Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for forming a buffer store of articles, including stackable or restable articles such as cups, plate-or disc-shaped objects, or covers. The apparatus includes supply means for feeding the articles, at least one storage tube for receiving the articles, and discharge means for discharging the articles. The bottom end of the storage tube is selectively connectable to the supply means and the discharge means. Preferably, the storage tube is supported by a pivotable suspension so that it can be swung between a first position proximate to the supply means and a second position proximate to the discharge means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method in which stacks of tin ends are formed and fed longitudinally to a three-endless belt conveyor in spaced relation of stacks with turns in the feed paths after the first conveyor being defined by overlapping separate three-endless belt conveyor assemblies. The stacks of tin ends may be unwrapped or they may be wrapped, in which latter case, an unwrapping station is provided at which the wrapping is both cut and the wrapping peeled away in response to rotation of the stack. The unwrapped stacks in any case are fed into a continuous stream to a closing station where the individual tin ends are applied to can bodies. In one unwrapping embodiment, the stacks are fed to a first conveyor through the intermediary of a pestle and gripper which are fed in unison to travel a stack to the first conveyor and provision is also made to relax the grip of the pestle and gripper while the wrapper is peeled away.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for packaging a row of mutually coaxially placed disc-shaped lids, in a sheet of packing material, comprising successively in the direction of progress of packaging: a feeding station for the row of members; a wrapping station for wrapping the row of members in the sheet; a folding station for the folding of the wrapped sheet; a sticking station for the sticking of the folded flaps to the package; further transportation members for transportation of the row of members; and a unit for supplying the packing material, situated between the feeding station and the wrapping station, characterized in that the feeding station is provided with at least two feeding units for the lids, and with a feeding table which is slidable between each of the two feeding units and the wrapping station.