Abstract: A contactless monitoring system detects operating performance of movers in an independent cart system. A contactless sensor is provided on an actuator to automatically track a mover as it travels along the track. The sensor includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal and a receiver configured to receive the signal after it is reflected off the mover. The actuator may be configured to mover the sensor in a single axis or in multiple axes of motion. As a mover travels along the track, the sensor transmits a signal towards the mover and detects the signal after it has been reflected off the mover. A controller may synchronize motion of the actuator with motion of the mover, such that the sensor may continually transmit the signal off the mover for at least a portion of the travel by the mover along the track.

Abstract: A sensor with a signal strip, a segment with such a signal strip and a sensor, a linear drive and an installation, wherein the signal strip is assigned in each case to at least one segment, where the signal strip indicates a state of the segment and/or the state of a runner, where the at least one runner is moved by a respective segment, the state is assigned by a sensor assigned to the respective segment and is presented to a user who services the installation, in particular the linear drive of the installation, such the time interval for servicing the installation or the linear drive can be reduced because the operator of the linear drive immediately identifies the state of the respective runner or the respective segment.

Abstract: Described is a device for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising a support structure (11) and at least one detection sensor (15) connected to the support structure (11) and mobile with respect to the support structure. The device (1) also comprises means (16) for synchronizing the sensor (15) with respect to the container (2), to move it in such a way that the sensor (15) follows the container (2) along at least one part of the feed path (A) from an initial position to a final position. Described is also a method for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising the operating steps of providing a sensor (15) and moving it from an initial position to a final position in a way which is synchronized with the movement of a container (2).

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of rolling or cast stock, more particularly a metal strip or plate, in a casting, rolling or other strip processing facility, wherein the device includes a detection device for detecting a fluid jet which indicates the presence of the rolling or cast stock. The detection device in turn has an air-filled cavity, which has a tubular opening, and a pressure sensor for detecting an air pressure change in the cavity when the fluid jet hits the tubular opening. A corresponding method for determining the position of rolling or cast stock, more particularly a metal strip or plate, which moves through a casting, rolling or other strip processing facility.

Abstract: A detection system has a first laser that directs a first laser trace laterally across a surface of a conveyor from an acute angle. A second laser directs a second laser trace laterally across the surface of the conveyor, in spaced apart alignment with the first laser trace, from an acute angle. A camera images from above a field of view that encompasses at least a portion of the first and second laser traces. An image processing system detects a presence or absence of portions of the first and second laser traces, and determines a feature of one of the conveyor and an article inducted onto the conveyor based upon the detecting of the presence or absence.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes a processing device that, processes semi-finished products, and an inspecting device that inspects whether an actual processing position by the processing device is within an allowable range of the process target position on the semi-finished product. The inspecting device includes, a sensor section located in the transport direction and outputting a detection signal while the actual processing position of the semi-finished product is being detected, a reference signal outputting section outputting a reference signal having a waveform in which one wavelength is equivalent to a unit transport amount corresponding to a single semi-finished product, the reference signal having a first waveform portion at a phase corresponding to the allowable range in the wavelength, and a determining section determining whether the actual processing position is within the allowable range by comparing the detection signal with the reference signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a fixture assembly and a workpiece. The apparatus includes a frame assembly and a detector assembly. The detector assembly is configured to couple to the frame assembly. The detector assembly is also configured to detect an occurrence in which the fixture assembly remains inadvertently non-separated from the workpiece while the workpiece is moved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the alignment of food products in which food products arriving on an input conveyor in the supply direction arrive at an alignment station at which the products are aligned and from which the aligned products arrive at an output conveyor, wherein a misalignment of the products relative to a target alignment is detected and the product is aligned as a function of the misalignment, said products being aligned by the products resting against a product support and the product support being actuated in order to perform the alignment movement, and wherein the alignment of the products is accomplished without relative movements between the products and the product support. The invention further relates to a device for the alignment of food products.

Abstract: Described is a device for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising a support structure (11) and at least one detection sensor (15) connected to the support structure (11) and mobile with respect to the support structure. The device (1) also comprises means (16) for synchronising the sensor (15) with respect to the container (2), to move it in such a way that the sensor (15) follows the container (2) along at least one part of the feed path (A) from an initial position to a final position. Described is also a method for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising the operating steps of providing a sensor (15) and moving it from an initial position to a final position in a way which is synchronised with the movement of a container (2).

