An automated method and system for transporting vials from multiple upstream locations to a downstream location and for combining N number of conveyor lanes from N number of upstream location (e.g., capping stations) down to one conveyor lane. The system is adapted to transport vials from a more-distant upstream location faster than vials from a closer upstream location so that they reach the downstream location at approximately the same time. Guide members placed at an angle to the traveling axis of the conveyor lanes divert the vials onto a single conveyor lane for transporting the vials to a downstream location.

A sorting device for articles has at least two main conveyor lines, each conveying consecutively arranged articles, at least two feeder devices, which respectively feed the articles to one of the main conveyor lines, at least two recognition devices for detecting a sorting destination for each article, a plurality of sorting outlets arranged at the end of each main conveyor line, each assigned to sorting destinations, and to which the articles are transported. The sorting device further has at least two connecting conveyor lines, each branching off the main conveyor lines at branch points, by way of which the articles can be conveyed from one main conveyor line to another main conveyor line. The articles can be temporarily stored in a storage device, which feeds temporarily stored articles to one of the main conveyor lines in the direction of conveyance before at least one of the branch points.

A system and method for optimizing flow of a plurality of products along a conveyor includes a conveyor drive connected with the respect to the conveyor, the conveyor drive configured to modulate the speed of the conveyor. A camera positioned relative to the products on the conveyor. A processing unit is connected with respect to the camera and the conveyor drive, the processing unit defining a zone along the conveyor having a virtual longitudinal and lateral boundary within a section of the conveyor, the processing unit further determining relative product position metrics of the products within the zone and communicating with the conveyor drive to modulate the speed of the conveyor thereby optimizing a relative position of the products within the zone. In addition, the subject system may be used for inspection of conveyed products.

A method and system (100) for controlling transport of products (1). The products (1) are guided by at least one conveyor surface (10) through a control zone (15). A flow profile (Fm) of the products (1) in the control zone (15) is measured. The measured flow profile (Fm) is compared to one or more predetermined flow patterns (P1,P2,P3) for controlling the transport based on the comparison. Preferably, the flow profile (Fm) is measured by a sensor device (20) disposed adjacent the transported products, e.g. using LIDAR.

A method and system (100) for controlling transport of products (1). The products (1) are guided by at least one conveyor surface (10) through a control zone (15). A flow profile (Fm) of the products (1) in the control zone (15) is measured. The measured flow profile (Fm) is compared to one or more predetermined flow patterns (P1,P2,P3) for controlling the transport based on the comparison. Preferably, the flow profile (Fm) is measured by a sensor device (20) disposed adjacent the transported products, e.g. using LIDAR.

The invention relates to a method for combining conveyor streams on a conveying technology element (Ka . . . Kc, K1 . . . K34) having a number of ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b), at least one coupling (2) to an outgoing conveyor segment (3) on which the ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b) are brought together, and a number of holding devices (4a, 4b) for holding a conveyor flow on the ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b). In addition, a number of release devices (A, A1 . . . A22) disposed downstream of said ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b) logically connected to an OR-connection are provided for releasing a holding device (4a, 4b) or a conveyed object (17). A holding device (4a, 4b) or a conveyed object (17) waiting at same is then respectively released when a conveyed object (17) preceding the waiting conveyed object (17) in a sorting order passes one of the connected release devices (A, A1 . . . A22) or when there is no preceding conveyed object (17). The invention also relates to a conveying technology element (Ka . . . Kc, K1 . . . K34) for carrying out said method.

The invention relates to a method for combining conveyor streams on a conveying technology element (Ka . . . Kc, K1 . . . K34) having a number of ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b), at least one coupling (2) to an outgoing conveyor segment (3) on which the ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b) are brought together, and a number of holding devices (4a, 4b) for holding a conveyor flow on the ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b). In addition, a number of release devices (A, A1 . . . A22) disposed downstream of said ingoing conveyor segments (1a, 1b) logically connected to an OR-connection are provided for releasing a holding device (4a, 4b) or a conveyed object (17). A holding device (4a, 4b) or a conveyed object (17) waiting at same is then respectively released when a conveyed object (17) preceding the waiting conveyed object (17) in a sorting order passes one of the connected release devices (A, A1 . . . A22) or when there is no preceding conveyed object (17). The invention also relates to a conveying technology element (Ka . . . Kc, K1 . . . K34) for carrying out said method.

Provided is a method of controlling a transfer system. The method includes: collecting traveling information obtained while a transfer unit travels along a rail installed on the manufacturing line; and based on the traveling information, controlling a direction of at least one switching unit included in the rail, in which the switching unit switches a lane on which the transfer unit travels.

Provided is a method of controlling a transfer system. The method includes: collecting traveling information obtained while a transfer unit travels along a rail installed on the manufacturing line; and based on the traveling information, controlling a direction of at least one switching unit included in the rail, in which the switching unit switches a lane on which the transfer unit travels.