Abstract: A material handling apparatus for conveying an article having a ferromagnetic component includes a hopper, a discharge, and a magnet. The hopper has an inlet and outlet and defines a hopper volume for receiving a plurality of the articles to be conveyed. The discharge is spaced from and downstream of the hopper. The magnet is movable between an attracting position proximate the hopper and a discharge position proximate the discharge.

Abstract: A grain tank includes a generally flat bottom that is oriented at a position that is less than the angle of repose of the grain. A conveyor mechanism conveys grain along the bottom to a cross auger for unloading. One or more sensors may be placed in the grain tank to determine a state of the grain to further determine if the conveyor mechanism should be operated to unload grain from the grain tank.

Abstract: A grain spreader with an active choking funnel is described. The grain spreader includes an upper funnel assembly to receive grain. A choking funnel assembly is in a spring loaded engagement with the upper funnel assembly. The upper funnel assembly directs the grain to the choking funnel assembly. A spreader pan or a grain distributor is positioned beneath the choking funnel assembly. The choking funnel assembly spreads the grain on the spreader pan or the grain distributor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trash collecting device that includes a substantially circular piece having a sidewall surrounding an interior region, a surface extending from the sidewall towards the interior region, a handle and a first opening within the surface. The trash collecting device also includes a retaining ring dimensioned for nested engagement within the interior region of the substantially circular piece. The handle of the substantially circular piece may include a substantially cylindrical portion attached to the surface, and the handle may be positioned between the first opening and the sidewall. The trash collecting device is configured to securely hold a bag between the retaining ring and the substantially circular piece when at least a portion of the retaining ring is held within the interior region of the substantially circular piece.

Abstract: A method and system for handling granular material, such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling, is provided. In an operational configuration, a delivery module having conveyors receives and conveys granular material to a delivery location, and one or more mobile storage modules receive, hold and dispense granular material downward to the delivery module. The mobile storage modules comprise a raised, angular container portion for holding granular material. Each mobile storage module may comprise a rock-over chassis for support against ground. A remote control module provides centralized, remote control of the system. Mobile support unit modules may also be provided as a remotely controlled vehicle capable of providing power, control, heating, and the like to other modules. Mobile in-feed elevator modules may also be provided as a remotely controlled vehicle for feeding granular material to mobile storage modules. In a transportation configuration, each module is separately transportable.

Abstract: A case handling apparatus receives cases on a conveyor, picks cases therefrom and stores them, via a robot, in a bookcase storage system. The robot retrieves cases from storage and drops them on a discharge conveyor. Alternately, the robot does not pick cases, which then transfer or pass directly through respective pick-point and drop-point stations to discharge. Preferably cases are introduced and discharged from the apparatus on a single conveyor whether picked or passed through. A variety of bookcase storage systems are disclosed as are related and other methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tube loading system suitable for rapidly loading, handing, manipulation and storing large numbers of tubes.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus may include a bin having a first end, a second end, and a wall connecting the first end and the second end; a frame configured to support the bin in a transport position; and a base configured to support the bin in a working position. At least a portion of the wall may have a non-circular curved cross-section having a major dimension and a minor dimension. A method may include providing a transportable apparatus, moving a bin of the transportable apparatus from a transport position to a working position, and providing material within the bin.

Abstract: An unloader for unloading material from a container. In some embodiments, the unloader can include an unloader arm movable within the container, a first chain coupled to the unloader arm and movable to unload material from the container, and a second chain coupled to the unloader arm and positioned to engage material within the container upon movement of the unloader arm. The unloader can have a sensor adapted to transmit signals indicative of a force applied to the unloader arm, the first chain, and/or the second chain. A controller can receive the signal from the sensor, and can alter an operation of the unloader arm, the first chain, and/or the second chain based upon the signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a cassette placing table; a first transfer mechanism having a first substrate holding hand capable of advancing/retreating and using this first substrate holding hand to transfer a substrate with respect to the cassette; a substrate processing unit for executing a predetermined process on a substrate; a second transfer mechanism having a second substrate holding hand capable of advancing/retreating and pivotable at a vertical axis, and using the second substrate holding hand to transfer a substrate with respect to the first transfer mechanism and the substrate processing unit; a moving mechanism for moving the first transfer mechanism in an arrangement direction of the cassettes; and a control unit for controlling transfer of a substrate between the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism in a position where the first transfer mechanism is opposed to a cassette.