Abstract: An apparatus, in particular a code reader, for the recording of images of objects (14) moved on a conveyor device (12), wherein the apparatus includes a line sensor (10), in particular a line camera, which can scan objects line wise for the generation of image data of the surfaces, as well as a speed determination device (26; 30), which can determine the speed of movement of the objects (14) with respect to the line sensor (10) or their conveyed distance. At the same time an evaluation unit (26) is provided, which is adapted to match the recording frequency of the line sensor (10) to the speed of movement.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed has a conveyor that conveys items through a path of travel, and an antenna disposed proximate the path of travel. Circuitry in communication with the antenna may associate RFID tag data with a package on the conveyor based on a difference signal from elements in the antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning packing boxes relative to a covering sheet comprises a belt for conveying the sheet from a gluing unit to a device for centering the box on the pre-glued sheet and optical sensors for identifying the position of the sheet on a belt conveyor surface, the belt being made with at least two regions of the conveyor surface having contrasting colors.

Abstract: Robot apparatus has a robot 1, a controller 2 for controlling the aforementioned robot 1 to perform working, and a plurality of external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 to be controlled by the aforementioned controller 2. The aforementioned external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 are provided with power switches 4b, 5b and 6b to be operated by an operator 9 so as to turn on/off power supplies thereto, and power supply circuits 4a, 5a and 6a to be operated from the aforementioned controller 2 so as to turn on/off the power supplies. Priority is given to operation using the aforementioned power switches 4b, 5b and 6b over operation from the aforementioned controller 2 as to turning off the power supplies to the external axis devices 4, 5 and 6.

Abstract: A gate reader assembly for positioning and identifying articles carried by conveyor systems. The gate reader assembly including a main housing for attachment to said conveyor adjacent a conveyor line of the conveyor; a sprocket rotatably mounted on said housing and having a plurality of gullets formed thereon, each gullet configured for receiving one of said articles. In addition, said sprocket is configured to rotate about an axis normal to said conveyor line via a horizontal force from said articles such that said rotating sprocket is configured to receive and move said articles along said conveyor line. The gate reader assembly additionally includes a detent mechanism disposed on the housing and slidably coupled to the sprocket for releasably restraining said sprocket from rotation thereby inhibiting said article against further movement along said conveyor line.

Abstract: A production moving line system. An illustrative embodiment of the production moving line system includes at least one metallic guide strip and at least one tow vehicle which may be adapted to follow the guide strip. The tow vehicle may include control circuitry and a power source and a wireless transceiver connected to the control circuitry. An assembly fixture cart may be coupled to the tow vehicle. A wireless communication link may be provided between a central control computer and the wireless transceiver of the tow vehicle. A production moving line method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for moving paper, board and cellulosic web rolls in a roll packaging system having a plurality of roll handling stations and at least one indexing conveyor capable of operating on at least two elevation levels. According to the method, the rolls are moved in the packaging system by an indexing conveyor car, which is adapted to move synchronously at each roll handling station. The car is moved in a return motion when the indexing conveyor car is in its lowermost position. The position of the roll is measured. At least one roll is admitted onto the indexing conveyor car while having the car driven into its lowermost position (base elevation level 0) and the roll is transferred by the movement of the indexing conveyor car driven into its base elevation level 0 in such a fashion that the roll is positioned into an appropriate position in regard to the function of the roll handling stations for moving the rolls to the roll handling stations.

Abstract: A combination book binding machine with a plastic coil forming machine, whereby a plastic spiral coil is formed at a first raised temperature, then cut to a length sufficient for the plastic spiral coil to bind a book, cooled and then advanced toward a receiving coil conveyor of a coil binding machine, for binding the book with a plastic coil at the lowered cooled temperature. The binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate the cooled flexible plastic spiral coil into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the plastic spiral binding coils. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding coil is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book.

Abstract: A tension measuring apparatus and method for a chain by which tension applied to the chain is correctly and reproducibly measured is disclosed and claimed. A tension measuring method for a chain (10) comprising a pair of right and left inner plates (11), bushes (12) press-fit between the inner plates (11), a pair of right and left outer plates (13) disposed on both outsides of the inner plates (11), connecting pins (14) loosely inserted into the bush (12) and press-fit between the outer plates (13), and connected to each other characterized in that a strain gauge is applied to a position having a relation of a ratio of 1 to 1 between tension applied to the chain and an output of the strain gauge (16).

