Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve providing a deposition device, such as a printing device; providing a transfer component; depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device; modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of the surface of the three-dimensional article; and transferring the transfer material onto the surface of the article.

Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one filling or needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of filling or needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of containers or vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one filling or needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the filling or needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of containers or vials.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing arrangement (10) for dispensing beverage into beverage cups (25) that are secured within a beverage cup carrying container (19). The arrangement (10) includes a dispensing bench (11) on which the cup and carrying container assembly (19) can be supported at a beverage dispensing assembly (20) for dispensing beverage into the cups (25) of the assembly (19). The assembly (20) includes at least two dispensing taps (28, 30) that are spaced apart relative to the spacing of the cups (25) of the container (19) to overlie the open ends of the cups (25) when the container assembly (19) is placed in a beverage receiving position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assembling insulating glass panes filled with a gas other than air. According to said method, two glass sheets provided with a spacer are arranged in a vertical or inclined position and facing each other, gas that is different from air is introduced into a chamber from below and the insulating glass pane is formed by moving the glass sheets closer to each other after reaching a desired gas filling level. According to the invention, the gas is homogenized before said gas is introduced through said gap.

Abstract: A dispenser has a body with a variable-volume storage chamber for storing product. A compression chamber is in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving substance therefrom. A one-way valve of the dispenser includes valve seat and flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat to allow the passage of substance through the seam and out of the dispenser. A manually-engageable actuator connected to the dispensing portion is movable between first and second positions to dispense substance within the compression chamber out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A bottle handling apparatus handles bottles (50) of a nominal neck (70) radius. The apparatus has a carrier (140) and a plurality of bottle guides (100; 180; 200) mounted to the carrier and each comprising a bottle-engaging recess (110). The bottle-engaging recess accommodates necks of different eccentricities.

Abstract: Inspecting and/or testing of inline conveyed devices is performed in that a monitoring unit is applied to a device. The monitoring unit is removed in a removing area. Within the timespan the monitoring unit is applied to the device, the monitoring unit is operated in a standalone operating mode. During a timespan information about the device to which the monitoring unit is applied is collected in the monitoring unit. This timespan of collecting includes at least a part of the timespan during which the monitoring unit is operated in standalone mode.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.

Abstract: In a tire inflating device having a machine frame (2), a tire filling bell (4) arranged on the machine frame (2) and a supporting and sealing device (5) for sealing a filling chamber. The tire filling bell (4) is comprised of a filling plate (10) and a separate filling ring (11). A magazine (3) has a magazine rack (20) and magazine guides (21) lying in a plurality of parallel planes, each of said guides being able to hold a filling ring (11, 11?) mounted so that it can move. The magazine rack (20) and the filling plate (10) can be moved with respect to each other into a plurality of transfer positions in the direction of the axis of rotation. The magazine guide (21) in each case is connected to a filling plate guide (18) arranged on the filling plate (10) in said transfer positions. A filling ring (11) which is located in the magazine guide (21) arranged in the transfer position can be conveyed by a conveying device (40) into a filling plate guide and a centered position on the filling plate (10).

Abstract: A retaining bracket used in bottle processing includes a clamp having clamp arms that pivot in a horizontal plane for grasping bottle necks, a sliding sleeve for receiving a hinge pin entering therein from an upward direction, the hinge pin having a magnetizable or magnetically free end, a first permanent magnet disposed in a lower region of the sleeve for interacting with the free end of the hinge pin, a pivotable sleeve for receiving a second pin parallel to the hinge pin, the second pin having, at a free end thereof, a permanent magnet or magnetically influenced region that exerts an attractive force tending to center and restore the clamp, and a brace-like projection that engages below the clamp when the clamp is in a locked position.

Abstract: A beverage vending machine having a pickup compartment accessible from the outside and having a beverage mixing station; a beverage dispensing device having at least one outlet located at the mixing station in a fixed position facing the pickup compartment; a first member for feeding a cup into position beneath the outlet; and a second member which is movable, past the outlet and with respect to the first member, to and from a position separating the outlet from the pickup compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling cans with an uncarbonated liquid fill includes a rotatable rotor, can holders, filling elements, a can-pickup station, a can set-down station, and either a movable clamping element or an underpressure acting on a can's bottom. The filling operation is either pressureless filling, free-jet filling, or hot free-jet filling. During a filling operation, the rotor moves a can from the pick-up station to the set-down station. Either the clamping element or the underpressure then fixes the can to either a circumferential side with respect to the rotor or a filling-element support.

