Forming A Single Conveying Path Patents (Class 198/602)
  • Patent number: 11468395
    Abstract: An autonomous delivery vehicle including locking storage containers may be used for item deliveries, rejections, returns, and/or third-party fulfillment. A delivery vehicle or robot may include a number of locking storage containers, an authorization interface, and one or more sensors to receive delivery requests, detect and authorize users, and control locker access at various delivery locations to allow users to receive delivered items, and reject or return items. The vehicle may also include a passenger compartment to transport one or more passengers. The vehicle may be reconfigurable to accommodate different combinations of lockers and/or passenger seats. An item delivery system may receive delivery requests and determine routes for delivery vehicles, including centralized delivery locations and/or direct deliveries to recipients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Javidan, Jesse Sol Levinson, Christopher John Stoffel
  • Patent number: 11124369
    Abstract: When a first holder and a second holder are positioned at a pair of midway positions, a belt is arranged between the first holder and the second holder breadthways across a work area, and a package is positioned between the belt and a selected one delivery section. The first holder and the second holder come closer to each other when approaching a pair of final positions from the pair of midway positions. The belt is retracted by a retractor into the first holder and the second holder to pull the package in the direction of the selected one delivery section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: RAKUTEN GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Qingnan Zhou, Toshiaki Tazume
  • Patent number: 11014767
    Abstract: A rejection mechanism for a conveyor system, which pushes parcels across a surface, includes a linear actuator and a paddle mounted to the linear actuator for movement between a first position and a second position. The paddle includes a bracket portion, an upright portion, and a lateral wall portion. The lateral wall portion is configured to push parcels across a surface positioned below the lateral wall portion as the paddle is moved from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the rejection mechanism can further include a way cover which expands and contracts with movement of the paddle. In some embodiments, the lateral wall portion can be configured to rotate about an axis of rotation defined by a hinge to transition between an engaged and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah Douglas, Bradford James Hood, Paul Receveur, Kurt Michael Wittmer
  • Patent number: 10647507
    Abstract: A first cable body allows a first transport apparatus to move in a first movement area by deforming as the first transport apparatus moves along a first direction. A second cable body allows a second transport apparatus to move in a second movement area, which at least partially overlaps the first movement area, by deforming as the second transport apparatus moves along the first direction. Assuming that a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and an up-down direction is a second direction, the first cable body and the second cable body are arranged on the same side in the second direction relative to a rail so that the respective arrangement areas in the second direction overlap each other at least partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Abe, Kazuya Omori
  • Patent number: 10481544
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sheet binding apparatus that comprises a first binding unit provided and a second binding unit configured to perform needle binding on sheets, and a second binding unit configured to perform non-needle binding on sheets. A needle replenishing position where needles are replenished in the first binding unit is set in the vicinity of the second binding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.
    Inventor: Kenji Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20150021145
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet bundle conveying apparatus capable of discharging a sheet bundle from a processing tray where a binding process is performed toward the downstream side in right posture to a right position. The present invention comprises a sheet bundle conveying apparatus which conveys sheets stacked at a stack portion to a storing portion at the downstream side including a first conveying member which conveys sheets at the stack portion by a predetermined distance, a second conveying member which performs relay conveyance of the sheets conveyed by the first conveying member by the predetermined distance as being set to have a higher moving speed than that of the first conveying member, and a driving portion which drives the first conveying member and the second conveying member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicants: NISCA CORPORATION, CANON FINETECH INC.
    Inventors: Akito SEKIGAWA, Mamoru KUBO, Masaya TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 8893877
    Abstract: In a device (4) for receiving a piece of baggage (2) for transport, for example at an airport, the device comprises a receiving room (18A) with an infeed opening and a discharge opening. The receiving room is provided with a closing assembly, the closing assembly comprising a closing mechanism (22, 24). The device furthermore comprises a conveyor unit (16, 20) for discharging the piece of baggage from the receiving room through the discharge opening. The closing assembly is equipped at any time to keep at least one or other of the infeed opening and the discharge opening closed. In this way a device according to the invention is equipped to protect deposited baggage from third parties and to prevent persons from following the piece of baggage to the areas not accessible to the public. The present invention also provides a method for receiving a piece of baggage, which method is in accordance with the functioning of the above-mentioned device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Scarabee ID B.V.
