Abstract: Method for packing injection moulded parts, in particular parts used in medicine, like pipette tips, which are removed from cavities of an injection moulding machine and inserted into a storage or into packing containers, wherein the injection moulded parts are arranged in a workpiece holder, the injection moulded parts are removed from the workpiece holder in the form of first rows and these first rows are expanded, whereupon the injection moulded parts are removed from the expanded first rows in the form of second rows which extend perpendicular in relation to the first rows, and the second rows are expanded, whereupon the injection moulded parts from the second rows are inserted into packing containers or into a storage.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies, including a carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The products generally can be grouped into a series of products, such as for forming six-packs, four-packs or other package configurations, and will be wrapped by or loaded into a series of carton blanks, after which the loaded cartons will be moved through a discharge station. The discharge station meters the loaded cartons or packages for discharge from the packaging machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for grouped take-up and feeding of a container-group of containers to a cyclical processing machine having a cyclical take-up device for taking up the group of containers includes an intake, a feed, and a transfer apparatus arranged in a transfer region between the intake and the take-up device. The intake forms a closed conveyor section that comprises a linear section, a conveyor, and carrying-and-holding elements that convey containers in a continuous container stream along the conveyor section. The feed uses mechanical propulsion to convey suspended containers to individually transfer the suspended containers to the carrying-and-holding elements. The transfer apparatus has rotatable grippers for taking up a container group from the container stream and after having taken up the group of containers, feeding the group of containers to the cyclical take-up device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus (10) for handling piece goods (2) for forming a palletizable layer or partial layer, with the piece goods (2) being moved in at least two parallel rows (1) and the layer comprising a plurality of piece goods (2). At least two piece goods (2) that are transported beside each other in parallel rows (1) are seized in a clamping and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner, are then spatially separated from the at least two parallel rows (1) and are then brought into a specified relative target position (P1, P2) and/or target alignment in relation to subsequent piece goods (2). The apparatus (10) comprises at least one manipulator (5) for piece goods (2), and at least one transport device (3), where the piece goods (2) arranged in at least two parallel rows (1).

Abstract: A paddle bracket with superior durability and a grain elevator chain including such a paddle bracket are disclosed. The paddle brackets are used to connect paddles for moving the grain to the chain. Each paddle bracket has a brace portion for giving additional support to the intermediate portion of the bracket between the portion of the paddle bracket that connects to the other links in the chain and that portion of the paddle bracket that attaches to the paddle. An austempering process for forming a bainitic microstructure in the paddle bracket to further enhance the strength of the paddle bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A labeling machine for producing respective multipacks, the multipacks comprising a group of products secured together by a label. The labeling machine includes a conveyor that comprises a conveyor module for forming a group of products from a plurality of individual products and for providing the group of products to a labeling process to produce a multipack of products. The labeling machine includes at least one labeler. The conveyor module comprises at least two conveying units which each conveying unit comprising at least one carrier. The movement of the conveying units may be individually controllable allowing two carriers on different conveying units to cooperate as a fixing unit. A method of producing respective multipacks, which each comprise a group of products, using the labeling machine is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly for movement according to predefined rules of motion, includes a supporting frame forming a working path that accommodates a driving element with which at least one movable element is associated which is adapted to move an item to be subjected to a process. The assembly includes, interposed between the driving element and each respective movable element, at least one movement adjustment apparatus having a contoured guide, arranged substantially parallel to the driving element, at least one first lever that has a first end that can slide within the guide, and a portion that is pivoted to at least one second lever which in turn is coupled rigidly to the driving elements. The first lever has a second end, which is opposite the one that can slide in the guide, which is articulated to a linkage, which in turn is pivoted on a portion of a respective movable element.

Abstract: A transportation system for production, packaging, filling, assembly and/or processing installation, comprising a carrier system having a conveying section and having a multiplicity of carrier elements, a first drive device, wherein the carrier elements have in each case one coupling mechanism by which the carrier elements are capable of being coupled to the first drive device for a movement along the conveying section, at least one second drive device, wherein the carrier elements can be coupled to the at least one second drive device by the coupling mechanism for a movement along the conveying section, and at least one switching mechanism that is positioned on the conveying section, wherein the coupling mechanisms of the carrier elements are capable of being coupled selectively to one of the drive devices by the at least one switching mechanism for a movement along the conveying section.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating packaging units to form product groups moving along a transport plane includes dividing elements that circulate on a linear transporter. Each dividing element has an engaging element that protrudes above the transport plane temporarily and then sinks back below the transport plane. A control cam controls the when and where the engaging element protrudes and sinks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for collecting at least one product from among a line of products arriving in a lined-up fashion one behind the other on a conveyor. The conveyor has a path, for conveying the products, and a conveying direction. The method uses at least one collector of at least one product. The collector includes at least one first receptacle capable of accommodating at least one product. The collector is movably mounted along the path for conveying the products in the conveying direction and in the opposite direction. The method includes at least one first step for collecting the at least one product in the at least one receptacle by moving the at least one collector over the conveyor on the conveying path and in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A processing section of a packaging machine includes a conveyor configured to be driven by a first drive member, and at least one additional conveyor including at least one tray folding member configured to selectively extend about and ride on the conveyor. The at least one additional conveyor is configured to be driven by a second drive member that is distinct from the first drive member.