Abstract: A medicine filling device for filling empty vials of different shapes and sizes with medicine without having to replace any members or having to perform any special operations is disclosed. More specifically, the medicine filling device is provided with a first transfer means to transfer an empty vial B stored within a stocker while the vial B is positioned on a side, a vial lifter (second transfer means) to hold the transferred vial B in an upright position and to move said vial B towards a medicine filling unit, and a vial orientation detection means to detect the orientation of the vial B which was removed from the stocker by the first transfer means. The first transfer means is provided with a reversal mechanism and the vial B is supplied to the vial lifter from the first transfer means while the bottom of the vial B faces a vial guiding means.

Abstract: A device and a method for filling with a gas other than air an insulating glazing unit composed of at least two glass panes and at least one spacer frame, comprising a movable and a fixed bed. The fixed bed is provided with retractable suckers suitable to capture a lower flap of a glass pane and move therewith with a motion of retraction with respect to the movable bed, such as to provide straightening of the lower flap of the glass pane.

Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.

Abstract: A machine and method for filling a container is provided. The container has a fitment. The fitment includes a spout having a collar. The collar includes a support surface for supporting the container in suspension. The machine includes a filling apparatus configured to fill the container with a product, a rail system, a loader, and a carrier. The carrier is configured to hold multiple containers. The carrier is generally elongated and has a pair of spaced apart flanges. The spaced apart flanges define a slot extending the length of the carrier. The slot is configured to slidingly receive the spout of the container and the support surface of the collar engages each of the pair of flanges so as to suspend the container within the carrier. The carrier may be placed into communication with the rail system so as to feed the containers to the filling apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.

Abstract: The invention primarily is directed to an orienting holder for a container that is being filled with a product on a container filling line. The container holder (10) has at least two rollers (18) and a base portion (12). The rollers are made of an elastic material which can be an elastomer inclusive of polymeric foams. The rollers are on arms (15, 16) that project above the base portion and usually will contact the container (30) at an upper part of the container. The arms which support the rollers can pivot. The elastic material of the rollers provide for a positive gripping of the container on the filling line, including a positive grip onto containers which may be partially out of the specified tolerances. The compressibility of the elastic material of the rollers can be enhanced through forming channels (27) in the roller structure.

Abstract: A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a device for the feeding and removal of containers, in particular for the feeding of upright kegs, barrels, cans, bottles and similar containers from a conveyor belt to a linear conveyor or revolving carousel turntable or also for the return of said containers to a removal conveyor belt with a star wheel, the star pockets of which or the arms of which can be brought at least partly in contact with the container and which are realized so that they can be adjusted to accommodate different containers The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.

Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.

Abstract: A device (1) for containing and dispensing tablets, wherein vial bottles (3) filled with tablets wait in waiting spaces (701a, b, c) and the vial bottles (3) are taken out from the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). A plurality of pairs of holding members (703a, b) facing each other for holding the bodies of the vial bottles (3) are installed in the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). Also, stock sensors (710) in the same quantity as the pair of holding members (703a, b) are installed to check for each pair of holding members whether a vial bottle is held on the pair of holding members (703a, b) or not.

Abstract: By using a container clamp (2) or clip on conveying elements in container filling systems to receive the neck of a container, in particular a bottle, each clamp (2) or clip having a bearing block (3), the intention is to protect such systems by means of special clamping designs such that, in the event of wrong loadings, only the failure of a single clamp is to be lamented but otherwise there is no damage to the systems. This is achieved by means of the bearing block (3) having holding elements (8) which, in the event of exceeding a lateral pivoting range or a lateral action of force, are at least partially detached from the bearing and holding device (10, 11), the bearing block (3) or the container clamp (2) or clip being released so as to pivot sideways.

Abstract: In a tire inflating station for inflating a tubeless tire arranged on a rim with a pressurized gas, arranged on a stand are a conveyor for receiving and conveying a wheel consisting of a wheel rim and a tire mounted on the wheel rim, and an inflation device above the conveyor and having an inflation opening which can be connected to a gas supply. The lower side of the inflation device has a carrier plate that is mounted to move backwards and forwards along an axis between at least two positions in a straight-line mechanism. There are inflation rings attached in tandem in a gas-tight manner to the lower side of a carrier plate. Inside the inflation rings, the carrier plate has a respective continuous opening. In each of the different working positions of the carrier plate, another of the continuous openings is connected to the inflation opening of the inflation device, which inflation opening is arranged on the upper side of the carrier plate.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.