    Inventor: Michael Kim Tan
  • Publication number: 20140291121
    Abstract: A transfer conveyor for transferring articles from a first conveyor to a second conveyor comprises an input for receiving articles from the first conveyor and an output for transporting articles to the second conveyor, a first contact member and a second contact member having first and second contact surfaces, respectively, extending upwardly and facing each other for clamping articles between said contact surfaces when travelling from the input to the output and a curved transport path between the input and the output, and a counter member for holding up an article and/or at least one of the first and second contact members in vertical direction when an article is clamped by the contact members. At least one of the first contact member, the second contact member and the counter member is drivable for transporting articles from the input to the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Johannes Wilhelmus Broers
  • Publication number: 20140291122
    Abstract: A conveyance system includes a storage case, a lifting/lowering apparatus, a handover apparatus, and a conveying apparatus. The lifting/lowering apparatus lifts and lowers the storage case to position each substrate stored in the storage case to a receiving position sequentially. The handover apparatus receives the substrate at the receiving position, and hand over the substrate to the conveying apparatus at a handover position. The conveying apparatus includes a pair of belts. The pair of belts is provided such that the belts are spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction. A plurality of profiles associated with each other are provided on the pair of belts, respectively. The profiles associated with each other are configured to move together in a conveying direction, support outer edges of the substrate handed over at the handover position, and position the substrate to a prescribed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Bando
  • Publication number: 20140262680
    Abstract: A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments each having an upwardly facing channel and a friction drive member disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the feed-forward track segments by frictional engagement between the carrier and the friction drive member. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments disposed above the feed-forward track segments. A catwalk may be positioned between the feed-forward track segments and the return track segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KUKA SYSTEMS CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA
    Inventors: Kevin J. Laurence, William R. Cremont, Walter J. Jakubiec, Michael Carter, Rodney E. Bereznicki
  • Publication number: 20140262681
    Abstract: A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one linear motor disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the track segments. Each carrier includes at least one magnet that cooperates with the linear motors to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments spaced from the plurality of feed-forward track segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KUKA SYSTEMS CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA
    Inventors: Kevin J. Laurence, Michael P. LaRose, Scott J. Hoder, Kenneth V. DeYonker, Joseph P. Peet, Walter J. Jakubiec
  • Publication number: 20140262690
    Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medication within a healthcare facility. An example system for connecting sections of a track having an electrically conductive bus bar may include a first end cap including an alignment ridge, where the first end cap is received at the end of a first track section having a first bus bar, and a second end cap having an alignment channel, where the second end cap is received at the end of a second track section having a second bus bar. The alignment ridge may be configured to be received within the alignment channel when the first track section and the second track section are out of alignment, and in response to the first track section being brought into alignment with the second track section, the alignment ridge and alignment channel cooperate to draw the first and second bus bar into contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Cody C. Henderson, Paul A. Brayford, Stefan Michael Elsener, Michael P. Zarich, James Kolozs
  • Patent number: 8828323
    Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein a polymer gel is removed from a polymerization reactor, stored intermediately as a particulate polymer gel in a delay vessel, removed by means of a first conveying device at the lower end of the delay vessel and dried, the intermediately stored particulate polymer gel being conveyed within the delay vessel by means of at least one second conveying device above the first conveying device in the direction of the first conveying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Matthias Weismantel, Rüdiger Funk, Ann Becker, Leo Van Miert
  • Patent number: 8827068
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for distributing baked goods, for combining with a continuous baking oven (1) arranged upstream of said device, said device comprising a plurality of peripheral carriers (6) for storing the baked goods (B), and transfer means (9, 10, 11, 12) for transferring the baked goods (B) from the carriers (6) to the dispensing means (21, 22, 23, 24) comprising a distribution device (21) and a dispensing compartment (24) for transferring the baked goods (B) from the distribution device (21) to the dispensing compartment (24). The device according to the invention is characterized in that the dispensing means (21, 22, 23, 24) also comprise an intermediate conveyor device (22), the distribution device (21) being loaded with baked goods (B) directly from the transfer means (9, 10, 11, 12) and also from the intermediate conveyor device (22) arranged between the transfer means (9, 10, 11, 12) and the distribution device (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: R. Weiss Verpackungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinald Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140183003
    Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor that is pivotable, with respect to the first conveyor, about two different axes that intersect and define a plane. A machine capable of performing a method for operating a set of conveyors is also provided. The method includes pivoting a second conveyor with respect to a first conveyor about two different axes that intersect and define a plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Jorgensen, Michael Stevens
  • Publication number: 20140110223
    Abstract: A transfer modules arrangement (100) for an articles conveyor (110). The transfer modules arrangement includes at least one transfer module (125) in turn comprising a frame (310) housing a plurality of idle rollers (135) for allowing an inertial run of transported articles (140) between consecutive conveyor belt/chain elements (115a, 115b) of the articles conveyor. According to the invention, the transfer modules arrangement includes at least one positioning rod (120). Additionally, the frame of the at least one transfer module further includes a shaped cavity (315) for allowing a sliding insertion of the at least one transfer module on the at least one positioning rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Daniele Coen, Andrea Andreoli
  • Patent number: 8705314
    Abstract: A deployment and retrieval method for ocean bottom seismic receivers, the method employs a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a carrier attached thereto to carry a plurality of receivers. The receivers are individually placed on the ocean bottom floor by utilizing a conveyor to move the receivers along a linear path to remove the receivers from the carrier. In one embodiment, multiple linear conveyors may be operated independently to alter the relative positions of the receivers on the respective conveyors to adjust the weight distribution of the receivers within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe
  • Patent number: 8678174
    Abstract: A method for buffering products, such as bottles, cans and pots, wherein the products are carried upwards on a moving, inclined first conveying surface at a first flow rate. The products on the first conveying surface can accumulate against a guide member at the upper end of the first conveying surface, after which the products are guided from the guide member onto a second conveying surface, on which they are conveyed onwards at a second flow rate. The first conveying surface is disposed at such an angle and is provided with such a surface condition that the dragging force exerted on the products from the first conveying surface is just a little greater than the force of gravity being exerted on the products in the direction along the conveying surface. As a result, the products can be buffered in a simple manner, while the products exert only little pressure on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ambaflex International B.V.
    Inventor: Wouter Balk
  • Patent number: 8678175
    Abstract: The device for channeling out upright containers from a first transport device, which moves the container in a transport direction, includes a lateral guide section, which extends in the transport direction, and a gripper unit, which has a plurality of grippers for gripping the containers. The lateral guide section and the gripper unit are moved from a pickup position for the containers jointly in a direction transverse to the transport direction. After this joint movement the gripper unit is moved towards a discharge position for the containers. The lateral guide section and the gripper unit are then moved back to the pickup position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Ralf Heim, Joachim Noe
  • Publication number: 20140069777
    Abstract: A conveying device for a labeling machine is provided with a conveying belt frame (40), plurality of top seat fixtures (50) and a feeding device (60). A conveying belt (41) is mounted on the conveying belt frame (40). The top seat fixtures (50) are mounted at intervals on the conveying belt (41). A protrusion column (51) is protruded from the top surface of each top seat fixtures (50), so that a space can be formed between the bottom of containers and the top seat fixtures when the containers are mounted on the top seat fixtures. The shrinkable film labels can be set around the lower bottom of the containers after being cut by the labeling machine so that the labels can be shrunk to coat the bottom surface of the containers after being heated. The feeding device (60) cooperates with the conveying belt (41) and the top seat fixtures (50) so that the containers to be processed are conveyed by the feeding device (60) to the conveying belt (41) on the conveying belt frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SHANGHAI DASE-SING PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fu-Chuan HUANG
  • Publication number: 20130340329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a harvesting device for facilitating harvesting of crops growing on a substrate or soil, the device comprising:—a harvesting conveyer comprising crop receiving members suitable for simple manual placing of the crops therein, wherein the conveyor is adapted to discharge the crops from a location within reach of the harvesting location,—transport means for transporting the harvesting conveyer relative to the substrate or the soil, wherein—the harvesting device is suitable for simultaneously harvesting from at least two seed-beds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hendrik van den Top
  • Publication number: 20130334864
