Embodiments include a parcel processing system and methods for operating the same. The parcel processing system includes a collector configured to receive a flow of parcels and a slug accumulation system configured to receive the flow of parcels and produce a normalized bulk flow of parcels. The parcel processing system also includes a bulk transport conveyor configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels and a singulator configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels from the bulk transport conveyor. The normalized bulk flow of parcels is a flow of parcels having an approximately constant parcel density traveling at a fixed speed.

Embodiments include a parcel processing system and methods for operating the same. The parcel processing system includes a collector configured to receive a flow of parcels and a slug accumulation system configured to receive the flow of parcels and produce a normalized bulk flow of parcels. The parcel processing system also includes a bulk transport conveyor configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels and a singulator configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels from the bulk transport conveyor. The normalized bulk flow of parcels is a flow of parcels having an approximately constant parcel density traveling at a fixed speed.

A system for inspecting bottles includes a conveyor conveying bottles at a first speed. A starwheel, rotating at a second speed, less than the first speed, receives each bottle. Sensors are disposed adjacent the starwheel for detecting at least one of a residual liquid in the bottle and a defect in the bottle. The starwheel deposits each bottle on the conveyor at a downstream position. An outer sidewall inspection system, disposed along the path, has a first camera assembly and a second camera assembly disposed along the path and each bottle passes therebetween. A first belt is disposed along the conveyor in facing relation with a second belt to rotate the bottle. The outer sidewall inspection system has a third camera assembly and a fourth camera assembly disposed along the path, downstream of the first belt; each bottle passing between the third camera assembly and the fourth camera assembly.

A system for inspecting bottles includes a conveyor conveying bottles at a first speed. A starwheel, rotating at a second speed, less than the first speed, receives each bottle. Sensors are disposed adjacent the starwheel for detecting at least one of a residual liquid in the bottle and a defect in the bottle. The starwheel deposits each bottle on the conveyor at a downstream position. An outer sidewall inspection system, disposed along the path, has a first camera assembly and a second camera assembly disposed along the path and each bottle passes therebetween. A first belt is disposed along the conveyor in facing relation with a second belt to rotate the bottle. The outer sidewall inspection system has a third camera assembly and a fourth camera assembly disposed along the path, downstream of the first belt; each bottle passing between the third camera assembly and the fourth camera assembly.

An article conveying device 4 includes a movable conveyer 12 for conveying a culture vessel 3 (article) and longitudinal mover 13b for moving the movable conveyer 21, and a conveyer driving motor 14 is provided separately from the movable conveyer 12, and a driving magnet MA rotated by a driving shaft 32 driven by the conveyer driving motor 14 and a driven magnet MB provided on the movable conveyer 12 and connected to the driving magnet MA by a magnetic force in a non-contact manner are provided. A plurality of the driven magnets MB is provided along a moving direction of the movable conveyer 12 by the longitudinal mover 13b, and an interval between the plurality of the driven magnets MB is matched with a moving distance of the movable conveyer 12 by the longitudinal mover 13b.

An article conveying device 4 includes a movable conveyer 12 for conveying a culture vessel 3 (article) and longitudinal mover 13b for moving the movable conveyer 21, and a conveyer driving motor 14 is provided separately from the movable conveyer 12, and a driving magnet MA rotated by a driving shaft 32 driven by the conveyer driving motor 14 and a driven magnet MB provided on the movable conveyer 12 and connected to the driving magnet MA by a magnetic force in a non-contact manner are provided. A plurality of the driven magnets MB is provided along a moving direction of the movable conveyer 12 by the longitudinal mover 13b, and an interval between the plurality of the driven magnets MB is matched with a moving distance of the movable conveyer 12 by the longitudinal mover 13b.

A feeder (5) comprising: a feed device having: a material receiving end for receiving material; a material discharge end (11) distal of the material receiving end; an endless conveyor disposed to define a conveying surface (9) between the material receiving end and the discharge end (11) movable in use to cause material received at the material receiving end to be conveyed to the material discharge end (11), wherein the endless conveyor comprises a plurality of successively arrayed metal plates, pans or flights; a material flow monitoring device disposed in association with the feed device and adapted to obtain in use a measurement representative of a quantity of material passing along the conveying surface (9) of the endless conveyor; wherein the material flow monitoring device is adapted to obtain a measurement representative of a weight of material passing along the conveyor.

A feeder (5) comprising: a feed device having: a material receiving end for receiving material; a material discharge end (11) distal of the material receiving end; an endless conveyor disposed to define a conveying surface (9) between the material receiving end and the discharge end (11) movable in use to cause material received at the material receiving end to be conveyed to the material discharge end (11), wherein the endless conveyor comprises a plurality of successively arrayed metal plates, pans or flights; a material flow monitoring device disposed in association with the feed device and adapted to obtain in use a measurement representative of a quantity of material passing along the conveying surface (9) of the endless conveyor; wherein the material flow monitoring device is adapted to obtain a measurement representative of a weight of material passing along the conveyor.

Device for delivery of sorted elements for feeding a downstream work station that includes a downward drop that brings the elements, a one-at-a-time processor that receives the elements from the drop, an upward conveyor branch that extends from the processor and that receives the elements therefrom, and an ejector that is located in the area of the upward conveyor branch. The device includes at least one viewing unit that is positioned to monitor the elements in the area of the processor, such as a camera.

Device for delivery of sorted elements for feeding a downstream work station that includes a downward drop that brings the elements, a one-at-a-time processor that receives the elements from the drop, an upward conveyor branch that extends from the processor and that receives the elements therefrom, and an ejector that is located in the area of the upward conveyor branch. The device includes at least one viewing unit that is positioned to monitor the elements in the area of the processor, such as a camera.