Abstract: A packaging machine may include a grouping device comprising a spreading area with a spreading table having a base body and a plurality of support bars adjustable in their transverse spacing, each having at least one row of seats extending in a longitudinal direction, each for one product. The grouping device may also include at least one transverse drive for adjusting the transverse spacing, for producing a single-layer group having an even or uneven number of rows of products, and for inserting the group into an outer package. The plurality of support bars include a plurality of double-row support bars which cannot be moved relative to one another in the transverse direction, and at least two single-row support bars that are movable relative to one another in the transverse direction positioned between two of the double-row support bars.

Abstract: In a packaging line (1) comprising a plurality of robots (7), in order to be able to replace a faulty unit, in particular robot (7), quickly and with minimal, preferably no manpower, in particular during running operation of the packaging line (1), the unit to be changed is automatically decoupled from the power and data feeds and from the purely mechanical connections and is removed from the packaging line (1), preferably transversely to the throughput direction (10?) of the packaging line (1), and the new unit is automatically introduced in the opposite direction, is positioned, and is mechanically fixed, and the energy and data supplies are automatically coupled.

Abstract: In order to be able to produce foil bags in a more flexible manner it is proposed according to the invention to transport individual foil sheets (100) instead of using the continuous flow pack method by using independently moveable transport slides (120) of a flexible transport device (111) and filling, erecting and sealing the foil bags.

Abstract: Line scanning of a radiated and defined strip pattern (2) facilitates determining a position of an edge of each strip (5) by taking images of the line pattern (2) from a different viewing angle and determining an elevation profile along an image line (3) therefrom and by concatenating determining the 3-D elevation profile over a surface (1).

Abstract: Packaging machine and especially intermediate elements installed therein for fixing active elements such as for example robots, transposing apparatuses, conveyor belts and the like to a main frame structure of a packaging machine such as for example a CNC-top loading machine, in which both simple and flexible assembly of the modules is possible and the modules can be displaced both in the longitudinal direction and also transversely with respect to the packaging path and can be fixed at any desired locations, wherein the intermediate elements comprise profile members respectively arranged in pairs in parallel mutually juxtaposed relationship, the intermediate elements are held at a defined spacing by means of clamping plates, the clamping plates have projections which stick up laterally of the profile members, and the clamping plates are clamped by means of a clamping mechanism which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate elements between the profile members.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for introducing individual products into containers for receiving a given number of individual products for filling the containers, by means of a picker line, the individual products and the containers are not advanced with a transportation movement in co-flow relationship, and delivery of the next container to be filled, into the working region of the pickers of the picker line, is controlled in dependence thereon.

Abstract: A grouping and buffer apparatus for bringing together piece products in a feed region, for intermediatre storage of said products and for preparing a number of said products for removal in removal groups in a removal region, comprises a feed conveyor for the products, and at least first and second mutually parallel endless conveyors which extend in at least substantially mutually parallel relationship with at least one run. Each endless conveyor has at least one group of entrainment members thereon, for receiving the products from the feed conveyor and for transporting the products, and the endless conveyors are controllable independently of each other. The apparatus receives irregularly supplied products and temporarily stores same, and provides for group-wise discharge thereof.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for optically determining the position of products by means of light-sensitive sensors on a background moving relative thereto such as a conveyor belt, at least one light source radiating light onto the conveyor belt is arranged along at least one scanning line extending transversely with respect to the direction of movement. At least one row of light-sensitive sensors, which row is arranged along at least one scanning line, is operable to register a light effect caused by products passing between the light source and the sensors.

Abstract: A packaging machine of a modular construction designed in accordance with a respective specific task to be performed has a machine bed comprising first and second spaced-apart rows of hollow bed modules which are connected together in successive relationship in the longitudinal direction. The bed modules are held at a spacing by transverse struts.

Abstract: A device for placing chocolates inserted into paper cups with upright, pleated edges into the bottom portion of candy boxes, with cartridges moved by a conveyor belt and having recesses or the like to accomodate the paper cups; a device for inserting the paper cups into the recesses in the cartridges; a device for inserting the chocolates into the paper cups and a device for transferring the paper cups filled with chocolates to the bottom portion of a candy box, wherein said cartridges have grooves extending from one side to the other side, with bridges disposed therebetween, with lateral indentations disposed facing one another at the locations of said paper cups.