Abstract: An automated belt-based diverter system is described in some implementations. In an example implementation, the system may include a belt, which includes a closed loop of material, coupled with a pulley and a motor that provides motive force to the belt, for example, using the pulley. In some implementations, one or more diverter arms may be coupled with the belt. A diverter arm may include a body with a first arm end, a second arm end, and a pushing surface. A diverter arm may be coupled at the first end with the belt so that the second end extends away from the belt and the pushing surface may contact an object to push the item. The system may also include a controller coupled with the motor to rotate the belt in defined directions or distances based on instructions.

Abstract: An automated sorting and packing system is described. In an example implementation, the system may include a transfer station that transfers an item into a shipping carton, one or more conveyors that convey the item and/or carton to a transfer station, a scanner that scans the item, and a processor communicatively coupled with the scanner and the one or more conveyors. According to some implementations, the system may perform operations including determining a carton identifier associated with a carton based on an order, assigning a transfer station to the order and the carton identifier based on scan data identifying an item, transporting the item to the transfer station using a conveyor, and transferring the item from the conveyor to a carton associated with the carton identifier using the transfer station.

Abstract: A box handling system is disclosed for use in an object processing system. The box handling system includes a box tray including a recessed area for receiving a box, and the recessed area includes a plurality of floor and edge portions for receiving the box that contains objects to be processed.

Abstract: An automated container cutting apparatus configured to cut various sized rectilinear containers without unnecessary costs or lack of transportability. The automated container cutting apparatus includes a right angle transfer conveyor that positions a container in a first cutting position. The apparatus also includes a cutting mechanism configured to cut the container on two adjacent edges while in the first cutting position. The cutting mechanism further includes two cutting elements supported at right angles to one another for horizontally cutting a container on two adjacent edges.

Abstract: Embodiments and features of a product moving system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a collapsible product mover comprises a first portion having proximal and distal end, and a top side and a bottom side; a second portion having a proximal and distal end, and a top side and a bottom side, wherein the proximal end of the second portion coupled with the distal end of the first portion; and a support structure beneath at least the first portion; wherein the first and second portions are configured to move between an open position and a folded position, wherein in the folded position the top side of the first portion faces the top side of the second portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for presenting in a longitudinal line packages initially arranged in rows i, at a determined isolated-package pace D, using at least a regulating conveyor belt and two line-forming conveyor belts. After separating rows adjacent in the longitudinal direction, rows are sequentially presented onto the regulating conveyor belt, the dimensions of the spaces between end packages of the row and the reference inside and outside dimensions with respect to the regulating conveyor belt and the number of packages on the belt are measured optically, the speed of the line-forming conveyor belts for maintaining the determined pace D is calculated, the paths of the packages are calculated and the moment at which to release the packages of row from the regulating belt onto the line-forming conveyor belts so that the inside package of row i does not meet the outside package of row i?1 is determined.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and sequencing a plurality of luggage items. The method includes receiving at least one of the luggage items into a loading area from an entrance conveyor disposed in the loading area. Once received, the luggage items are moved from the entrance conveyor onto a shelf of a container with a loading assembly. The method continues with transporting the container from the loading area to the storage area with an automatic guided vehicle with the luggage item disposed on the shelf of the container. When the luggage items are ready to be processed, the method continues with transporting the first container from the storage area to the unloading area with the automatic guided vehicle with the received luggage item disposed on the shelf of the container. Different embodiments of the loading and unloading assemblies are provided.

