Abstract: A machine for metering a product into capsules has a number of conveying wheels for conveying the capsules; a metering station for metering the product; an empty-capsule weighing station; and a full-capsule weighing station. The empty-capsule weighing station has a fast-response scale; a first pickup arm for removing a capsule from an empty-capsule conveying wheel and feeding and reclaiming it to and from the fast-response scale; and a second release arm for removing a capsule from the pickup arm and releasing it to the conveying wheel.

Abstract: An adjustable, side discharge side discharge volumetric feeder particularly suitable for handling products of large articulate configurations. Product is rate fed to a plurality of volumetric chambers having a movable bottom for volume adjustment and an open side wall covered and uncovered by a belt for product discharge. Process and alternatives are disclosed. The feeder manages large particulates such as snacks, pet foods, cereals, candy and the like in a volumetric manner, at high speeds up to 1500 pouches per minute in a gentle manner that minimizes product breakage.

Abstract: A bulk bag-filling machine with a traversing strap latching and traversing filler spout mechanisms. The strap latch mechanisms and the filler spout may be moved independently or in unison forwardly towards the front or forward most edge of the filling station, thereby permitting the operator of the filling apparatus to easily and safely suspend the heavy bulk bag's strap loops on the four strap latches and make the filler neck connection to the filling spout prior to traversing the strap latches and filler neck to their rearmost position, thereby positioning the bag for filling. Boxes may also be utilized by the adaptation of transfer tables in which case the strap latches are not required.

Abstract: A device for filling containers with free-flowing products under aseptic conditions comprises a conveyor system for intermittently conveying the containers along a conveyor path past appropriate filling stations in separate compartments inside a housing. The conveyor system comprises a guide assembly for guiding at least two carriers which interact with one another in order to position and retain containers, and a pusher mechanism with a chainless drive for displacing the carriers in the guide assembly each time, a container guide, which is arranged beneath the conveyor path of the containers, for supporting the containers, and a blocking device for temporarily blocking the movement of the carrier which is situated at the outlet of the device during operation.

Abstract: A bottling apparatus has a frame and an endless conveyor element on the frame and having a horizontal lower stretch, an upper stretch above the lower stretch, and upstream and downstream corners where the element changes direction. A plurality of pairs of upstream and downstream plates are each secured to the element with the plates of each pair having confronting edges each in turn formed with a cutout. The cutouts of each pair form in the straight stretches a seat adapted to fit snugly around a neck of a bottle. The edges are spaced apart at the corners so that, at the corners, they cannot hold a bottle. A drive advances the element in a horizontal transport direction in the lower stretch and separates the plates of each pair at the upstream and downstream corners.

Abstract: A process for checking the tablet parameters weight, height and hardness by weighing and measurement, and to a device for carrying out the process as an individual device and preferably as a rotary tabletting press for permanently complying with preset tablet parameters. A process and a device for rapid, reliable, reproducible, and distortion-proof checking of optionally all parameters or selected parameters on one tablet and the overall checking of the weight on a plurality of tablets are guaranteed. This is accomplished so as to carry out individual and/or overall checks with a receiving container (1) provided for tablets (2), and the receiving container (1) is connected to stations (3, 10, 11) for the optional determination of the weight, the height, and the hardness of a single tablet (2), and from the receiving container, an individual tablet 2 and/or a plurality of tablets (2) are fed fully automatically to and removed from the individual stations (3, 10, 11) for determining the tablet weight.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispensing system for use with a plurality of remote point of sale units with order entry keyboards, each having selector buttons for different flavors and cup sizes, the dispenser including an automatic cup dropper, an automatic ice dispenser, a transverse conveyor system for conveying an ice filled cup to any of a plurality of parallel lanes each having a forward conveyor system, a beverage dispenser valve associated with each of the lanes, and each forward conveyor system conveying a cup received from the transverse conveyor to a beverage fill station and then to a cup pick-up station. The dispenser can also be operated manually using buttons on the dispenser itself.

Abstract: The invention is applied to an apparatus for filling storage boxes with lemons or other articles. The articles are first diverted from a conveyor into a measuring and collecting bin. When articles fill the bin to a level which will fill a box beneath the apparatus, a photoswitch stops the conveyor to prevent overfilling of the bin. The photoswitch also tilts a chute at the bottom of the bin whereby the entire contents of the bin are emptied into the box. Although the level of articles in the bin falls below the beam which operates the photoswitch, an internal time delay in the photoswitch holds the conveyor in stopped position and it also holds the chute in tilted position until sufficient time has passed for the box to be filled. Immediately thereafter, the chute is returned to upright position, the conveyor is restarted, and an unfilled box takes the position of the filled box.

Abstract: A balloon vending machine to accommodate inside a number of non-inflated balloons in advance and to offer the inflated balloons one by one upon demand. The non-inflated balloons are arranged inside in such a manner so that each balloon neck fitting with the balloon is engaged with a pair of rails, and the balloons are automatically taken out and delivered after slidingly moved along the rails and inflated with a gas. The balloon neck fittings consists of a check valve part and a sliding guide part engaging with the rails and is separated into these two parts at the time of delivery of a balloon.