Abstract: A device for distributing and grouping containers in a container treatment assembly, including an infeed conveyor which is configured to convey a plurality of containers in a single-lane infeed flow; an outfeed conveyor which is configured to convey the containers away in multiple lanes; and a transfer conveyor associated with the infeed and the outfeed conveyor and having a plurality of circulating guide elements for the containers; where the transfer conveyor is adapted to separate the containers in a standing position by way of the circulating guide elements from the single-lane infeed flow to the multi-lane outfeed flow by selective guiding, in particular, by pushing them forward and/or decelerating them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product stacking device for forming product stacks (12 a-k) of product groups (14 a-k) consisting of products (16 a-k), which lie flatly and/or are brought into a shingled product arrangement (64 a-k), during a transportation movement (28 a-k). The product stacking device includes at least two stack contact surfaces (20 a-k), which are provided in order to form the product stack (12 a-k) by reducing a spacing (24 a-k) between the stack contact surfaces (20 a-k), the stack contact surfaces lying opposite one another in a product group direction (26 a-k).

Abstract: A flow wrapping apparatus displaces a number of packs from a first location where the packs are self-standing on their lower region to a second location where the packs are on edge to form a substantially horizontal stack. The apparatus includes first and second conveyors with a number of individually displaceable hands. The hands of the first conveyor displace packs from a first location where the packs are self-standing on their lower region to a second location where the packs are on edge. At least one of the hands of the second conveyor cooperates with at least one of the hands of the first conveyor to hold packs on their edge to form a substantially horizontal stack. A pair of individually displaceable hands of the second conveyor displace the stack towards a flow wrapping station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sausage collating device and a method for collating sausages to form sausage groups of a predetermined number of sausages with a transport device for transporting spaced sausages and at least one accumulator element for accumulating the sausages, where the at least one accumulator element is for collating and is movable in the direction of transport of the transport device.

Abstract: A grouping method and unit for forming a line of products on a packing machine; a first feed conveyor feeds a succession of spaced products along a straight, horizontal grouping path at a first speed; a first compacting conveyor moves a first compacting member along the grouping path, downstream from the first feed conveyor and ahead of a first product in the line, at a second speed slower than the first speed, so as to slow down the first product and compact the intermediate products in the line against the first product; and a second compacting conveyor moves a second compacting member along the grouping path, downstream from the first feed conveyor and behind a last product in the line, at a third speed higher than the first speed, so as to compact the last product against the intermediate products in the line.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the form of suspension of sausages from a stick includes: a pressing member for pressing against the stick two sausages which are at an uppermost position of a sausage loop suspended from the stick; and a moving mechanism for supporting the pressing member at a position where the pressing member is capable of pressing the two sausages and for causing the pressing member to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the stick. The pressing member has two pressing surfaces for downwardly pressing the two sausages which are positioned on both sides in the horizontal direction with respect to a center of the stick, the pressing being effected at positions which are spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the stick and are on both sides of the stick in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding products (12a-k) and/or stacks of products (14a-k) to a packaging process of a packaging machine (16a, 16d-k), in particular of a horizontal tube packaging machine, comprises a guide unit (22a-k) which is disposed as a closed loop (18a, 18c-k) and on which a plurality of arranged conveyor elements (22a-k) are arranged so as to be drivable mutually independently in a speed- and/or position-controlled manner at least along at least one working section (24a, 24c-d, 24f-k) of the guide unit (20a-d, 20f-k). At least one conveyor element (22a-k) has a holder (26a-k), and at least one conveyor element (22a-k) that follows contrary to a conveying direction (28a, 28c-k) has a counter holder (30a-k).

