Abstract:
A gripper device is provided for picking up and releasing an article. The device includes a support (15, 16) and a pair of grippers (10, 11) pivotally mounted on the support for movement of their distal ends towards and away from each other. A belt (1) is belt arranged to extend across the gap defined between the distal ends of the grippers when they are spaced apart so that the belt is able to extend over the article to be picked up and to extend around the article when the grippers have been moved towards each other to pick up the article.
Abstract:
A vacuum pick-up device 20 includes a device body 22 having a pick-up tip opening 78 to which vacuum pressure is supplied. The vacuum pick-up device 20 further includes a mechanical release assisting device 36 that assists in the release of a grasped object contemporaneously with or slightly subsequent to the cessation of vacuum pressure. A manifold 38 may be included to efficiently and effectively supply vacuum pressure to the device body 22 from a vacuum pressure source.
Abstract:
A transfer device is disclosed for transferring a plurality of stacks of disk-like objects such as frozen hamburger patties, from a plurality of first trays having bottom walls angled with respect to horizontal to a horizontal support platform spaced from the trays. The transfer device includes a support frame having wheels that is movable between first and second ends of a guide track and a pivotal frame pivotally attached to the support frame which pivotal frame supports upper and lower grippers for engaging the upper and lower sides of a plurality of stacks of objects and securely holding the stacks of objects as they are moved between first and second positions.
Abstract:
A modular conveying system with sprockets engaging the modules such that they do not cover any link gaps but are positioned between the link gaps. The module is characterized by link structures having link pairs that are spaced apart sufficiently at a distance to allow the sprockets to be located between the link pairs. Positioning the sprockets between the link pairs leaves the hinge gaps uncovered and thus allows free access to the hinge gap for cleaning.
Abstract:
A supporting installation for supporting a number of turns extending helically one above the other in a belt pile and included in an at least partly self-supporting conveyor belt (2), comprising an inner supporting structure (8) which, together with an inner chain (5) supported by and movable along the same, defines an inner channel (12), in which one or more inner bearing elements (14) are arranged. Outer supporting structure (9) which, together with an outer chain (6) supported by and movable along the same, defines an outer channel (13), in which one or more outer bearing elements (15) are arranged. The installation is characterised in that each chain (5; 6) comprises abutment surfaces which form a radially outer side wall (23) of the inner channel (12) and the outer channel (13) respectively, and that the outer bearing elements (15) are arranged for transfer of radially inward forces from the outer chain (6) to the outer supporting structure (9).
Abstract:
A product flow control apparatus for use in sorting of products, and particularly relatively small products. The apparatus includes a reservoir of products to be sorted, a flow-rate control passage at which a flow restrictor limits the flow rate of products passing to a slide before imaging by a product viewer and sorting by ejector. A flow valve operates to provide products to a flow-rate control passage at a flow rate at which the product viewer and the ejector can operate.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a delivery element for delivering a plurality of unsorted products to a subsequent apparatus, in particular an apparatus for separating the products, including a rotatably driveable turntable with which is associated a guide element arranged eccentrically to the turntables, which is distinguished by the fact that the guide element comprises a side wall which runs approximately parallel to a radially peripheral side wall extending perpendicularly from the turntable, both the turntable and the guide element being driven optionally in the same or opposite directions.
Abstract:
An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors together create a substantially open, planar support surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an apparatus for the conveying of homogenized products having an n-track conveying section and a single-track conveying section adjoining it, wherein at least n+1 individual conveyors extending parallel to one another in a conveying plane adjoin the end of the n-track conveying section.
Abstract:
A wire belt includes a plurality of interconnected links that form a belt having a small mesh size, large percent open-area, and high strength, without the use of transverse rods or complex weaving patterns. Each of the links includes a hinge portion and hanger portion. The hinge portion includes a first and a second section. The first section is disposed at an angle relative to the hanger portion. The second section includes two loops sized and shaped to fit around at least a portion of the hanger portion of an adjacent link such that the two links are rotatably interconnected to form a continuous belt without the use of transverse rods or complex weaving patterns. The second section may have a “U” or “V” shape, and may include an elongated section such that the hinge portion extends beyond a transverse axis of the hanger portion.