Abstract: A method for the debottlenecking of grain harvesting and grain bagging comprises a set of steps. Grain is transported in a grain cart from a harvester at a harvesting location to an accumulation site. Grain is bulk unloaded crop from the grain cart at an accumulation site by, for example, gravity dumping through a rear door of the grain cart. The cart returns to the harvester; and the grain at the accumulation site is transferred into a silo storage bag. The steps of transporting the grain, bulk unloading the grain, and returning the cart comprise a first process. The step of transferring the grain from the accumulation site into a bag comprises a second process. The first process and second process proceed in parallel.

Abstract: An unloading system for a storage bin and related method are provided. The unloading system can have a sump configuration that includes a foundation having a floor and a foundation footing. A central tunnel can be formed in the foundation that terminates at a tunnel opening on a perimeter of the foundation. A primary sump can be formed through the floor at a location generally near a centerpoint of the storage bin and connected to the central tunnel. At least one radial sump can be formed in the floor at a location radially offset from the central tunnel and located generally between the primary sump and a sidewall of the storage bin.

Abstract: A container packer system includes a transfer base, which receives a container packer adapted for movement longitudinally between retracted and extended positions with respect to the transfer base. The transfer base includes a power subsystem with a motor or engine driving an hydraulic pump for powering hydraulic piston-and-cylinder units of the system, including a container packer piston-and-cylinder unit for hydraulically extending and retracting the container packer. The container packer generally encloses an interior adapted for receiving bulk material for transfer to a transport container, which can comprise a standard shipping container, a trailer or some other bulk material receptacle. The container packer includes a push blade assembly longitudinally movably mounted in its interior and actuated by a push blade piston-and-cylinder unit.

Abstract: A door assembly for an agricultural storage bin includes an exterior chute communicating with a lower portion of a bin door opening. The exterior chute extends outwardly at an upward inclination from a bottom edge of the door opening to an open top end spaced below a top end of the door opening. An inner door panel hinged at an inner side of the bin wall spans an upper portion of the door opening above the exterior chute when closed. A cover member spans an open top end of the exterior chute when closed. An unloading auger can be readily inserted through the external chute below the inner door panel for unloading the bin by removing the cover member. The inner door can be subsequently opened inwardly when the level in the bin falls below the upper portion of the bin door opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis apparatus with an analysis device for analyzing body fluids, and a magazine for test elements with a fresh supply container and a transfer unit that comprises a transfer element. At least one aperture for receiving a test element is formed in the circumferential surface of the transfer element. A waste container is provided in which used test elements are stored again after use.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an accessor to physically transport tape cartridges in a tape library. A flexible cable assembly is connected to the accessor that enables the accessor to move relative to the tape library and enables one of power and communication signals to be transmitted to the accessor. The flexible cable assembly includes a flexible channel and multiple twisted wire pairs loosely routed through the flexible channel. The multiple twisted wire pairs independently and substantially freely move within the flexible channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A side-discharge chipper body to be mounted on vehicle used to pull a tree limb chipper. The side-discharge chipper body includes a forestry box adapted to receive chipped landscape materials from a chipper, a side door pivotally mounted to the forestry box, and a conveyor assembly disposed within the forestry box and adapted to discharge chipped landscape material stored within the forestry box out the side door. The side-discharge chipper body can be mounted to a truck chassis. A chipper can be towed behind the vehicle with the side discharge body to provide a landscape removal system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a robotic device for inserting or removing rod-like elements into or from a storage frame, the rod-like elements, like smoking bars, serving for storing products, e.g. sausages, each having a sausage-shaped body and a loop for a pendulously storage of the products. The method comprises the steps of providing at least a first storage frame for temporarily storing rod-like elements, moving the storage frame into the operating range of the robotic device, picking up by the robotic device a rod-like element on which at least one sausage-like product is hung up, and inserting or removing the rod-like element into or from the storage frame by the robotic device.

