Abstract: A device for conveying product stacks of widely differing thicknesses includes counteracting belt conveyors which are each defined by supported operating strands. At least one of the belt conveyors is adjustable relative to the other such that the stack receiving space therebetween is adjustable as a function of the thickness of the stacks to be transported. The spacing adjustment permits variation of the gap in which the stacks are clamped at either of the receiving or discharge end regions of the apparatus. In a preferred device, the upper belt conveyor includes a swivel frame from which a plurality of resiliently biased pressure rollers are supported. Actuators, responsive to sensed stack thickness, produce tilting of the swivel frame about an axis which is itself movable in a plane oriented transverse to the direction of stack movement.

Abstract: A continuous process of producing beer is described. Starch-containing raw materials are disintegrated and are optionally processed to form malt, a wort is produced from the disintegrated and optionally malted raw materials, and the wort is subjected to alcoholic fermentation. In that process all process steps are performed continuously. The mash is initially heated in a reactor system to a temperature of 75.degree. to 85.degree. C. The grain residue is removed from the mash. The wort is subsequently hopped and is heated to a temperature from 105.degree. to 140.degree. C. This is succeeded by a flash evaporation, a removal of the dregs and a cooling of the wort, which is subsequently fermented at 6.degree. to 25.degree. in the presence of a biocatalyst. The fermenting process may be succeeded by a partial or full continuous de-alcoholization of the beer.