A conveying device according to the present invention includes a first connection mechanism provided on an upper surface, a base member provided on the upper surface, a sliding mechanism that relatively and slidably moves a position of the first connection mechanism on a slide axis relative to the base member, and a traveling mechanism that makes the conveying device travel. The first connection mechanism is connected with a carriage at a predetermined connection position. The sliding mechanism slidably moves the first connection mechanism between the connection position and a predetermined conveyance position spaced away from the connection position on the slide axis in a state in which the first connection mechanism is connected with the carriage. The traveling mechanism makes the conveying device travel in a state in which the first connection mechanism is positioned in the conveyance position.

The present invention includes conveying and sorting systems utilizing a plurality of continuous rails which support a plurality of sliding pucks that are urged forward using a plurality of sprocket wheels, and which utilize magnetically operated activation components for causing produce to be selectively dropped from cups carried by the pucks into sorting bins. The structures for the conveying and actuating components of the systems have smooth external surfaces reducing potential contamination by bacteria, contaminants and debris, thereby making them easily accessible for cleaning, and allowing for longer continuous operation times and higher efficiency.

Various embodiments described herein, relates to a sortation conveyer system comprising a cart coupling assembly for coupling two adjacent carts. The cart coupling assembly includes a coupling disc having: (a) a control slot, (b) a bearing slot, and (c) one or more arcuately shaped mounting slots. The coupling disc is mounted on a cart such that, upon rotation of the coupling disc, a control slot cavity defined by the control slot slid ably moves about a position register screw along the control slot cavity and a cavity defined by a respective mounting slot slid ably moves relative to a respective mounting pin received in the mounting slot.

The technology disclosed provides a joint for connecting carrier units together so as to dissipate and absorb axial forces experienced by the carrier units. The joint may be comprised of a joint housing and an elastomeric insert. The housing may be comprised of a body portion and a head portion and the head portion may include an annular flange in which the elastomeric insert is configured to be secured. The elastomeric joint is capable of absorbing and dissipating horizontal, rotational, and vertical forces experienced by the carrier units in non-linear travel along a track.

A processing system including a singulation system is disclosed. The singulation system includes a conveying system for moving objects to be processed from a source area along a first direction, a detection system for detecting objects at the conveying system, and for selecting certain selected objects for redistribution on the conveying system, and a movement redistribution system for redistributing the certain selected objects on the conveying system for providing a singulated stream of objects.

A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of an object associated with an input conveyance system, and an acquisition system for acquiring the object from a plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing location. The identified processing location being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location being provided as one of a plurality of processing locations. The processing system also includes a delivery system for receiving the object in a carrier and for delivering the object toward the identified processing location.

The invention relates to a device for moving objects, in particular portions, each portion comprising at least one slice cut from a food product, comprising a plurality of individually movable transport movers for at least one object each, a track system for the transport movers, in which the transport movers can be moved along at least one specified track in a transport direction, and a control apparatus for controlling the motions of the transport movers in the track system, wherein at least one track segment and/or at least one transport mover has at least one support, which is frame-free at every point in time or at least at times, for at least a part of a holder, in particular a bowl-like holder, for holding at least one object to be transported, in particular for a packaging or a part of a packaging, preferably for a tray for holding at least one portion, and wherein, in addition to the support, fastening means are provided, which are designed to fasten the holder to the support at least at times.

A device for loading, conveying and discharging objects, comprising: a plurality of trays each one of which is intended for carrying an object from a loading position to a discharge position, in which discharge position the object leaves the tray via an unloading section of the tray, a drive system for conveying the trays in a conveyance direction from the loading position to the discharge position, wherein for the purpose of conveying the trays along a path, the drive system comprises a series of linked driving elements, a drive for transferring a drive power onto the drive system, which drive power is required for conveying the trays, and a pusher arm arranged on the tray for by means of pushing away, discharging an object present on the tray, wherein pushing away takes place substantially transverse to the conveyance direction of the tray and wherein at least during conveyance of an object present on the tray the pusher arm is in a first position facing away from the unloading section, and wherein at least for discharging an object present on the tray, the pusher arm moves to a second position in which the pusher arm is near the unloading section of the tray, characterized in that a retaining means is arranged at the unloading section of the at least one tray so as to retain, in a first operation mode, an object present on the at least one tray when the object is moving towards the unloading section as a result of being exposed to dynamic forces during conveyance, and to allow, in a second operation mode, the pusher arm to discharge the object present on the tray by means of pushing away, and an adjusting means is arranged to position the retaining means either in the first or second operation mode.

A sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects adjacent the conveyor. The sorting conveyor includes a conveyor track, conveyor carts having a sortation tray, and a drive motor. In particular embodiments, the cross-belt assembly includes a belt roller, a drive roller, a timing belt, and a removable transport belt to unload objects toward at least one side of the conveyor.

A conveyor apparatus that conveys articles supported by a plurality of arranged article supports. The conveyor apparatus including infilling members, being disposed between the article supports. In one embodiment, an infill plate serving as the infilling member is urged to a tray by springs, so that the infill plate is kept in contact with the tray.