Abstract: An article transfer system including: a transfer device that transfers an article in one direction; a travel distance detecting unit that sequentially detects a distance the article transferred by the transfer device has traveled; an article sensing unit that senses passage of the article transferred by the transfer device; an image capturing unit that photographs the article, the image capturing unit being disposed downstream of the article sensing unit in a transfer direction of the transfer device; a position-and-orientation detecting unit that processes an image captured with the image capturing unit to extract the article and detect a position and an orientation of the article; and a removal unit that removes the article, which has been sensed with the article sensing unit but not extracted by the process performed in the position-and-orientation detecting unit, from the transfer device, the removal unit being disposed downstream of the image capturing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the singulation of packages, especially for the singulation of parcels. The invention is based on the assumption that the parcels are initially present as a bulk flow. The packages are transported in the form of a package flow on fifteen different transport means at different transport speeds, whereby the transport direction is deflected at least once by approximately 90°.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus which indicates a condition and positions of a product moving along a conveyor is provided. The lighting apparatus includes one or more sensors configured to capture a condition reading of the product and a position reading of the product; a line of lights configured for installation proximate to the conveyor and along the path of the conveyor, the lights of the line of lights configurable between different visual states; a controller to determine a condition of the product based on the condition reading, determine an initial position of the product based on the position reading, generate a schedule for controlling visual states of the lights of the line of lights to indicate the condition of the product and positions of the product, and control the visual states of the lights of the line of lights according to the schedule.

Abstract: The application discloses an auxiliary device for a tank of an ultrasound apparatus which comprises a rack and at least one adapter for a medical instrument. Thereby, the adapter comprises a housing and at least one coupling element which is movable with respect to the housing by way of a drive and which can be coupled to the medical instrument, so that a movement of the coupling element effects an active movement of at least one region of the medical instrument.

Abstract: An inspection and sorting machine and a related method of operation are provided. The inspection and sorting machine includes an inspection system that outputs a first signal corresponding to a fastener condition and a second signal corresponding to an inspection condition. Based on the inspection system output, a controller determines whether a fastener is classified as conforming or whether the fastener is classified as undetermined. Conforming fasteners are diverted into a conforming parts chute, and undetermined fasteners are diverted into a recirculated parts chute. The remaining fasteners are diverted into a reject chute. The undetermined fasteners are recirculated into the inspection and sorting machine for re-inspection.

Abstract: A method for converting a first container stream into a second container stream that has a different width from said first container stream includes moving a container from the first container stream to a first transfer position, at the first transfer position, using a container holder of a conversion section to grip the container, to move it along a third transport direction until it arrives at a selected one of a several second transfer positions, and to then release it onto the second transport section, thereby enabling the container to join the second container stream. The second transfer positions are offset relative to each other in a direction along the second width.

Abstract: The present disclosure suggests a conveyor system. A conveyor system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of transportation modules; a front conveyer including a multiplicity of conveyors, which are driven at a first speed, arranged side by side to be in parallel to each other and configured to transfer the transportation modules; and a central conveyor driven at a second speed, provided adjacent to an end portion of the front conveyor and configured to transfer the transportation modules transferred from the front conveyor.

Abstract: Diverting device for diverting containers, for example bottles, from a transport path, the diverting device including a stationary frame that is disposed next to the transport path and in which at least two movably formed diverting segments are disposed perpendicularly to the central axis of the transport path, the diverting segments being suitable to divert a container from the transport path. Each of the diverting segments includes a diverting surface that is parallel to the transport direction of the containers in the transport path and that can come in contact with a container to be diverted.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to article carriers and related methods for use in grading apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, for use in grading fruit. The present subject matter provides an article carrying apparatus comprising a plurality of carrier lanes each for receiving and conveying a number of articles; one or more diverters arranged to control the distribution of received articles into the lanes; a sensor arranged to determine a capacity use parameter for each lane; and a controller arranged to control the position of each diverter dependent on the determined capacity use parameters.

Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having pegs that travel across the width of the diverter belt. Guides extending diagonally across the width of the belt contact the pegs to translate the pegs along their slots. In some versions vertical plates are attached to the pegs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.

Abstract: An improved sorting system for use with a conveyor assembly includes a transverse roller conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product stations. The sorting system provides a stager system for positioning product on moving conveyor and a diverter system for shuttling product into alternative channels. The system in a preferred embodiment is configured for use with tire handling components, and can be equipped with a bar code reader useable with tires.

Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having narrow translatable pushers forming article-diverting shoes covering little or none of the belt's conveying surface. Cam followers on the shoes below the pushers follow selectively actuated or fixed guides under the belt to translate the shoes along a transverse track across the width of the belt. Cam followers of different lengths are programmed to follow different paths by multi-level guides.

Abstract: A device and a method for removing objects from a moving transport device having objects standing in a row thereon, including a removing device for pushing and thus removing selected objects at a right angle or any other angle with respect to the direction of travel of the transport device. The removing device is formed by a position-controlled linear actuator.

Abstract: A device for feeding a book block, which is formed of at least one printed sheet and transported flat, to a processing station in a clocked manner includes a first and a second transport device. The first transport device has a comb-shaped introduction flap and transport units. The introduction flap includes teeth disposed on a base part and recesses formed between the teeth. The second transport device has a transport duct and a transport finger. The transport duct has a contact surface, a clearance and a gap. The first transport device engages, by the introduction flap, in the clearance. The recesses are open in a direction facing away from the transport duct. The transport units are disposed on a first side of the introduction flap. The introduction flap is connected to a controllable drive and has a pivot axis disposed on a second side of the introduction flap.

Abstract: A wood veneer diverter system comprises a plurality of veneer diverters operable to divert veneer downwardly and away from a belt based on the category or grade of the veneer. These veneer diverters are desirably rotated so that they pass through a veneer flow path in the direction of veneer flow. The veneer diverters may be configured to enhance their effectiveness in diverting veneer away from belts that move the veneer.

Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having narrow translatable pushers forming article-diverting shoes. Cam followers on the shoes below the pushers follow guides under the belt along an upper carryway run to translate the shoes along one or more transverse tracks across the width of the belt. Monolithic diverters support the belt on the carryway run and direct the shoes along different paths. Pusher returns in a lower returnway run guide diverted pushers back to a home position.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of parallel laterally extending slats and a pair of wheel assemblies, each interconnecting common end portions of the slats thereby defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. An upper surface of the web defines an article-conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travel along the slats in order to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. A plurality of attachment mechanisms are provided. Each of the attachment mechanisms attaches an end portion of one of the slats to one of the wheel assemblies. Each of the attachment mechanisms includes a shoulder and a collar and at least one locking member. The collar engages the shoulder thereby providing retention of the slat to the wheel assembly. The locking member provides retention of the collar on the shoulder.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of interconnected parallel slats defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. The web has upper and lower runs and transition sections between the upper and lower runs. An upper surface of the upper run of the web defining an article-conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travels along at least one of the slats in order to laterally divert articles on the conveying surface. Each of the shoes has a diverting member extending below the conveying surface. A plurality of diverting rails below the conveying surface is capable of engaging the diverting member to cause the associated shoe to travel laterally to divert an article. A plurality of diverters selectively diverts at least one of the diverting members from a non-diverting path extending longitudinally along the sorter to one of the diverting rails in a diverting state. A propulsion system propels the web.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aligning apparatus for glass substrate to properly align the glass substrate during transfer along a conveyor. The aligning apparatus includes a plurality of rollers, at least a pair of directional beams, at least a pair of positioning devices, a piston, and a detecting device. The detecting device is used to detect whether there is an offset of the glass substrate during the transportation, and the piston will be triggered once an offset is found and determined. The piston will move the positioning device such that a portion of the positioning device which extends to the roller will push the offset glass substrate so as to bring the glass substrate back to the correct position. The present invention also discloses a method to conduct the alignment of the glass substrate. By the disclosure of the present invention, the glass substrate transferred on the rollers can be automatically adjusted and aligned once an offset is found.

Abstract: A shoe sorter switch for a conveyor includes a main body member positioned relative to the conveyor away from contact with any passing shoe of the conveyor. A plurality of subcomponents are mounted to the main body member and positioned to contact and direct passing shoes of the conveyor. The main body member and each of the plurality of subcomponents together define a plurality of precision fit couplings that each comprise a precision protrusion that is fit into a corresponding precision aperture. Related methods for assembling and installing the switch, including replacing damaged switch subcomponents without the need for any calibration to adjust the position of the replacement subcomponent relative to the main body member and to the conveyor are also provided.