    Abstract: A foldable conveyor having a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section pivotally connected to the first conveyor section. The pivotal connection allows the second conveyor section to articulate about the first conveyor section. The foldable conveyor also includes a pivoting mechanism operatively connected to the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section. The pivoting mechanism includes a first link having one end pivotally connected to the first section. The pivoting mechanism also includes a second link having one end pivotally connected to the second section. A second end of the second link is pivotally connected with a second end of the first link. The pivoting mechanism further includes an actuator configured to pivot the second conveyor section about the first conveyor section by allowing a relative movement between the first link and the second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Jorgensen, Michael E. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20130319822
    Abstract: A surface treatment plant for vehicle bodies having a first treatment area which comprises a first conveyor system enabling a vehicle body to be conveyed through the first treatment area, and a second treatment area which includes a second conveyor system enabling the vehicle body to be conveyed through the second treatment area. A transfer device enables the vehicle body to be transferred from the first conveyor system to the second conveyor system. The transfer device includes supports which engage on regions of the vehicle body and at least one is arranged in particular on the highest point of the horizontal and the vehicle body is oriented roof upwards. Also a method for conveying vehicle bodies through a surface treatment plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: EISENMANN AG
    Inventors: Joerg Robbin, Thomas Hennig, Juergen Hanf
  • Publication number: 20130146422
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding sand molds from multiple sand mold forming stations to a common metal pouring station. The method and apparatus of this invention utilize walking-beam-type conveyors having spaced apart fixed outboard rails and a central reciprocating rail. Transfer devices are provided for moving the sand molds onto and off of the conveyors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: William Gary Hunter
  • Publication number: 20130118864
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for loading and unloading aircraft, the apparatus comprising a first conveyor for conveying articles from an area outside of an aircraft to an entrance to a cargo compartment of the aircraft, and a second conveyor for conveying articles from an end of the first conveyor into the cargo compartment, the second conveyor being telescopically extendable from the first conveyor, wherein the second conveyor comprises an endless flexible member extending between a tail end of the second conveyor adjacent the first conveyor and a head end of the second conveyor segment at a distal end of the second conveyor, and a driver for driving the endless member to convey articles along the second conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Mallaghan Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronan Mallaghan
  • Patent number: 8424672
    Abstract: The present invention features, in part, a moving cart system that comprises a moving cart main line which is disposed along process portions and on which a moving cart is transpired along a positive length direction of the moving cart main line, a moving cart return line which is disposed parallel with the moving cart main line and on which the moving cart is transpired along a negative length direction of the moving cart return line, traverses which are disposed for connecting a front and a rear of the moving cart main line and the moving cart return line, and a plurality of storages which are disposed perpendicular to the moving cart return line in predetermined intervals along a length direction of the moving cart return line for storing the moving cart, wherein the moving cart moves along the plurality of storages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Dae Kim
  • Patent number: 8387779
    Abstract: A method for filling a terrain using bulk material, preferably excavating material from an ore mine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Fördertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Detlev Schröder
  • Publication number: 20130049437
    Abstract: A mining system and components for conveyance of mined material. The system may include a continuous miner, a series of one or more conveyor carts, and a loader, coupled in series. The loader may include a first end to be connected to the second end of the series of carts, a feeder assembly proximate to the first end of the loader and also having a first end and a second end, and an elevator at the second end of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly may include a plurality of spaced paddles connected to endless chains. The paddles convey mined material through a bin and to the elevator. Carts may be stackable, with leg supports of an upper cart being received on the side rails of an adjacent lower cart. Couplings include male and female connectors that couple when advanced toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: VT LEEBOY, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph E. Whitley, Bill Wilkens, Keith Lee, Benjamine Gary Causby
  • Publication number: 20130048466
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a driving source, a plurality of conveyors, a moving mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The plurality of conveyors are driven by the driving source to each convey a processing object along a first direction. The moving mechanism is capable of moving at least one conveyor of the plurality of conveyors along a second direction different from the first direction. The transmission mechanism includes a clutch configured to perform power transmission from the driving source to the at least one conveyor and to cut off the power transmission and is capable of transmitting a power from the driving source to the plurality of conveyors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ken Tsunoi
  • Patent number: 8322507
    Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Prairie Machine & Parts Mfg. (1978) Ltd.
