degree in their cassette slots, an end effector carried by the multiaxial transfer unit can reliably capture and release the wafers in order to consistently remove them from and place them into the cassettes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lift assembly and methods that may be used to raise a component of a system, a component such as a collapsible bag to be used as a reactor for performing chemical or biological reactions, and/or to position the collapsible bag for use. Use of the lift assembly may allow for the automated assembly of the systems described herein. In some cases, trauma to the system components is minimized.

Abstract: Provided are a tray feeder which provides parts to a part mounting device and parts providing method using the same. The tray feeder includes: a magazine which houses at least one tray for accommodating parts; an inserting/extracting member which inserts a tray into the magazine or extracts a tray from the magazine; a buffer member which is positioned above the magazine and supports a standby tray from which parts accommodated therein are to be mounted on a board by a part mounting device; and a feeding member which is positioned above the inserting/extracting member and provides a tray supported by the feeding member so that parts accommodated in the supported tray are adsorbed by the part mounting device, wherein the inserting/extracting member is elevated or lowered to insert a tray into the magazine or extract a tray from the magazine.

Abstract: A bulk shipping container has a plurality of removable supporting legs extending downwardly from a periphery of its interior space beyond the bottom of the container to support the container in an elevated position above a floor. Reinforcing straps positioned on the container hold the legs in their extended positions. A dolly may be positioned beneath the elevated container and the reinforcing straps removed to enable the weight of the container to cause it to slide down along the plurality of removable supporting legs to a lowered position resting on the dolly, which may then be used to transport the loaded container into a building for removal of product from the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying dry material for a gunning application make use of a rotary air lock in communication with a material source and an inductor. The material is supplied through the rotary air lock to the inductor under a pressure greater than the outlet pressure of the inductor.

Abstract: A separator separates sheets from a bundle. Slack in the strap used to raise and lower a clamp is used to determine when the clamp reaches the bundle. A non-horizontal conveyor tilts beneath the clamp to receive multiple articles, and then tilts over another bin to deposit the articles. The second bin includes an angled surface, which is straightened to shift the articles for clamping. The clamp is supported by, but not attached to, a support connected with the drive. When the clamp reaches the pile, the clamp stops but the support may continue to move. The clamp is tillable. The article is transferred by an air jet onto a surface with a roller separated from the surface. Upon transfer, the roller forms a nip with the surface. The article is deposited on an exit conveyor having a flexible, raised portion.

Abstract: A system and a method for receiving and feeding used beverage containers (UBC) uses at least one conveyer and a receptacle with a variable volume for receiving batches of UBC's. The batch receptacle has a small footprint. An annular rotating ring located at the upper edge of the receptacle circumscribes a piston when placed in the upper position. The receptacle has a receiving cylinder. The receiving cylinder has a piston, which is moved by at least one actuator. The system provides a very effective and very small receptacle for all kinds of packaging which has to be returned either for refill or for reuse of the material, or the system can be used for collecting highly polluting used articles such as batteries or other containers containing chemicals. The receptacle has a variable volume that can be filled up with UBC's.

Abstract: Particulate filling devices and methods are disclosed that use a loading system generally including a loading cart, a drive system, and a line assembly. The drive system generally includes a motor, a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a spool, a plurality of cable partitions, and a controller. Each line assembly generally includes cable sections, swivel connectors, one or more spring blocks and a weight.