Abstract: The invention refers to an order picking plant for order picking of articles into order containers. The order picking plant comprises a picking station and a sorter. Between the sorter and order container a number of collection points are provided. Further, the invention relates to a process where the articles are stored intermediately in a collection point between sorter and order container.

Abstract: A particulate bed levelling arrangement has a rotational drive shaft and a particulate distribution arrangement coupled to the shaft. The particulate distribution arrangement engages with the particulate bed and moves to redistribute the particulate material in the bed in a direction radially outwardly away from the rotational drive shaft axis.

Abstract: An improved stocker configuration for storing workpieces in a fabrication facility is disclosed, employing workpiece compartments arranged stationarily around a robot handling assembly. The robot handler can be designed with three degrees of freedom, to improve speed, throughput and minimum particle generation. In addition, the stocker storage area is stationary with the movable components are the robot assembly, thus further contributing to the cleanliness of the storage stocker. The stocker configuration can be open storage area for fast access, space saving and ease of clean air purging. The stocker configuration can provide highly dense workpiece storage, utilizing a circumferential edge gripper robot handling assembly.

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: Sludge having drill cuttings produced while drilling an oil well are moved from a shaker screen to a holding tank. The sides of the holding tank slope toward each other and form a half circle trough at the bottom of the tank. A discharge opening is aligned with the trough, and a conveyer is located in the trough for moving sludge in the holding tank toward the discharge opening. A second incline conveyer or high suction vacuum source is coupled to the discharge opening to move sludge from the discharge opening of the holding tank into a container or drying system. A drying system is coupled between the high suction vacuum source, a container and the discharge opening to separate fluids from the sludge. A drying system located near the discharge end of an inclined conveyor and between the end and a container separates fluids from the sludge.

Abstract: Loading apparatus 10 for loading material 20 into a container 22 includes a charging receptacle 12. The charging receptacle 12 defines a materials receiving space 14 in which material 20 is receivable in use. The apparatus 10 includes material moving means 24, 26 for moving the material 20 out of the material receiving space 14.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for moving and exchanging reticles within a vacuum lithographic system with minimum particle generation and outgassing. In an example of the method, a first arm of a rotational exchange device (RED) receives a first baseplate holding a first reticle. A second arm of the RED supports and buffers a second baseplate. The first and second baseplates are located substantially equidistant from an axis of rotation of the RED.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to lift a carrier housing an object onto a secondary unit. The carrier is connected to the secondary unit, configured to rotate about an axis. A tether is provided with at least two branches on one end, and a single branch on a second end. The two branches are secured to the carrier in a spaced relationship, such that a pull of the single branch rotates the carrier about the axis and places the carrier on the base unit.

Abstract: A mailpiece transfer system uses a transfer box to unload a plurality of mailpieces from an open tray, while maintaining an orientation alignment of the flat items. The tray is placed in the transfer box, after which the transfer box, holding the tray, is rotated to cause the mailpieces to rest against a cover of the transfer box. The tray is then removed, and the transfer box rotated again, allowing the substantially flat items to rest against a bottom of the transfer box, but without the tray. The mailpieces are then guided to a next workstation. The mailpieces may be edged for delivery to the next workstation.

Abstract: A silo includes a stuffing box forming for use with a reciprocating frame. A push-rod extends from a hydraulic cylinder through a stuffing box and a silo wall to actuate a reciprocating frame. The stuffing box forms a floating seal around the push-rod capable of moving with the push-rod to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: A bin sweep comprising a first auger section configured to be movably mounted to a central support framework of a storage bin, and a second auger section operably engaged with the first auger frame such that the second auger section is moveable relative to the first section frame substantially along an axis.