    Inventors: Maurice DeMong, Edward Krueckl
  • Publication number: 20120269607
    Abstract: An agricultural device for unloading of grain including an unloader conveyor includes a first enclosed housing having an inlet end including an opening for receiving grain. A second enclosed housing having an opposite outlet end includes a discharge opening through which the grain can be discharged. An unloader conveyor element extends through the housing between the ends and is operable for conveying the grain through the housing from the inlet end and discharging the grain through the discharge opening. The unloader conveyor element has a first unloader conveyor segment in operative association with a second unloader conveyor segment downstream of the first unloader conveyor segment. A directional transition region is positioned between the first unloader conveyor segment and the second unloader conveyor segment. At least a portion of the second housing near the directional transition region includes a region having reduced cross-sectional area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. FARLEY, Denver R. YODER
  • Publication number: 20120222938
    Abstract: A combination vending/return apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a combination of rows and columns for receiving, storing and dispensing unfilled and filled large-volume fluid-containing bottles from and to consumers. The apparatus includes a processor-controlled vending keyboard/screen for making bottle selections for purchase and returns, and to handle electronic payment and credit transactions. Also disclosed is a method to vend large-volume fluid-containing bottles and retrieve used and emptied large-volume water bottles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: R. Edward Rose, JR., R. Edward Rose, III, Michael James Verrochi
  • Publication number: 20120222939
    Abstract: The device for channeling out upright containers from a first transport device, which moves the container in a transport direction, includes a lateral guide section, which extends in the transport direction, and a gripper unit, which has a plurality of grippers for gripping the containers. The lateral guide section and the gripper unit are moved from a pickup position for the containers jointly in a direction transverse to the transport direction. After this joint movement the gripper unit is moved towards a discharge position for the containers. The lateral guide section and the gripper unit are then moved back to the pickup position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: UHLMANN PAC-SYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG.