Abstract: Machine (1) for treating containers, in particular in a plant for bottling food products, which comprises a turntable (70) rotatably mounted on a support frame and a plurality of holding devices (2) for containers (8) mounted peripherally on such a turntable (70). Each of the holding devices (2) comprises: a support structure (4) mechanically connected to the turntable (70); at least two arms (15) pivoted to the support structure (4) to rotate around its own first rotation axis (Y) and each provided with at least one holding body (20) intended to grasp the container (8); actuator means (18) mechanically connected to the arms (15) to actuate them to rotate around the first rotation axis (Y) between at least one open position, in which the holding bodies (20) are separated from one another so as to receive or release the container (8), and at least one closed position, in which the holding bodies (20) are close to one another to hold the container (8) between them.

Abstract: A machine for the treatment of containers (12) provided with a neck (14), includes at least one, treatment station provided with a nipple (22) having gripping elements (26) in order to seize a container (12), the gripping elements (26) including a tubular supporting cuff (50) which is provided with a series of radial drillholes (52), each intended for receiving a ball (54) movable radially between an inner gripping position and an outer release position, characterized in that the gripping elements (26) include a tubular control cuff (56) which is mounted slideably between a locked position, in which a frustoconical bearing surface (58) cooperates with the balls (54) in order to stress them toward their gripping position, and an unlocked axial position, and in that the nipple (22) includes controlled drive elements (62) capable of causing the sliding of the control cuff (56).

Abstract: In a support device for bottles processed on a bottle filling and closing machine, a substantially elongated body has a bayonet coupling at a bottom part for connecting the device to a rotary conveyor of the machine. An upper lateral portion of the body has gripping wings, for receiving resiliently a bottle, introduced between the wings by pushing the bottle at a matching point between an auger conveyor for conveying the bottles and the rotary conveyor.

Abstract: A carrier puck is provided which can be adjusted quickly with minimal efforts, such as by using a slider, screw or other mechanical means, to allow a wide range of article shapes and sizes to be accommodated on the processing line. The carrier puck comprises a base piece, at least two substantially identical holding pieces piled in two or more stacks, a means for securing each of the stacks of holding pieces, and a means for adjusting the distance between the stacks. The two or more stacks of holding pieces enclose a void therebetween for accommodating a container. The distance between the stacks can be adjusted quickly with minimal efforts to accommodate containers of different sizes, shapes and contours.

Abstract: The container holder (5) is intended for transporting at least one container (7) with a neck flange (72), the neck flange having a top surface (74), a bottom surface (73) and a lateral surface (75). In particular, the container is a bottle with a neck flange, the bottle being made of PE, PET or HDPE material. The container holder according to the invention is furthermore provided with a rotation-blocking element (10), which is movable to a blocking position. Characteristic of the invention is the fact that in the blocking position the rotation-blocking element is arranged to engage upon the neck flange of the container, in such a way that the rotation of the container relative to the container holder is blocked.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing both coffee in a reservoir and nested stacks of cup-shaped coffee filters, and then automatically filling individual filters with selected amounts of coffee and brewing the coffee while protecting the reservoir. Through a series of gears, an electric motor rotates an elastic projection with teeth and a disengaging curved tooth against the topmost filter in the stack, dragging it into a filter well beneath a coffee storage receptacle and then dropping it. Simultaneously, a rotating coffee dispenser fills with a selectable quantity of coffee and then dumps the coffee into the filter. The apparatus also includes a stirring device for insuring the stored coffee falls to the bottom of the coffee receptacle. A hot water dispenser operates in conjunction with a valve means for cutting off steam from the coffee reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation and dispensing of a custom formulation within a package at a retail point of sale. In one aspect, the invention includes an automated dispensing apparatus including at least a two-axis robot arm. In another aspect, the invention includes an automated mixer adapted to mix the dispensed custom formulation within the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing substances, specifically powders and liquids, into a container, is designed as a compact module containing a weighing device with a load receiver, a holder device which is attached to the load receiver and serves to receive and loosely hold the container while the substances are dispensed into the container, and a liquid-dispensing device for dispensing a liquid into the container while the latter is seated in the holder device. The apparatus includes a clamping device for firmly gripping and immobilizing the container, so that a capping device that is not part of the apparatus can put a cap on the container or remove the cap from the container while the latter is seated in the holder device.