Abstract: A handling device for a resistant load includes a guide track (2) or a plurality of parallel guide tracks, a pair of slides or carriages (10a, 10b) slidingly mounted on a guide track (2) or a respective guide track, removable locking means (6a, 6b) associated with each slide or carriage (10a, 10b) and designed to keep in position its respective slide or carriage along the respective guide track (2), a linear actuator means (3) associated with each slide or carriage (10a, 10b) and having at least one first component (4) and at least one second component (5a) which can be displaced, upon control, one with respect to the other parallely to the guide track (2) or plurality of parallel guide tracks, the at least one first component (4) being displaceable together with a slide or carriage (10a) of the pair, and the at least one second component (5a) being displaceable together with the other slide or carriage (10b) of the pair, engagement means (7a, 7b) for a resistant load displaceable together with the linear act

Abstract: A system for transferring bulk solid biomass fuel includes a bin defining a cavity sized and shaped for receiving a quantity of biomass, a trolley configured to engage and travel along a track defining, the track configured to be horizontally mountable to a portion of the bin, a hose having a body coupled to the trolley, at least a portion of the hose configured to be in motion with the trolley, and a means of driving the trolley along the track. A method of transferring bulk solid biomass fuel from a bin, whereby a trolley coupled to a hose is driven along a track, the track being mounted within the bin, conveying the biomass material through the hose, and discharging the material out of the bin and into a receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring bulk solid biomass fuels from a hopper to an end-user storage bin. The system may comprise at least one intermediate bulk container (IBC) configured to contain a quantity of the fuel and a mobile transfer system for transferring the fuel from the IBC to an end-user storage container. The mobile transfer system may comprise a hopper configured to be coupled to the IBC and configured to receive the bulk solid biomass fuel from the IBC; a delivery hose configured to be coupled to the hopper and the end-user storage container, wherein the delivery hose is configured to receive the bulk solid biomass fuel from the intermediate bulk container; and a blower coupled to the delivery hose, the blower configured to transfer the bulk solid biomass fuel between the intermediate bulk container and the end-user storage container.

Abstract: A cutter dome for use with a reclaimer includes a sidewall that at least partially encircles a central axis and that extends from a lower end to an upper end, the sidewall having a lower portion that bounds a first chamber and an upper portion that bounds a second chamber, a collection opening being formed on the lower portion of the sidewall so that a reclaimer, such as an auger, can pass through the collection opening and communicate with the first chamber. A roof is disposed on the upper end of the sidewall so as to cover second chamber, the roof having a first inlet formed thereon. A first passageway is disposed within the second chamber and extends from the first inlet to a first outlet, the first outlet communicating with the first chamber.

Abstract: A method for delivering a plurality of reactor monoliths into an interior of a reactor includes providing at least one tubular member having an outer wall defining an interior space adapted to allow sliding movement of reactor monolith therethrough, and providing a plurality of engagement members located within the interior space of the at least one tubular member and spaced along a length thereof, wherein each engagement member is actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. The at least one tubular member is extended into an interior of a reactor such that a first end of the at least one tubular member is located near an opening in the reactor, and a second end of the at least one tubular member is insert into the interior of the reactor.

Abstract: A silo with a reciprocating frame includes a blanking plate that is capable of limiting the amount of material released from the silo. A blanking plate is attached to at least one reciprocating frame and is configured to substantially cover an opening in a floor when the reciprocating frame is centered above the opening in the floor.

Abstract: A reciprocating frame for a silo has outside bevels located on outer surfaces of a rim. Outside bevels slide under material as the reciprocating frame moves across a silo floor. The reciprocating frame has inside bevels located on inner surfaces of the rim. The inside bevels contact material at an angle that provides downward force to the reciprocating frame as it moves across the silo floor.

Abstract: A method for clearing obstructions in a silo having a reciprocating frame uses an obstruction clearance mode. The method includes driving at least one frame in a reciprocal motion across a silo floor until sensing an indication that at least one frame has encountered an obstruction. Upon sensing the indication of obstruction, an obstruction clearance mode is initiated in an attempt to clear the obstruction.

Abstract: A method of charging catalyst tubes of a bundle of catalyst tubes in a structured fashion, in which uniformly predispensed portions of formulations of shaped catalyst bodies are used for producing a section of charge.

