A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. One version of such a conveyor comprises a frame and an insertable conveyor belt support. Another version comprises a modular frame formed by a plurality of shafts connected using connectors. Another version comprises a unitary frame and carryway structure, whereby the carryway for supporting a conveyor belt constitutes support structure for the frame. Another version comprises a carryway support rail including an integral curved reversing element. Another version comprises components connected through curvaceous connecting members.

A waste sorting robot (100) comprises a manipulator (104) moveable within a working area (108). A suction gripper (120) is connected to the manipulator (104) and arranged to generate a negative pressure to selectively grip a waste object (106) in the working area (108). The waste sorting robot (100) further comprises a cleaning solvent supply external to the suction gripper (120). The suction gripper (120) is configured to move from a first position remote from the cleaning solvent supply to a second position wherein the cleaning solvent supply contacts the suction gripper (120).

An apparatus for transporting endless dough strips or substantially non-rigid shaped bodies such as, in particular, biscuit dough shaped bodies and the like, includes a machine frame, a closed circulating conveyor belt, a deflecting roller which contacts the conveyor belt on the inner side for deflection and has a deflection axle or shaft which is mounted rotationally laterally on the machine frame, and a drive roller which contacts the conveyor belt on the inner side for driving and has a drive shaft which is mounted rotationally laterally on the machine frame and is driven by a drive. The drive roller is connected to the machine frame by a pivoting apparatus.

A continuous loop reinforced food grade belt includes a plurality of extruded filaments comprising a meltable synthetic polymer, and at least one matrix material embedding the filaments. The matrix material includes a food grade polymer, and the matrix material and filaments form a length of belt having opposed first and second ends. The first and second ends are melted together to form a continuous loop belt with no filaments exposed to the belt environment.

A telescoping belt tightener for conveyors includes an elongated outer body and a slider tube inserted in one end, with the slider tube able to slide into and out of the outer body to varying lengths. An adjuster at an opposing end can be turned to extend or retract the slider tube from the outer body. A bearing collar, with a bearing cavity that fits a spherical bearing, is attached to the slider tube. A collar shield snugly fits with the bearing collar to keep contaminants from entering the bearing cavity. One or both ends of the outer body include a stopper for keeping contaminants from entering the outer body. The outer body is round and without standing surfaces on which food and debris could accumulate. The outer body and adjuster are unitary parts without crevices in which contaminants can collect. The belt tightener is well-suited for food-grade applications.

A picking device for piece goods is disclosed, in which cleaning of the picking device is facilitated. The picking device may include a shelf row having shelf bases, each including a plurality of storage chutes, and a retrieving device, via which piece goods can be retrieved. A shelf base may include a frame structure, chute partitions, chute bases, and blocking devices, which are coupled to a control device. Two chute partitions and one chute base may define one elongate storage chute, assigned to each chute base is a support device, on which the chute base rests and which is designed such that another chute base can be slid between the resting chute base and the support device. Assigned to each chute base is a holding means, which prevents the chute base from sliding in the longitudinal direction of the storage chute when the chute base is on the support device.

A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. One version of such a conveyor comprises a frame and an insertable conveyor belt support. Another version comprises a modular frame formed by a plurality of shafts connected using connectors. Another version comprises a unitary frame and carryway structure, whereby the carryway for supporting a conveyor belt constitutes support structure for the frame. Another version comprises a carryway support rail including an integral curved reversing element. Another version comprises components connected through curvaceous connecting members.

A conveyance apparatus (1) according to an embodiment includes: a conveyance unit (3) configured to convey an article that is charged from an outside and contains fat on at least a surface of the article, wherein a hydrophilic coating layer is formed on a conveyance front surface (31) of the conveyance unit (3).

Disclosed herein is a drone docking station for deposit of items/goods delivered by a drone to a secured receptacle. Items can be delivered to a receptacle at a curb, mailbox, post, porch, mobile units, and window for a multi-parcel receptacle with a set of drawers with hot and cold sections in the station that has a specific residential/commercial address with various optional features. Features include communication systems between the station and drone; security; hot and cold temperature control and preservation of the goods before and after delivery; battery charging and exchange station; a collector to identify explosive materials, anthrax, etc.; ultraviolet system to eradicate disease, virus and harmful materials; an ozone applicator to eradicate disease, virus and harmful materials; weather monitoring; tag and track of vehicles and packages; facial recognition camera and software for pets and humans; and local two-way speakers; LED lights that strobe flash, and a flood light.

A control unit is disclosed to control an imaging unit to perform imaging of a tray/container. The control unit can cause the performance of actions on the container using automated machines and/or directing humans to perform an action. For example, the presence of contamination in a container can be detected based on an image of the container captured by an imaging unit. The control unit can receive an image of the container from the imaging unit, determine whether the container is contaminated, and direct the container to a cleaning unit. Moreover, the control unit can detect a product based on an image of the product, determine an identity of the product based on the received image, and command an indicating unit to indicate a failure to determine the identity of the product.