Abstract: A bottle filling plant configured to fill blow molded bottles with a liquid beverage filling product and a treatment machine for bottles or similar containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a plurality of containers to a plurality of filling machines for filling of the containers with a substance. The apparatus includes a feeding assembly including a first staging area aligned with a first filling machine of the plurality of filling machines for facilitating delivery of containers of the plurality of containers from the first staging area to the first filling machine, a second staging area aligned with a second filling machine of the plurality of filling machines for facilitating delivery of containers of the plurality of containers from the second staging area to the second filling machine, and a receiving area adjacent a supply of the plurality of containers. The feeding assembly is configured to move containers of the plurality of containers from the receiving area to the first staging area and to move containers of the plurality of containers from the receiving area to the second staging area.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a seal opening device structured as a component of an automated system that ruptures seals from sealed containers. The invention is particularly useful within the context of a repackaging process where automated opening of laminated and/or foil seals is needed, such as repackaging pharmaceutical or nutritional supplement products and combining their contents into larger containers or bottles. The seal opening device comprises a generally elongated and substantially planar blade wherein the distal portion of the blade forms a generally chevron configuration. The distal end of the blade further comprises an arcuate bend initiating at a position proximal to the apex tip and continuing to the tip. The invention further provides an automated seal opening apparatus structured to rupture seals from container openings comprising the seal opening device. The invention further includes an automated method of opening a seal of a sealed container utilizing the seal opening device.

Abstract: Beverage bottle handling and filling machine for containers, such as bottles and cans, with lifting devices to lift the containers by the mouth or neck upward to engage beverage discharge openings to permit filling. The filling machine has a piston/cylinder arrangement that is designed to be pressurized to exert a force on the lifting device in the direction of the initial upward movement to tighten the seal between the bottle mouth and the discharge opening. The cylinder chamber is realized in the form of a duct for permitting flow of pressure media to pressurize the container and the piston/cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: Vessels 2 on a conveying rail 4 are supported by a back guide 8 and are intermittently conveyed by a transfer rake 6. A number of filling nozzles 28 which corresponds to a number of vessels 2 are installed at a filling station F, and the conveying rail has a portion 4A which is elevatable. Metering receptacles 12 connected to load cells 16 are disposed in a manner corresponding to respective filling nozzles 28. These metering receptacles 12 do not contact vessels 2 when the conveying rail portion 4A is raised, but support the vessels when the conveying rail portion 4A is lowered, allowing a mensuration of the weight of vessels 2 by the load cells 16. During a normal filling operation, the conveying rail portion 4A is maintained in its raised position to convey the vessels 2 and performs a filling operation. During a sampling operation, the conveying rail portion 4A is lowered to place vessels 2 on the metering receptacles 12 to perform a mensuration while performing a filling operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for filling and packaging hollow bodies (12) comprising stations (20, 22, 24, 26) for filling and packaging said bodies and a device for transferring the latter between an intake station (18) for the bodies in the transfer device, the filling and packaging stations, and an outlet station (19) for the filled and packaged bodies, the transfer device comprising a motorised endless conveyor (16) including an outgoing side (32) opposite which are arranged the filling and conditioning stations and the outlet station (19), and a return side (34). The return side (34) extends above the outgoing side (32). The invention is useful in particular for filling and packaging bottles or flasks.

Abstract: An automated weighing station is provided which is advantageous for automatically weighing samples generally disposed in containers in an array of racks. The weighing station comprises a sample handling assembly which is operably connected to a balance, allowing a moveable sample carrier to bring samples into position beneath the balance and sample handling assembly, thereby minimizing the movement of individual samples in order to accomplish weighing. A weighing system that provides flexibility and convenience in generating and transforming a variety of data sets associated with measurements accomplished using the weighing apparatus is also provided. Also disclosed is an automated liquid dispensing system for dispensing liquid into sample containers. The liquid dispensing system may operate independently or in conjunction with the weighing system in a synchronized fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with viscous food product includes a plurality of pressure/vacuum fill head positioned above a plurality of containers. Each fill head includes a housing enclosing a plenum through which is longitudinally disposed a valve stem having in an outer cylindrical surface thereof a plurality of longitudinally disposed grooves terminated near a lower end of the stem by a cylindrical boss. The boss is biased into fluid pressure-tight sealing contact with a lower transverse end face of lower tubular portion of the housing by a helical compression spring which fits coaxially over a portion of the valve stem which protrudes upwardly from the housing, the spring being disposed between an upper transverse end wall of the housing, and the lower surface of a neck which protrudes radially outwardly from the upper end of the valve stem.