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: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a land application vehicle for a semi-solid material, such as bio-solids. The vehicle includes a hopper and a distributor. The distributor includes a housing having a distributor inlet and at least one distributor outlet, a first distributor auger in the housing configured for transferring semi-solid material away from the distributor inlet towards the at least one distributor outlet and a second distributor auger in the housing configured for transferring semi-solid material back towards the distributor inlet. This creates re-circulation of the semi-solid material within the distributor, which inhibits packing of the semi-solid material at the ends of the distributor and generally aids in uniform distribution of the material.

Abstract: The control of an apparatus within a grain holding device for feeding grain to an unloader conveyor operable for conveying the grain from the holding device, includes sensing a predetermined condition or conditions representative of capacity of the unloader conveyor for receiving grain, and adaptively controlling the apparatus for feeding grain to the unloader conveyor in advantageous varying manners responsive to the conditions, including to delay initiation of feeding until the receiving capacity is increased, and to match the grain feed to the capacity. The automatic control can be overridden, to allow user control of unloader speed, and can be configured to allow cleanout of the unloader conveyor.

Abstract: A method of charging a vertical tube having an internal diameter of 50 mm or less with catalyst particles, which comprises introducing a filling aid into the vertical tube, where the filling aid comprises a flexible elongated body and the ratio of the cross section of the flexible elongated body to the cross section of the tube is from 0.003 to 0.08, and introducing the catalyst particles into the tube.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading large containers using both a hook lift and cable winch mechanisms.

Abstract: A device for positioning and blocking thin silicon wafers after wire-sawing a silicon wafer block. The device comprises a cassette that accommodates the wafer block and is provided with two contact strips whose sides facing the wafer block encompass elements which engage into narrow cutting gap between the wafers so as to maintain a distance and provide support. This allows the wafers to be fixed in the position thereof even after removing a supporting glass plate such that particularly the gap in the area of the former connecting point to the removed supporting glass plate is maintained and the subsequent singulation process is simplified.

Abstract: A drill cuttings storage and conveying system is disclosed herein. The system includes a pressure vessel for containing drill cuttings and comprising a plurality of drill cuttings outlets. The system also includes a drill cuttings conveyor in communication with the outlets for carrying drill cuttings from the vessel. In an inventive method for practicing the invention, drill cuttings are passed into the pressure vessel having the plurality of outlets. The vessel is pressurized. A selected outlet is opened such that a volume of drill cuttings passes from the vessel to the conveyor. The drill cuttings with the conveyor from the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a shuttle bin includes an upper frame, a lower frame hingeably connected to the upper frame, a storage body operatively connected to the upper frame for storing material and a roller assembly operatively connected to the upper frame. The roller assembly is adapted to draw the storage body taut to unload the material stored in the storage body as the upper frame hinges away from the lower frame. The storage body may be formed of a pliable material such as a mesh or canvas.

Abstract: Systems have been invented for canisterizing waste whereby the waste is at least one of retrieved from subject canisters and drained from the canisters, using fluids, hydraulic or related pressure mechanisms. Plunging mechanisms, magnetics and related filtration and filtering systems facilitate ready disposal and create, waste efficiencies of scale.

Abstract: System providing a substantially enclosed piece or pieces of equipment, optionally fuel cell balance of plant equipment, available for shipment and storage at a user location. The system comprises a tool, a housing associated with the tool and having openings in the flooring through which portions of the tool are inserted, and a piece or pieces of equipment having a support, the tool accommodating movement of the support, and specifically on portions of the tool inserted through the housing. Movement of the equipment occurs along the longitudinal axis of the tool between points positioned inside and outside of the housing. The tool is removed from the housing after the equipment is positioned inside thereof so that as a consequence of such removal, the support of the equipment assists in substantially sealing the housing.

Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.

Abstract: Pouches are provided to the user of an automated pouch handling apparatus in a pouch container. The pouches are oriented the same way in the box. The box may be sealed to prevent pouch contamination. A door on the box is opened or removed to define a door opening. A portion of the pouch stack is accessible through the opening. These pouch containers may be stacked near a pouch handling apparatus where the operator may open the door and load the pouch containers directly into the pouch handling apparatus. The pouch handling apparatus removes the pouches directly from the pouch container through the door opening. The apparatus may include a pouch separator that bends the edge of the pouch out through the door and slides the first pouch away from the second pouch.