A tray conveyor in which plastic trays with rows of embedded translators are driven by stators in multiple conveyor sections. Washing stations in cleaning zones in each conveyor section are provided to automatically clean empty trays in the conveyor's return path. Indicia on each tray identify the tray as belonging to a specific family of trays. Each of the conveyor sections conveys only conveyor trays that belong to a predetermined family assigned to that conveyor section.

A device, mechanism, and methodology for regular and consistent cleaning of the vacuum aperture, nozzle, and contacting surfaces of a pick-and-place apparatus and the pick-up tools of automated or manual semiconductor device and die handling machines are disclosed. The cleaning material may include a cleaning pad layer with one or more intermediate layers that have predetermined characteristics, regular geometrical features, and/or an irregular surface morphology.

A device, mechanism, and methodology for regular and consistent cleaning of the vacuum aperture, nozzle, and contacting surfaces of a pick-and-place apparatus and the pick-up tools of automated or manual semiconductor device and die handling machines are disclosed. The cleaning material may include a cleaning pad layer with one or more intermediate layers that have predetermined characteristics, regular geometrical features, and/or an irregular surface morphology.

A paddle conveyor system for efficiently removing tare, dirt, small particles, and other debris from large bulky products such as sugar beets. The paddle conveyor generally includes a first pulley including a first side and a second side and a second pulley including a first side and a second side. A first linkage is connected between the first side of the first pulley and the first side of the second pulley and a second linkage is connected between the second side of the first pulley and the second side of the second pulley. A plurality of paddles is each connected between the first linkage and the second linkage such that the plurality of paddles forms a loop for conveying a material towards the second pulley. Each of the paddles includes one or more slots through which debris from the material may fall.

A crop cart cleaning and unloading system for cleaning debris such as dirt and rocks from a crop as the crop is being transferred between a hopper of a crop cart and a transport vehicle. The crop cart cleaning and unloading system generally includes a hopper for receiving a crop such as potatoes. The hopper transfers the crop onto a cleaning bed on which the crop is cleaned of debris, with the debris falling underneath the cleaning bed. The crop is conveyed across the cleaning bed as it is cleaned, with the cleaned crop being transferred from the cleaning bed onto an unloading conveyor. The unloading conveyor then transfers the cleaned crop to another location to be discharged, such as directly into a transport vehicle for further transport and processing.

A crop cart cleaning and unloading system for cleaning debris such as dirt and rocks from a crop as the crop is being transferred between a hopper of a crop cart and a transport vehicle. The crop cart cleaning and unloading system generally includes a hopper for receiving a crop such as potatoes. The hopper transfers the crop onto a cleaning bed on which the crop is cleaned of debris, with the debris falling underneath the cleaning bed. The crop is conveyed across the cleaning bed as it is cleaned, with the cleaned crop being transferred from the cleaning bed onto an unloading conveyor. The unloading conveyor then transfers the cleaned crop to another location to be discharged, such as directly into a transport vehicle for further transport and processing.

The present invention relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The present invention also relates to methods employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the method includes applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a non-energized nozzle.

The present invention relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The present invention also relates to methods employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the method includes applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a non-energized nozzle.

A tray conveyor in which plastic trays with rows of embedded translators are driven by stators. Washing stations in cleaning zones are provided to automatically clean empty trays in the conveyor's return path.

A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.