Abstract: A sorter conveyor system includes a conveyor forming an upwardly facing support surface for conveying objects. The support surface includes slots oriented transversely to the conveying direction and a plurality of shoe assemblies mounted for sliding movement along respective slots for transversely discharging objects from the conveying surface. Each shoe assembly includes a carrier disposed below the conveying surface, and a shoe disposed above the support surface. The shoe and the carrier together form a releasable connection therebetween. The releasable connection is configured to enable the shoe, in response to an undesirable force applied thereto, to detach completely from the carrier without breakage or failure of any part of the shoe assembly, and to be manually reattached without the use of tools or special skills. Various related methods are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for transferring printed products conveyed in a stream of individual products from a feed unit to a removal unit makes it possible to divert the printed products from a feed direction to a removal direction. The feed unit includes a first conveyor and a transfer region, and the removal unit includes a takeover region with a support surface for the printed products. The transfer region is located higher than the takeover region. The removal unit of the device includes at least a second conveyor which forms the support surface. A pressing element is arranged above the support surface which can be lowered toward the support surface or toward a printed product moving in the direction of the support surface. The pressing element can be lifted up from the support surface or a printed product positioned thereon.

Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having narrow translatable pushers forming article-diverting shoes covering little or none of the belt's conveying surface. Cam followers on the shoes below the pushers follow selectively actuated or fixed guides under the belt to translate the shoes along a transverse track across the width of the belt. Cam followers of different lengths are programmed to follow different paths by multi-level guides.

Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a diverter assembly for diverting articles on a load bearing surface of a conveyor, the diverter assembly comprising: a base frame; a slider assembly that is movable with respect to the base frame; a deflector pivotally connected to the slider assembly, the deflector pivoting between a passive position, in which the deflector extends generally along the base frame to allow articles on the conveyor to pass freely, and an active position in which the deflector extends away from the base frame to divert articles on the conveyor; and a crank link configured to reciprocate the slider assembly while rotating in a single direction.

Abstract: A sorter conveyor system includes a conveyor forming an upwardly facing support surface for conveying objects. The support surface includes slots oriented transversely to the conveying direction and a plurality of shoe assemblies mounted for sliding movement along respective slots for transversely discharging objects from the conveying surface. Each shoe assembly includes a carrier disposed below the conveying surface, and a shoe disposed above the support surface. The shoe and the carrier together form a releasable connection therebetween. The releasable connection is configured to enable the shoe, in response to an undesirable force applied thereto, to detach completely from the carrier without breakage or failure of any part of the shoe assembly, and to be manually reattached without the use of tools or special skills. Various related methods are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A diverter swing arm for diverting an article from a conveying surface comprises a central body having a unitary construction and including a pusher portion that has an external face for engaging and diverting a particular article from the conveying surface, and a linkage arm that facilitates connection to an actuator, and a pivot pin received in an opening defined by the central body, said pivot pin defining a pivot axis for rotation of the diverter swing arm relative to the conveying surface. There is no molded-in metal skeleton or frame in the diverter swing arm.

Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for collecting products (2) arriving in line on a conveyor (1), using a collector device (4) provided transversally relative to the advancement direction. The collector (4) deposits and drops the products collected at a take-up station (10) located on the side of said supply conveyor (1) the collector (4) is capable of a loop movement that can divided into a transverse movement combined with a longitudinal movement upwards of the queue, i.e. a movement opposite to that of the product supply conveyor. The equipment for implementing the method includes a table (3) provided at and along the conveyor (1), a collector (4) carried by an appropriate structure for longitudinal and transverse movement above said conveyor (1) and said table (3). The table (3) includes two panels (31, 32) extending on either side of the supply conveyor (1) for depositing and dropping the products collected on either side of the conveyor (1) at the edge thereof.