Abstract: Containers are conveyed through a carousel type filling machine by a plurality of grippers each comprising a bracket element, and a pair of jaws connected to the bracket element by way of relative pivots; the two jaws are joined one to another by a removable segment of elastic material positioned with two ends seated in corresponding sockets afforded by the jaws. During the steps in which the containers are taken up and subsequently released by the grippers, the two jaws rotate about the two pivots and are centered by a locating pin, the pivots, the pin and the bracket element all being molded in a single piece from plastic material.

Abstract: A conveyor chain has lower pins and is displaced in steps through a station. Respective pairs of plates have holes fitted to the pins and confronting cutouts together forming seats shaped to fit complementarily around necks of bottles. Horizontally displaceable supports in the station above the chain carry downwardly projecting upper pins. An actuator raises the plates in the station and thereby slides the holes of the plates in the station from the lower pins onto the upper pins. The arms and upper pins are moved apart when the plates are on the upper pins to open up the seat so that a bottle can be fitted to or taken out of the seat. The arms and upper pins are moved together when the plates are on the upper pins to close the cutouts around a bottle positioned between them, and then lowered back down onto the lower pins.

Abstract: A liquid handler system includes a probe transport system that has a plurality of carriages movable along a support. Each of the carriages carries a second support, which in turn carries a third support. A plurality of probes are linked to a movable holder on the third supports. Through operation of a liquid handler system of the invention, liquid may be selectively delivered to one or more of a plurality of liquid receptacles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a weight-filling machine wherein a force sensor consists of a deformable component having a base end (16) linked to a frame and an interface end (18) whereon is fixed a device for gripping (50) the container. The invention is characterised in that the gripping device (50) is coupled to the interface end by elastic means (72) urging the gripping device (50) towards a normal position wherein it is supported on a support surface (78) linked to the interface end (18), and the gripping device (50) is mobile relative to the interface end (18) along a protective direction, countering the elastic means (72), up to a stop position wherein it comes in contact with a stop surface (90) linked to the frame (86).

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for filling and packaging hollow bodies (12) comprising stations (20, 22, 24, 26) for filling and packaging said bodies and a device for transferring the latter between an intake station (18) for the bodies in the transfer device, the filling and packaging stations, and an outlet station (19) for the filled and packaged bodies, the transfer device comprising a motorised endless conveyor (16) including an outgoing side (32) opposite which are arranged the filling and conditioning stations and the outlet station (19), and a return side (34). The return side (34) extends above the outgoing side (32). The invention is useful in particular for filling and packaging bottles or flasks.

Abstract: Containers are conveyed through a carousel type filling machine by a plurality of grippers each comprising a bracket element, and a pair of jaws connected to the bracket element by way of relative pivots; the two jaws are joined one to another by a removable segment of elastic material positioned with two ends seated in corresponding sockets afforded by the jaws. During the steps in which the containers are taken up and subsequently released by the grippers, the two jaws rotate about the two pivots and are centered by a locating pin, the pivots, the pin and the bracket element all being molded in a single piece from plastic material.

Abstract: A drumming unit that utilizes a computer controlled drum filling and drum handling system. Drum handling and filling is fully automated, the drums being introduced onto the apparatus on an inlet conveyor, loaded from the inlet conveyor onto a frame at which a plurality of work stations are provided for removing the bung from the drum, filling the drum, and replacing the bung in the drum, and then unloading the drum from the frame onto an outlet conveyor. A hose from the chemical plant, warehouse, or other facility is utilized for filling operations that stays in the facility, thereby preventing reactive chemical and quality concerns. A vapor tight wall is provided to isolate the operator from the filling operations, thereby eliminating the need for a slicker suit, respirator, or other safety equipment. The drumming unit is preferably mounted to a base which is sized to fit onto the bed of a truck or trailer so that the unit can be moved from one location to another for drumming operations.

Abstract: An automated weighing station is provided which is advantageous for automatically weighing samples generally disposed in containers in an array of racks. The weighing station comprises a sample handling assembly which is operably connected to a balance, allowing a moveable sample carrier to bring samples into position beneath the balance and sample handling assembly, thereby minimizing the movement of individual samples in order to accomplish weighing. A weighing system that provides flexibility and convenience in generating and transforming a variety of data sets associated with measurements accomplished using the weighing apparatus is also provided.