Abstract: Successive block-shaped arrays of cigarettes are advanced by one or more pushers on an endless conveyor through an elongated channel, defined by a stationary guide, on their way into a receptacle of a wrapping unit for the arrays. The pusher or pushers are decelerated during advancement through the discharge end of the channel, and the arrays are braked during such deceleration to maintain them in uninterrupted contact with the pusher or with the respective pushers until the arrays complete their movement into a predetermined portion of the receptacle. For example, the arrays can be braked by one or more mechanical devices and/or by one or more pneumatic devices.

Abstract: An improved computer-automated control system for a book-binding machine which provides for emergency manual control of the binding machine in the event of failure of the computer-controlled portion of the control system. The improvement includes a manually operated control instrument and a plurality of switchable coupling components associated with the adjusting devices of a book-binding machine. Each of the switchable coupling components is electrically coupled to an associated adjusting device and the computer-automated portion of the control system and is capable of being electrically coupled to the control instrument. Upon coupling of the control instrument to the switchable coupling component, control of the associated adjusting device is switched from the computer-controlled portion of the control system to the control instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning over a package (9) through 180.degree. out of a first position (I) on a supply conveyor (6) into a second position (II) on a removal conveyor (12), a frame (2) mounted on the floor (1) being provided to support a propulsion unit provided with a driving motor (13). To provide a turn-over apparatus for a tubular package, the propulsion unit (15, 20) comprises a movable linear carriage driven between the two positions (I, II) and a stationary slotted guide (20) with a control cam (22) and at least one gripper element is movably mounted in the linear carriage and is rigidly connected to a follower roller (24) guided in the control cam (22).

Abstract: A sample handling apparatus comprises probes for taking liquid samples from reaction vessels, pipes connected to the probes by lines and adapted for releasing the liquid samples into test tubes arranged below the pipes and for taking-in replenishing liquid from a storage trough, and a pump for transporting the liquid samples from the probes to the test tubes and for feeding replenishing liquid from the pipes to the reaction vessels. In the sample handling apparatus the lines are completely rinsed with replenishing liquid between taking samples. The sample handling apparatus may also be adapted for diluting the liquid samples in the test tubes and for feeding the diluted liquid samples to a measuring unit.

Abstract: A holding device for holding test samples, in particular tablets, in a testing station for measuring the breaking strength of the test samples comprises a supporting structure carrying a rotatable mounting support supporting a plurality of press pads having gripper means or a cushion at their lower ends for being adapted to the shapes of the samples, each press pad being adapted to one particular sample shape, and which press pads align and/or hold the samples on a base plate. A drive means is provided for rotating the mounting support such that the press pad suitable for a particular sample is brought into an operating position in the testing station. A lowering means is operative for lowering the respective press pad just being in the operating position down to the base plate in order to align and/or hold the sample in the testing station.