    Inventors: Ralf Heim, Joachim Noe
  • Publication number: 20120157279
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for handling flexible components during manufacturing of an assembled article. The process and apparatus involve at least one transfer of the flexible components from one support surface to another. Control of the position and orientation of the flexible components during transfer from one support surface to another may be managed through the spacing between the support surfaces and/or coordinated air pressure changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Uwe Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120111698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for distributing baked goods, for combining with a continuous baking oven (1) arranged upstream of said device, said device comprising a plurality of peripheral carriers (6) for storing the baked goods (B), and transfer means (9, 10, 11, 12) for transferring the baked goods (B) from the carriers (6) to the dispensing means (21, 22, 23, 24) comprising a distribution device (21) and a dispensing compartment (24) for transferring the baked goods (B) from the distribution device (21) to the dispensing compartment (24). The device according to the invention is characterised in that the dispensing means (21, 22, 23, 24) also comprise an intermediate conveyor device (22), the distribution device (21) being loaded with baked goods (B) directly from the transfer means (9, 10, 11, 12) and also from the intermediate conveyor device (22) arranged between the transfer means (9, 10, 11, 12) and the distribution device (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: R. WEISS VERPACKUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Reinald Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120067700
    Abstract: A bread conveying apparatus comprises: a first discharge conveyer for conveying bread, the first discharge conveyer disposed along a conveying path on which the bread is conveyed; and a second discharge conveyer for conveying the bread, the first discharge conveyer disposed along the conveying path and having a common region that partially overlaps with a region on the conveying path where the first discharge conveyer runs, wherein the first discharge conveyer has a first flight for urging the bread, and the second discharge conveyer has a second flight for urging the bread, and wherein a conveying speed at which the bread is conveyed by the second discharge conveyer is different from a conveying speed at which the bread is conveyed by the first discharge conveyer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Oshikiri Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Suzuki, Shuichi Iribe, Michinori Watanabe, Seiichi Akutsu
  • Publication number: 20120048680
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method transport articles by way of a plurality of parallel buffer sections. A feeding device transports the articles to a buffer device at a predetermined feeding speed. Each article is then directed into in each case one buffer section, which is either in a feeding mode or in a transporting-away mode. Each buffer section transports the articles which have been directed into this buffer section to a transporting-away device. In the feeding mode, the buffer section transports to the transporting-away device at a feeding buffer speed which depends on the feeding speed. In the transporting-away mode, the buffer section transports to the transporting-away device at a transporting-away buffer speed which depends on the transporting-away speed. The transporting-away device transports the articles away at a predetermined transporting-away speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: PETER ENENKEL
  • Publication number: 20120034063
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling and transporting machine for containers (1), which has at least one gripping element (2) for holding or gripping a container (1), wherein the container (1) has a body region (4), at the top a closable mouth opening (5) and a neck region (6). The gripping element (2) is designed as a suction gripper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Fahldieck
  • Publication number: 20120007412
    Abstract: A material extraction system for an underground mine includes an elevated haulage conveyor extending between first and second ends of a roadway entry. The haulage conveyor is cantilevered from a mine wall and conveys material toward either end of the roadway entry. The system also includes a crusher including a drive operable to move the crusher along the roadway entry. The system further includes a bridge conveyor including a first end adjacent the crusher and receiving material from the crusher, and a second end adjacent the elevated haulage conveyor and positioned for depositing material onto the elevated haulage conveyor. The bridge conveyor is moveable with the crusher along the roadway entry. The system also includes a loader moveable along the roadway entry and into and out of material collection entries to collect material therefrom and transport the material to the crusher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20110315515
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Colin R. HART, Paul J. Joynt, David W. Braner, Joshua W. Higgins, David W. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20110226586
    Abstract: The device for transferring and nesting blister packs comprises a transfer device, which transfers blister packs from a first transport or storage device to a second transport or storage device arranged under the first transport or storage device. The transfer device has a receiving section, which can hold at least two blister packs and which can rotate at least 180°. A first blister pack can be received in the receiving section of the transfer device in a receiving position; the receiving section with the first blister pack can be rotated 180°; and finally a second blister pack can be received in the receiving section in the receiving position and placed onto the first, rotated blister pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: UHLMANN PAC-SYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: BERND HAEHNEL
  • Publication number: 20110203905