Abstract: A centralizing conveyor assembly for establishing and/or maintaining a centered or aligned position of a product on the conveyor assembly is provided. The centralized conveyor assembly includes a main conveyor, preferably in communication with an interleaver assembly located downstream, and a laterally adjustable infeed conveyor located upstream. The laterally adjustable infeed conveyor is slidably connected to the main conveyor. An actuator laterally moves the laterally adjustable infeed conveyor, thereby aligning the product with respect to a centered or aligned position on the main conveyor as the product is conveyed from the laterally adjustable infeed conveyor downstream to the main conveyor. This results in centered or aligned product being delivered to the interleaver assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for feeding articles to and removing articles from an automatic washer, for example, a tunnel-type automatic washer are provided. The systems and methods employ conveyors, for example, belt conveyors, gantry-type conveyors, and shuttle-type conveyors, for handling and conveying articles to or from a washer or an intermediate station. The conveyors utilize arm-end tooling adapted to grasp and manipulate at least one article, but may typically handle a plurality of articles. The arm-end tooling includes cylinder-based actuators that can be operated and controlled by an automated control system. The handling of the articles can be assisted by using a vision-based system. Aspects of the invention are suited for use in handling laboratory equipment, for example, utensils and containers, such as, laboratory animal cages, in particular, cage tops and cage bottoms.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor line, a conveyor chain movable along the conveyor line, and an electronic device located at a movable component that moves with the chain along the conveyor line. The electronic device may comprise a locating device operable to generate a locating output indicative of a location of the movable component along the conveyor line. Optionally, the electronic device may comprise a sensing device operable to sense a chain characteristic at the component and to generate a sensor output indicative of the chain characteristic. Data collected by the electronic device may be stored at the device and/or transmitted to a controller of the conveyor line. The controller may be operable to determine the chain characteristic at a particular location of the transmitting device in response to the device output.

Abstract: A modular split-axis stage is used to inspect and/or repair large flat glass media suitable for LCD/TFT applications. Low-precision air table sections are detachably mounted to a centrally located, high-precision granite inspection/repair section. Glass media held by a vacuum contact is transported on air cushions from the up-web air table to the central inspection/repair section. Vacuum nozzles integrated with porous medium pads precisely control the height of the flexible media above the central section during inspection or repair. Embodiments includes structures in which the media is either stationary or moving during inspection/repair. A first media can be loaded/unloaded while a second media is undergoing inspection or repair in a pipelined operational mode.

Abstract: A device for processing slaughter animals or parts thereof, for example poultry, comprises a transport system with an endless track and a chain of chain elements which can be moved along the track, wherein a plurality of chain elements are set up as carriers to carry one or more slaughter animals and/or parts thereof. The device furthermore has a delivery station for delivering slaughter animals or parts thereof to the carriers of the transport system, one or more stations being set up along the track of the transport system to perform actions relating to the slaughter animals or parts thereof. The device furthermore has location means for determining the position of the chain in relation to the track, wherein the location means comprise an identifiable chain element which has an associated identification mark, and also an identification sensor set up along the track to detect each identifiable chain element, wherein the remaining chain elements in the chain are designed as unidentifiable chain elements.

Abstract: A method of locating articles on a carrier plane on the basis of data obtained by a relative movement extending in a transport direction parallel to the carrier plane between a scanning plane and the articles and by repeatedly carrying out a total scan of the position of points on the articles and which include information on the position of the article points detected in the scanning plane, and on the basis of information on the relative position of the scanning plane and the articles in the direction of transport during a total scan. The method repeatedly reads the data on the position of the article points on the articles in the scanning plane and detects information on the relative position of the scanning plane and articles in the transport direction for a current total scan. The positions and extents of flanks of the articles, which substantially form a right angle with the carrier plane, are determined from the data of the current total scan.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a large scale sorter with peripheral devices associated therewith and including a transport path has sensors arranged along portions of the path and software objects respectively associated with each sensor and with each other in a tracking chain. Length measurement of articles is provided to confirm article identification and each software object, referred to as a softcell, is of a selectable type in accordance with the type of sensor event it can report and a mode controlling conditions under which selected types of events will be reported. Providing software objects for tracking allows hardware independence and ease of design and modification, particularly in the field by creation of softcells from a generalized architecture through a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A modular object handling system has a multi-level control architecture, which includes a system controller that coordinates the functions and/or operations of individual module controllers, that in turn control corresponding actuators, to provide a desired system function. The system controller performs the overall trajectory planning by taking the constraints of each of the module actuators into account. The system controller may compensate for deviations of objects from their planned trajectories by contemporaneously redetermining trajectories and trajectory envelopes to encode the various combinations of the system constraints and task requirements. The trajectory envelopes can denote regions around other trajectories to indicate control criteria of interest, such as control and collision boundaries.

