[Problem] To develop a device for diverting, to multiple conveyance paths, a plurality of cup-shaped containers conveyed in a single file on a manufacturing line, and consolidating a prescribed number of the containers as a group so as to be sequentially and continuously conveyed.

[Solution] The method that has been found to be effective involves providing a plurality of adjacently arranged successive conveyance paths that branch out from a conveyance path of a conveyance device that continuously conveys cup-shaped containers having prescribed shapes in a single file, sequentially conveying the cup-shaped containers on the branch conveyance paths, stopping the movement of the cup-shaped containers and aligning the containers at the end point of the branch conveyance paths, consolidating the containers as a group at the end point in each of the conveyance paths, and transferring the cup-shaped containers to another conveyance path.

A device for organizing, conveying and placing ammunition cases consists of a module with an array of funnels on the top face. When cases are poured onto the top face the funnels direct the cases into bores below, generally with the heavy end (rim and extractor groove end) down. Edges of apertures in a plate which slides in a slot in the bottom of the module engage the extractor groove in each case and secure the cases between the plate and module with spring pressure. After securing the cases they may be conveyed to another location at which point the spring may be compressed to release the cases leaving them arranged neatly. A tray is used to contain and interface with a plurality of modules. By adjusting wedges in the tray, the plates in the module assemblies engaged by the wedges are caused to operate as described previously.

A device for organizing, conveying and placing ammunition cases consists of a module with an array of funnels on the top face. When cases are poured onto the top face the funnels direct the cases into bores below, generally with the heavy end (rim and extractor groove end) down. Edges of apertures in a plate which slides in a slot in the bottom of the module engage the extractor groove in each case and secure the cases between the plate and module with spring pressure. After securing the cases they may be conveyed to another location at which point the spring may be compressed to release the cases leaving them arranged neatly. A tray is used to contain and interface with a plurality of modules. By adjusting wedges in the tray, the plates in the module assemblies engaged by the wedges are caused to operate as described previously.

A package accumulating device is disclosed. The device conveys bag packages to a predetermined position while performing an accumulating operation that aligns the packages such that parts of each of the packages lie on top of parts of adjacent packages in a thickness direction. The device includes first and second conveyors, and a control unit. The first conveyor performs the accumulating operation. The second conveyor conveys a group of the packages aligned by the first conveyor. The control unit performs switching between a first state where a downstream end of the first conveyor and an upstream end of the second conveyor oppose each other when the second conveyor accepts the group of the packages from the first conveyor and a second state where a position of the upstream end of the second conveyor is lower than in the first state with respect to the downstream end of the first conveyor.

A package accumulating device is disclosed. The device conveys bag packages to a predetermined position while performing an accumulating operation that aligns the packages such that parts of each of the packages lie on top of parts of adjacent packages in a thickness direction. The device includes first and second conveyors, and a control unit. The first conveyor performs the accumulating operation. The second conveyor conveys a group of the packages aligned by the first conveyor. The control unit performs switching between a first state where a downstream end of the first conveyor and an upstream end of the second conveyor oppose each other when the second conveyor accepts the group of the packages from the first conveyor and a second state where a position of the upstream end of the second conveyor is lower than in the first state with respect to the downstream end of the first conveyor.

An automated method and system for stacking and loading wrapped or unwrapped facemasks into a carton in a facemask production line includes conveying individual wrapped facemasks in a continuous stream to a stacking location. At the stacking location, the facemasks are deposited into a vertical accumulator such that the facemasks are stacked in the accumulator. Upon reaching a predetermined fill level of facemasks in the accumulator, a bottom retainer in the accumulator is opened such that the stacked facemasks drop into a carton placed below the accumulator. Upon opening the bottom retainer, a mid-level retainer is actuated in the accumulator that captures facemasks that continue to be deposited into the accumulator at an intermediate height above the bottom retainer. The bottom retainer is closed after the stacked facemasks drop into the carton, and the mid-level retainer is then opened such that the facemasks captured by the mid-level retainer drop onto the bottom retainer.

System and methods for manipulating and sorting of objects being moved along a conveyor are disclosed, whereby control of the object is achieved through the application of one or more of vacuum, impaling, or mechanical grasping. One embodiment is directed to a robotic arm and vision detection system operable for detecting a target object to be grasped from a stream of objects being moved on a conveyor, and moving a suction head into position over the target object that has been detected on the conveyor, the suction head having a flexible cup section disposed at a distal end thereof, the vacuum item pick-up system/method using high subsonic air flow (e.g., on the order of 60 scfm or more) through a suction cup having a flow opening area large enough that an airflow of 60 scfm does not result in an airspeed exceeding Mach 0.2 under standard conditions of temperature and pressure, and further having a flow opening area whose ratio to cup opening area falls between 0.36 and 1.44 for applying a desired vacuum suction force for grasping the target object. Either as a primary grasping mechanism, or as an optional supplemental grasping mechanism, a piercing mechanism may be inserted into the object and used to manipulate the object in space. Alternate systems/methods for manipulating and sorting objects via hitting, flicking, or pushing are also disclosed.

System and methods for manipulating and sorting of objects being moved along a conveyor are disclosed, whereby control of the object is achieved through the application of one or more of vacuum, impaling, or mechanical grasping. One embodiment is directed to a robotic arm and vision detection system operable for detecting a target object to be grasped from a stream of objects being moved on a conveyor, and moving a suction head into position over the target object that has been detected on the conveyor, the suction head having a flexible cup section disposed at a distal end thereof, the vacuum item pick-up system/method using high subsonic air flow (e.g., on the order of 60 scfm or more) through a suction cup having a flow opening area large enough that an airflow of 60 scfm does not result in an airspeed exceeding Mach 0.2 under standard conditions of temperature and pressure, and further having a flow opening area whose ratio to cup opening area falls between 0.36 and 1.44 for applying a desired vacuum suction force for grasping the target object. Either as a primary grasping mechanism, or as an optional supplemental grasping mechanism, a piercing mechanism may be inserted into the object and used to manipulate the object in space. Alternate systems/methods for manipulating and sorting objects via hitting, flicking, or pushing are also disclosed.

A device for organizing, conveying and placing ammunition cases consists of a module with an array of funnels on the top face. When cases are poured onto the top face the funnels direct the cases into bores below, generally with the heavy end (rim and extractor groove end) down. Edges of apertures in a plate which slides in a slot in the bottom of the module engage the extractor groove in each case and secure the cases between the plate and module with spring pressure. After securing the cases they may be conveyed to another location at which point the spring may be compressed to release the cases leaving them arranged neatly. A tray is used to contain and interface with a plurality of modules. By adjusting wedges in the tray, the plates in the module assemblies engaged by the wedges are caused to operate as described previously.

A method of arranging articles. The method can comprise moving a bucket in a machine direction on a conveyor assembly. The bucket can comprise a receiving space. The method further can comprise loading a plurality of articles into an arrangement of articles in the receiving space as the bucket moves in the machine direction. The arrangement of articles can comprise at least a first article and a second article of the plurality of articles. The method also can comprise elevating at least the first article with respect to the second article in the receiving space of the bucket, and compacting the arrangement of articles in the bucket.