Abstract: There is described an automated laboratory system for handling test tubes containing biological material specimens supported by conveying devices (3) along guide lanes (1, 2), in which motorized conveyor belts (62) run, comprising main lanes (1) and secondary lanes (2) for overtaking the conveying devices (3) and/or routing the conveying devices (3) of the test tubes (4) to the various pre-testing, (19-20), testing (17) and post-testing stations (21).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the transfer of baggage on conveyor systems at the junction between a sort conveyor and a take-away conveyor. The transfer apparatus includes a sweeper arm that rotates across the sort conveyor to sweep a baggage article thereon toward the take-away conveyor. The sweeper arm translates linearly relative to the sort conveyor so that the baggage remains in continuous contact with the sweeper arm. The rotation of the arm is coordinated with the translation so that the baggage will be fully diverted from the sort conveyor by the time the sweeper arm reaches the end of its translation.

Abstract: A diverter swing arm for diverting an article from a conveying surface comprises a central body having a unitary construction and including a pusher portion that has an external face for engaging and diverting a particular article from the conveying surface, and a linkage arm that facilitates connection to an actuator, and a pivot pin received in an opening defined by the central body, said pivot pin defining a pivot axis for rotation of the diverter swing arm relative to the conveying surface. There is no molded-in metal skeleton or frame in the diverter swing arm.

Abstract: The method consists in collecting products (2) that are arriving spaced and in line on a conveyor (1). This collection is carried out by means of a collector device (40), in the form of a comb, arranged transversally, forming an angle between 60 and 120° in relation to the product advancement direction (2). The collector (40) deposits and drops the collected products at a take-up station which is located on the side of said supply conveyor (1); it is capable of a loop movement that can be divided, for the collecting of said products, into a transversal movement combined with a longitudinal movement upwards of the vial queue. The installation for the implementation of the method comprises a table (3) arranged at the level of and along the conveyor (1), a collector (40) carried by an appropriate structure in order to be displaced longitudinally and transversally above said conveyor (1) and said table (3).

Abstract: A method of reducing drag on the web of a positive displacement sorter is used with a web made up of a plurality of parallel slats interconnected at their opposite ends with chain assemblies in an endless loop. A plurality of pusher shoes each travel along at least one of said slats. The sorter further includes a driven sprocket assembly and a non-driven sprocket assembly. Each of the sprocket assemblies includes at least two sprockets on a shaft, each for engaging one of the chain assemblies. The sprocket assemblies support the chain assemblies at opposite ends of the web. The method includes auditing the sorter including determining if the slats are skewed with respect to the direction of travel of the web. If it is determined that the slats are skewed, then the chain assemblies and the non-driven sprocket assembly are modified. The chain assemblies are modified by adding side thrust wheels on opposite sides of the web.

Abstract: A transport system for piece goods includes a conveyor for moving the piece goods along a conveying path, an unloading device including a multi-axis manipulator for unloading piece goods from the conveyor, and a clearing tool. The clearing tool is moved relative to the conveyor by the multi-axis manipulator to discharge a piece good from the conveyor, and the movement of the clearing tool includes a directional component transverse to the direction of movement of the conveying path and a directional component in the direction of movement of the conveying path.

Abstract: A diverter assembly for handling articles transported on a conveying surface is disclosed. The diverter assembly includes at least one diverter arm and a motor coupled to a drive arrangement for swinging the diverter arm over the conveying surface. An inverter controller is provided for operating the motor at a plurality of speeds. A sensor arrangement is coupled to the inverter controller for monitoring the position of the diverter arm. The sensor arrangement sends a slow-down signal to the inverter controller when the diverter arm reaches a pre-determined position, causing the inverter controller to operate the motor at a slower speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for selectively diverting products sideways from a load-bearing conveying surface of a conveyor that is moving in a direction of transport, comprising a frame, an elongated diverter element having an upstream end, a downstream end and a deflecting surface there between, pivoting means for pivoting the diverter element in a reciprocal fashion about a vertical pivot axis extending on one side of the conveying surface, between a passive position, in which the diverter element extends beside the conveying surface so as to allow products to pass freely on the conveying surface, and an active position, in which the diverter element extends at least partially above the conveying surface for diverting products present on the conveying surface sideways from said conveying surface, and driving means for driving the deflecting surface with respect to a remaining part of the diverter element at least in the active position, wherein the pivoting means are arranged for translating the divert

