Abstract: A counter for a stack of sheets has a fixed elongate member (21) defining a curved surface (22) in which is formed a vacuum port (23), and a pin (17) extending parallel to the member (21) and arranged to move in a circular orbit therearound. A valve member (25A) is rotatable within the member (21) in synchronism with the motion of the pin (17), and has a port (45) which comes into and out of register with port (23). the corner regions of successive sheets in a stack are drawn in turn on to the curved surface (22) by suction when ports (23) and (45) are in register, so separating the drawn corner from the stack; the pin (17) enters the gap thus created, and transfers that sheet corner to the other side of member (21). The ports (23) and (45) are out of register during this transfer, whereby the corner of the sheet being transferred is no longer held to the member (21 ).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dispensing unit for a filling machine for filling containers with particulate material comprising a nozzle having an outlet end for delivery of particulate material to a container. The nozzle is encircled by a downwardly facing seal to engage the upper open end of the container. The nozzle has an outer annular cavity terminating in an annular port around the open end of the nozzle in which a relatively high vacuum is drawn to evacuate the container and draw material through the passageway into the container. The nozzle has an inner annular cavity terminating in a porous wall encircling the discharge end of the nozzle in which a relatively low vacuum is drawn to adhere material in the nozzle to the wall of vacuum and terminate flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a powder flow control valve comprising a nozzle formed from a material such as high density polythene having an upper frusto-conical section which converges towards the lower end of the nozzle and terminates in a cylindrical section. The nozzle is encircled by a plenum chamber to which sources of vacuum and air pressure are selectively connectable through a pneumatic control system. When vacuum is connected to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure drop across the wall of the porous nozzle causes powder flowing through the nozzle to consolidate in the nozzle and terminate the flow. When air pressure is applied to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure rise across the boundary surface accelerates powder flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a labelling mechanism for a weigh/price labelling apparatus comprising a device (10) which supplies printed self-adhesive labels on a backing strip (11) around a stripper block (12) to feed labels onto a temporary holder (13) on which a label is held by vacuum ports in the holder. A label transfer device (16) comprises a carrier (17) mounted for rotary movement on an eccentric drive mechanism (18). Rotation of the drive mechanism moves the carrier (17) from a label receiving position adjacent the holder (13) to a label delivery position for delivering a label to an article. The carrier includes a pad (42) having ports (47) to which vacuum or air pressure can be supplied to hold a label to or discharge a label from the pad.

Abstract: A gathering machine for book binding separates each sheet from the bottom of its hopper by a vertically pivotable suction head. The suction is induced by a venturi rather than by vacuum.

Abstract: A bookbinding machine includes an advancing track of chain, a plurality of book clamps driveable by said chain successively to one or more processing stations, and means for arresting the movement of a selected one or a plurality of the clamps at one or more of said stations, such as a cover applying and nipping station, while the other clamps remain in motion driven by the chain. The arresting means comprises sprockets for causing a stud on the drive chain to be disengaged from a bracket bolted to the book clamp, to perform an excursion, and to reengage the bracket.