Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a case on a conveyor system. A chain vertically hangs over a conveyor belt. A hook is positioned on an end of the chain. A piston retracts and releases the chain. The hook interacts with and moves front flaps on cases traveling on the conveyor system.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a case on a conveyor system. A chain vertically hangs over a conveyor belt. A hook is positioned on an end of the chain. A piston retracts and releases the chain. The hook interacts with and moves front flaps on cases traveling on the conveyor system.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction includes an engagement plate for positive engagement with the case. The engagement plate has a planar face and a vacuum source for vacuum attachment to a case outer surface face. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the plate in the transport direction and for rotating the plate a selected angle from the transport direction. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction includes an engagement plate for positive engagement with the case. The engagement plate has a planar face and a vacuum source for vacuum attachment to a case outer surface face. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the plate in the transport direction and for rotating the plate a selected angle from the transport direction. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction are also disclosed.

Abstract: Package grouping unit for a packaging line operable to produce multipacks; the grouping unit (1) comprises a linear conveyor (9) operable to feed a succession of packages (2) at a first speed (V1); and at least one grouping assembly (6) formed by two sub-assemblies (12a, 12b); wherein each sub-assembly comprises a pair of endless conveyors (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) and define, with the endless conveyors (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) of the other sub-assembly (12b, 12a), a package grouping channel (22) having a package inlet (7) and a group outlet (8); each endless conveyor is provided with a number of package retaining elements (26); the endless conveyors are operable independently from each other to move a first retaining element (26) through the package inlet (7) at a second speed (V3) lower than the first speed (V1) so as to intercept and slow down a first package (2) in the succession and cause the packages (2) to group; and to move a second retaining element (26), carried by a different endless conveyor (13a; 14a; 13b

Abstract: Package grouping unit for a packaging line operable to produce multipacks; the grouping unit (1) comprises a linear conveyor (9) operable to feed a succession of packages (2) at a first speed (V1); and at least one grouping assembly (6) formed by two sub-assemblies (12a, 12b); wherein each sub-assembly comprises a pair of endless conveyors (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) and define, with the endless conveyors (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) of the other sub-assembly (12b, 12a), a package grouping channel (22) having a package inlet (7) and a group outlet (8); each endless conveyor is provided with a number of package retaining elements (26); the endless conveyors are operable independently from each other to move a first retaining element (26) through the package inlet (7) at a second speed (V3) lower than the first speed (V1) so as to intercept and slow down a first package (2) in the succession and cause the packages (2) to group; and to move a second retaining element (26), carried by a different endless conveyor (13a; 14a; 13b