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the transfer of baggage on conveyor systems at the junction between a sort conveyor and a take-away conveyor. The transfer apparatus includes a sweeper arm that rotates across the sort conveyor to sweep a baggage article thereon toward the take-away conveyor. The sweeper arm translates linearly relative to the sort conveyor so that the baggage remains in continuous contact with the sweeper arm. The rotation of the arm is coordinated with the translation so that the baggage will be fully diverted from the sort conveyor by the time the sweeper arm reaches the end of its translation.

Abstract: A double-acting cylinder and piston mechanism comprising a cylinder (1) substantially closed at both ends by front (5) and rear (7) end walls, a piston (8) axially displaceable within the cylinder (1), a first region (6) defined between the piston (8) and the rear end wall (7) of the cylinder (1) and a second region (4) defined between the piston (8) and the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), a piston rod (2) extending from the piston (8) through the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), an air inlet port (19) for communication with said first region (6) of the cylinder (1) and at least one exhaust vent (14) which is exposed during axial displacement of the piston (8) for release of air delivered to the cylinder (1) through the air inlet port (19).

Abstract: A sweeper sorting apparatus for use with a transport belt includes first and second drive belts and a sweeper. The first and second drive belts are positioned adjacent to first and second ends, respectively, of the transport belt and have upper portions oriented substantially parallel to and below an upper surface of the transport belt. The second end of the transport belt is opposite the first end of the transport belt. The sweeper is coupled at a first end to the first drive belt and at a second end to the second drive belt. The sweeper is positioned above the upper surface of the transport belt. At least one of the first drive belt and the second drive belt is operable to move the sweeper across the upper surface of the transport belt to push an item off the upper surface of the transport belt.

Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product operations is disclosed. Such conveyor assembly includes a pair of spaced apart side frames that support the conveyor belt and between which the conveyor belt rotates. The side frames are formed from an upstanding member and a inwardly extending horizontal member. Both the frame upstanding member and the frame horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. One or more L-shaped brackets are formed from a generally upstanding member and an inwardly extending member. Both the bracket upstanding member and the bracket horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. The bracket horizontal member slots are configured to overlay the frame elongate horizontal member slots, and the bracket upstanding member slots are configured to overlay the frame upstanding member slots for attaching components to the frames.

Abstract: A diverter assembly for handling articles transported on a conveying surface is disclosed. The diverter assembly includes at least one diverter arm and a motor coupled to a drive arrangement for swinging the diverter arm over the conveying surface. An inverter controller is provided for operating the motor at a plurality of speeds. A sensor arrangement is coupled to the inverter controller for monitoring the position of the diverter arm. The sensor arrangement sends a slow-down signal to the inverter controller when the diverter arm reaches a pre-determined position, causing the inverter controller to operate the motor at a slower speed.

Abstract: A method for transferring articles from a first to a second machine, which packs the articles in containers, using a transport line, interposed between the machines, which removably receives and moves the trays, each tray affording at least a seating complementarily shaped to an article, as well as at least two stores, for receiving the trays, respectively associated to a first station located at a start of the line and a second station located downstream of the first station with a first store containing a predetermined number of empty trays, the method comprising a partial filling of the second store with trays containing articles, and is such that a temporary malfunctioning of the first machine maintains the second machine in service up to emptying of the second store, and a temporary malfunctioning of the second machine maintains the first machine in service up to complete filling of the second store.