An apparatus for use in delivering cup-like containers to a container receiving path of a packaging station includes: a first infeed tower and a second infeed tower, each of the first infeed tower and the second infeed tower having: a stationary upper segment and a movable lower segment, wherein the movable lower segment is movable between a load position, in alignment with the stationary upper segment for receiving cup-like containers from the stationary upper segment, and an unload position, in alignment with the container receiving path for delivering cup-like containers to the container receiving path; a transfer gate controllable to block feed of cup-like containers from the stationary upper segment down into the movable lower segment; and an outlet gate controllable to block feed of cup-like containers down out of the movable lower segment.

A separating device for a gravity conveyor, comprising a conveying plane (E) along which an item (30) is conveyable in a conveying direction (F), and an actuating means (50), which comprises a first actuating member (51), which can be moved into an actuated position by conveyed items (30) being moved in the conveying direction (F), and a second actuating member (52), which can be moved into an actuated position by conveyed items (30) being moved counter to the conveying direction (F). When at least one of the first and second actuating members (50, 51) is actuated, a movement of the at least one separating stop (40) from the position above the conveying plane is blocked, and when the first and second actuating members (50, 51) are unactuated, a movement of the at least one separating stop (40) to a position below or flush with the conveying plane is enabled.

A system for controlling a flow of articles includes a conveyor driven in a direction to convey articles in the direction. A plurality of lanes are disposed along a portion of the conveyor. Each lane accepts a row of articles along the conveyor direction. A plurality of sensors count the articles in each lane. A plurality of actuators control the flow rates of the articles by comparing and adjusting the flow rates in respective lanes.

Provided are a material conveying device and a material processing apparatus. The material conveying device includes a frame and a plurality of conveying mechanisms sequentially arranged in a conveying direction of a material. An output end of each of the plurality of conveying mechanisms is connected to an input end of an adjacent conveying mechanism. Each of the plurality of conveying mechanisms includes a plurality of rollers each rotatably connected to the frame, and a driver in a transmission connection with one of the plurality of rollers to drive the one of the plurality of first rollers to rotate. Each conveying mechanism is driven by a separate driver. A speed of the material on different conveying mechanisms can be controlled by adjusting a direction and a magnitude of torque outputted by the driver.

The invention relates to a method for transferring an item to be transported (10; 11; 12) from an end portion (2) of a flow storage system (1) to a removal device (20), comprising the steps of: using an end stop (4) arranged in the shut-off position for retaining at least one first item to be transported (10) on the end portion (2) of the flow storage system (1) and/or using a separator (5) arranged in the shut-off position to retain at least one second item to be transported (11) on a retaining section (3) of the flow storage system (1); arranging (100) the removal device (20) adjacent to the end portion (2) of the flow storage system (1) in a removal position; using at least one sensor (21) of the removal device (20) for checking (101; 111) whether the end stop (4) and/or the separator (5) is arranged in its respective shut-off position; and transferring (104) the first item to be transported (10) from the end portion (2) to the removal device (20).

A component filling device and a component filling method are provided which, with a configuration that does not involve contact with the workpiece during a stud gun welding operation, can fill a component supply device with a prescribed number of components from a component feeding device. The component filling device (a stud filling device) is provided with: a component storage unit (a tube) which, inside of a component storage hole (the tube hole), can store a prescribed number of components (studs) aligned from a stopping unit towards the top; and a switching mechanism which comprises multiple moving bodies (balls), which can move between a position contacting a component and a position not contacting the component, and a lock unit (a rotation member), which restricts the moving bodies from moving, wherein the switching mechanism can switch between a state in which the stopping unit stops the components and a state in which the components are allowed to pass.

A logistics arrangement for conveying objects between different locations is provided herein. The logistics arrangement comprises a loading structure having a first storage area, a mobile robot having a second storage area, and a guard module arranged at the loading structure. The guard module is configured to be operated in a closed mode and an open mode.

The technology described herein generally relates to particular form of folded package and the method of forming that folded package. The package packages loose particles into a conical container and secures the filling with a folded distal end. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied as filling and the package may further be provided with a fluid core.

A conveyor system for translating objects is disclosed, each object with vertical protrusions extending upward and/or downward from one or more sides of the object. The conveyor system can accommodate structural members such as roof truss members, on which connector plates are affixed and from which the connector plates protrude vertically up, down, or both. The conveyor system may have a slide or some other support for the objects. The slide or other support may be narrow. The slide or other support can be tall, relative to an object. The conveyor system may have an engagement tool driven by an overhead carriage to translate the objects along the slide or other support. The engagement tool may be narrow. The engagement tool can be tall, relative to an object.

Loading units are collections of goods to be placed in sequence and compiled, as onto a pallet, for shipment. An apparatus is provided for sequencing loading units in a predetermined order. The apparatus includes a sequencing zone with a plurality of belts for receiving units to be sequenced, and a feeding device for units arranged upstream of the sequencing zone. Also included is a separation device with intakes for loading units. A distribution device distributes units onto the belts; a relocation device conveys separated units toward a downstream conveying device. The distribution device and the relocation device include a transverse pusher for pushing the units transversely to the belts or the intakes.