    Abstract: A method for filling a terrain using bulk material, preferably excavating material from an ore mine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Delev Schröder
  • Publication number: 20110132727
    Abstract: A buffer conveyor for conveying and buffering products, comprising at least a first elongated conveyor (7), which can be driven in a first direction, a second elongated conveyor (8), which can be driven in a second, opposite direction, and a transfer unit (12) having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein a transfer element of the transfer unit describes a path between the inlet end and the outlet end which makes at most a small angle with the horizontal and which extends outside the area defined by the adjacent paths of the first and the second conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Jan-Willem Takens
  • Publication number: 20110132726
    Abstract: The secure baggage claim apparatus and method centers on a dynamic merge conveyor unit that feeds into a standard baggage claim unit. The dynamic merge actively measures every space and every bag. Once the merge determines sufficient spacing for an individual bag, the dynamic merge will accelerate a bag into the open space on the baggage claim unit. Such dynamic merging greatly improves the throughput and capacity of baggage drop off and delivery. The entire baggage claim unit resides within the passenger sector of baggage claim. Current configurations allow bags to freely circulate between the secure and non-secure side of the baggage claim area. With the present invention, bags are prevented from circulating back and forth from the secure side to the non-secure side, which prevents an individual on the non-secure public side from placing a bag on a baggage claim unit where it will then be circulated and unscreened into the secure side for a baggage handler to retrieve such bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Robert M. Wiese, John William Cottrell, III
  • Publication number: 20110120835
    Abstract: Assembly having a plurality of conveyors (7, 8, 11, 23, 25, 29) and a variable capacity store (2) with one inlet (3) and one outlet (4) formed on two neighboring levels, a lower one (5) and an upper one (6), closed with a common back plate (9), fixed to a slide (13) making reciprocating movements, the concave surface (10) of which, on the interior side of the store (2) constitutes a conveyor (11), provided with a rotary arm, fixed to a slide (13), the axis of rotation of which is coaxial with a centre of curvature of the surface (10) of the back plate (9), and at the inlet (3) there is a swing mounted valve element (18) and a swing limiter (26) for displacing rod shaped elements (1), whereas at the outlet (4) there is swing mounted valve element (20). Moreover the invention presents a method of controlling mass flow of rod shaped elements in the store (2) and self-filling and self-emptying of the store (2) constituting a part of the assembly disposed in a production line of products of tobacco industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO MACHINERY POLAND SP. Z O.O
    Inventors: Adam Gielniewski, Radoslaw Owczarek, Leszek Sikora, Jacek Figarski, Ryszard Siara
  • Patent number: 7946410
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Prairie Machine & Parts Mfg. (1978) Ltd.
    Inventors: Maurice DeMong, Edward Krueckl
  • Publication number: 20110114449
    Abstract: A conveyor-to-convey transfer mechanism is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a transfer conveyor extending between first and second conveyors for receiving items from the first conveyor and for dispatching the items to the second conveyor. In some embodiments, movement of items to the transfer conveyor comprises a convergence of a portion of the first conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor and/or movement of items from the transfer conveyor comprises a divergence of a portion of the second conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor. The convergence and/or divergence can include vertical change in the first, second and/or transfer conveyors, and can occur by supporting one portion of a bracket carrying an item upon at least one of the first and second conveyors, and supporting another portion of the bracket carrying the item upon the transfer conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Chad M. Andreae, Anthony C. Scoville
  • Patent number: 7918332
    Abstract: The present invention is a conveyor arrangement for a stamping die employed within a stamping press. The conveyor arrangement has a fixed conveyor with a protruding end, wherein the fixed conveyor is mounted on the die for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the die. The conveyor arrangement also has a moveable conveyor with a supported first end and a cantilevered second end, wherein the moveable conveyor is arranged for positioning the second end under the fixed conveyor's protruding end for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the fixed conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Vaughn, Jr., Mark A. Frondal, Charles J. Abramson
  • Publication number: 20110056802
    Abstract: The unit (1) for conveying products (2), in particular blister packs (2), comprises a first conveyor (4), and a second conveyor (5). The unit (1) comprises a disc (6) between the first conveyor (4) and the second conveyor (5), activatable in rotation about an axis (K) for performing transfer of the products (2) from the first conveyor (4) to the second conveyor (5) and a change in direction thereof from the first advancement direction (A1) to the second advancement direction (A2), and further comprises guide means (8, 80) of the products (2) which guide means (8,80) are positionable on the disc (6) such as to identify at least a linear guide advancement tract (L1) of the products (2) for aligning and guiding the products (2) in transfer onto the rotating disc (6) towards the second conveyor (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: IMA SAFE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Roberto Cocchi, Rodolfo Gaudenzi
  • Publication number: 20100263991
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: MULTIMORE AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Conny Andersson, Allan Carlsson