Ambec, Incorporated

Materials Handling Systems, Inc.

Other

Robert F Risley

Gordon S Lawless

Paul E Barkely

Paul E Barkley

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for separating objects. The apparatus typically includes a separation conveyor that forms a shallow peak within a pitched region upon which an object can be temporarily balanced, and at least two guide rails extending along the separation conveyor in a laterally spaced relationship. Upstream from the pitched region, the guide rails laterally support objects travelling along the separation conveyor. Within the pitched region, the guide rails are laterally spaced so as to permit lateral tipping of the objects when within the pitched region. At least one nozzle is positioned at a lateral position within the pitched region of the separation conveyor and is oriented so as to be capable of selectively ejecting a gentle burst of gas transversely across the separation conveyor to laterally tip an object balanced on the shallow peak to cause the object to slide under its own weight in a desired direction.

Method and apparatus for separating objects

A container turning device comprising a conveyor section equipped with a turning ramp. The conveyor section is typically curved and powered by drive means including a drive motor, drive chains, and an internal drive conveyor. Wrapped about the drive conveyor is a frusto-conical conveyor belt that is preferably smooth-surfaced and composed of vulcanized rubber. The container turning ramp is substantially thin and is mounted to the curved conveyor section along an inner side of the section adjacent its entrance end. In a preferred arrangement, the turning ramp is provided with a substantially circular stop bumper that is rotatably mounted to the turning ramp adjacent its rear edge. The ramp is secured to the conveyor section such that the front edge of the turning ramp is positioned adjacent the entrance end of the conveyor section and just below the surface of the conveyor belt. In operation, a container traveling in a lengthwise configuration will engage both the conveyor belt and the turning ramp simultaneously. As the container continues its forward travel, an inner side portion of the container is urged upwardly along the ramp, lifting the container above the conveyor belt surface such that only a rear portion of the container remains in contact with the conveyor belt. As the container climbs the ramp, it rotates due to the difference in friction it experiences with the ramp and belt. Eventually a ninety degree turn is completed by the container and drops-off of the turning ramp and onto the conveyor belt in a widthwise orientation.

Container turning device

A wind shield for each hand upon the hand grips of a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle is provided by a formed transparent acrylic plate attached to a bracket which is attached to the handlebar of the machine using an existing nut forward of the hand grip on the posterior of the handlebar which is associated with the attachment of the control lever.

Gold wing hand protector

The invention provides both a vacuum combiner and vacuum conveyor for combining a plurality of lightweight containers arranged in a random order and width into a single row of containers, and moving the containers on a conveyor line to downstream workstations at high speed rates. The vacuum combiner includes one or more conveyor belt-type surfaces, while the vacuum conveyor has a single belt-type surface, all of which have openings defined therein. Both devices also have at least two guide rail assemblies, and a vacuum source that adds a 'drag' or 'weighing' force on the light-weight containers moved thereon. The conveyor belt-type surfaces of the combiner and the conveyor may or may not be moving at the same velocity. The guide rail assemblies are each comprised of a plurality of rods and rollers, wherein the rollers are aligned in a unique anti-jamming staggered or diamond pattern. The guide rail assemblies are positioned such that they are either substantially upright, or are positioned such that each is inclined over and above the conveyor surfaces. The rods within the guide rail assemblies may be substantially vertical, or they may be inclined forward. One vacuum source may be used for the plurality of conveyor surfaces, or one vacuum source may be used for each individual conveyor. The vacuum force should be such that it is greatest on the discharge conveyor surface and lowest on the infeed conveyor surface. In an alternative embodiment, the level of vacuum applied to the conveyor surfaces increases along the length of each conveyor surface.

Vacuum conveyor

Vacuum combiner and vacuum conveyor

The invention provides a transport apparatus, or combiner, for transporting light-weight containers at high speed rates. The combiner includes one or more conveyor belt-type surfaces that have openings thereupon, a guide rail assembly, and a vacuum source that adds a 'drag' or 'weighting' force on the light-weight containers. The conveyor belt-type surfaces may or may not be moving at the same velocity. The guide rail assembly is comprised of rods and rollers, wherein the rollers are aligned in a unique anti-jamming staggered or diamond pattern. The guide rail assembly can be positioned such that it is substantially upright, or the guide rail assembly can be positioned such that it is sloped over the conveyor surfaces. The rods within the guide rail assembly may be substantially vertical, or they may be pitched forward. One vacuum source may be used for the plurality of conveyor surfaces, or one vacuum source may be used for each individual conveyor. The vacuum force should be such that it is greatest on the discharge conveyor surface and lowest on the infeed conveyor surface. In an alternative embodiment, the guide rail assembly includes an air-jet means that also helps propel the light-weight containers downstream.

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Ellicott City, MD, United States of America

Robert F Risley