Abstract: The method for facilitating the maintenance of a conveyor structure having a long and heavy duty moving conveyor belt mounted on rollers which are mounted on a base, wherein the belt is driven by a drive motor, said method having the steps of establishing one or more stationary zero set points on the structure, providing one or more cycle points on the belt, each cycle point marking the terminus of a designated travel distance of the belt, providing a counter on the structure for measuring the distance traveled by any of the cycle points on the belt beyond one or more designated set points, providing one or more work stations along and in proximity to the belt, and providing a reset device for resetting the counter to a desired starting value when a designated cycle point arrives at a designated set point, spotting one or more event sites on the belt, transmitting a signal to a computer that an event site has been spotted, the computer being provided with data sufficient to determine the distance which the sp

Abstract: Conveyor systems are disclosed including a chain conveyor for carrying a predetermined load, a frame for the chain conveyor, a track, wheels for supporting the frame for movement along the track from a predetermined reference position, the chain conveyor being movably supported on the frame for movement from the predetermined reference position, and sensors for detecting the position of the conveyor along the track with respect to the first predetermined reference position without direct contact, or for detecting the position of the chain conveyor with respect to the second predetermined reference position without direct contact, the sensors delivering a train of pulses corresponding to a predetermined distance of movement of the conveyor along the track or of movement of the chain conveyor with respect to the frame, whereby the position of the conveyor along the track or of the chain carrier can be determined.

Abstract: A conveyor has a rotary encoder for measuring the amount of rotation of a driven sprocket having an intermittently drivable chain reeved therearound, and a processor for processing the measurement obtained by the encoder as operation support operating data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the driven sprocket. The processor determines a reference position of the chain in time series when the chain is moved a distance at a time by intermitting driving, computes the actual position of the chain corresponding to the reference position based on the measurement obtained by the encoder, and computes the deviation of the actual position of the chain from the reference position.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a large scale sorter with peripheral devices associated therewith and including a transport path has sensors arranged along portions of the path and software objects respectively associated with each sensor and with each other in a tracking chain. Length measurement of articles is provided to confirm article identification and each software object, referred to as a softcell, is of a selectable type in accordance with the type of sensor event it can report and a mode controlling conditions under which selected types of events will be reported. Providing software objects for tracking allows hardware independence and ease of design and modification, particularly in the field by creation of softcells from a generalized architecture through a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A sterilization tunnel for pharmaceutical containers such as vials has an inlet zone, a sterilization zone, and a cooling zone. A conveyor belt for the vials is disposed inside the sterilization tunnel. An emptying device that can be raised and lowered is disposed in the vicinity of the cooling zone. In order to empty the sterilization tunnel, the frame-shaped emptying device is lowered onto the conveyor belt and then pushes an emptying slider, which is being moved through the sterilization tunnel together with the last vials disposed on the conveyor belt, out from the sterilization tunnel. The emptying device permits a particularly simple operation of the sterilization tunnel.

Abstract: A modular object handling system has a multi-level control architecture, which includes a system controller that coordinates the functions and/or operations of individual module controllers, that in turn control corresponding actuators, to provide a desired system function. The system controller performs the overall trajectory planning by taking the constraints of each of the module actuators into account. The system controller may compensate for deviations of objects from their planned trajectories by contemporaneously redetermining trajectories and trajectory envelopes to encode the various combinations of the system constraints and task requirements. The trajectory envelopes can denote regions around other trajectories to indicate control criteria of interest, such as control and collision boundaries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.