Abstract: A tray sealer that may be incorporated into a packaging facility, the tray sealer may include a tray feeder for collecting a plurality of trays that are conveyed on a continuously moving chain feeder. An embodiment of the tray feeder may comprise at least two train chains. Each train chain may be independently moveable and each train chain may be operable grouping the plurality of the trays into groups and transferring the groups to a sealing station. The group of trays may have number of trays that corresponds to the operation of the sealing station. The tray sealer may include the transfer of a group of trays by a gripper system to a sealing station of the tray sealer.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting drugs dispensed from drug dispensing boxes includes a main conveyor on which the dispensed drugs are placed and discharged to a first end thereof, and an auxiliary conveyor configured to be hidden at a lower portion of the first end of the main conveyor or to be expanded outside of the first end so as to increase a discharging path of the dispensed drugs. Due to the auxiliary conveyor, when the drugs are discharged or are redelivered to another apparatus, it is possible to control the drugs to fall down to a desired position.

Abstract: An article-grouping device which has at least three independently-driven drive arrangements and a plurality of divider elements located on crossbeams. Each of the drive arrangements moves the crossbeams, and thus moves the divider elements thereon to a position between adjacent articles in a stream of articles on a conveyor arrangement to divide the stream of articles into separated groups of articles. Each of the drive arrangements comprises a drive shaft and a pair of elongated driven elements, such as endless chains or toothed belts. At least two of the drive shafts both drive a pair of driven elements and support pairs of driven elements driven by other drive shafts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electromagnetic transfer system (10) which is used to convey items (1; 1a) to a downstream conveyor device (15), and which comprises a carrier path (20), preferably designed to be closed, on which there is at least one moveable transport element (22) for an item (1; 1a) that is moved along on a transport surface (24) by said transport element (22), said transport element (22) having at least one permanent magnet element (32) that is arranged to be functionally connected to individually-energisable inductor coils (31) which are arranged along the carrier path (20). Position-detecting means (35) are provided to ascertain the position of the transport element (22) on said carrier path (20) and, in a delivery region (37), the item (1; 1a) is delivered from the transport surface (24) to the downstream conveyor device (15), said conveyor device having a separate drive (38).

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer arrangement (10; 10a) for transferring articles (1), having a first conveying arrangement (11) for the articles (1), on which the articles (1) are conveyed at in particular non-uniform intervals (a) from one another, and having at least one transporting element (38) with a transfer element (44) for butting against an article (1) along a transporting route in the region of the transfer arrangement (10; 10a) and for transfer from the transporting route onto a second conveying arrangement (15), wherein the at least one transporting element (38) is arranged such that it can be moved along a closed transporting path (30) which has a multiplicity of preferably individually energizable coil elements (36) which are in operative connection with at least one permanent-magnet element (39), arranged at least indirectly on the transporting element (38), and cause the transporting element (38) to move along the transporting path (30) when the coil elements (36) are energized, wherein a c

Abstract: A tray sealer that may be incorporated into a packaging facility, the tray sealer may include a tray feeder for collecting a plurality of trays that are conveyed on a continuously moving chain feeder. An embodiment of the tray feeder may comprise at least two train chains. Each train chain may be independently moveable and each train chain may be operable grouping the plurality of the trays into groups and transferring the groups to a sealing station. The group of trays may have number of trays that corresponds to the operation of the sealing station. The tray sealer may include the transfer of a group of trays by a gripper system to a sealing station of the tray sealer.

Abstract: A system for palletizing a multi-row pattern of articles includes a pattern-forming apparatus that includes a pair of fingers movable towards and away from each other to constrain rows of articles that impact one another to form a multi-row pattern of articles. The fingers can be either be fixed along the conveyor path or move with the containers along a portion of the conveyor path.

Abstract: Elongate packs of circular biscuits are fed at high speed from a wrapping output conveyor to a transverse indexing conveyor. The indexing conveyor has a series of compartments with inclined sides, each compartment receiving a pair of packs end to end. The conveyor indexes each time that it receives a pair of packs, the compartments holding the packs against movement longitudinally of the conveyor. The packs are removed in groups from the indexing conveyor and urged together on a tray of adjustable dimension. Orientation of the packs is maintained, for consistent presentation of printing ABCD.

Abstract: The device for transporting upright containers in a straight line includes a rake conveyor comprising multiple receiving sections for the containers and an opposing support element for the containers carried in the receiving sections. The rake conveyor is connected to two drives by at least two pivot systems, each with two arms, in such a way that the rake conveyor can be pushed back and forth both in the transport direction of the containers and also in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the containers.

Abstract: A method for channeling upright containers, which are loosely queued in a row, into a transport device is performed by a rotatable separating device, which has the purpose of separating the loosely queued containers, and a stationary accumulating device for the containers downstream of the separating device. The accumulating device has a plurality of stoppers arranged in a row in the transport direction, which can be extended individually in the direction transverse to the transport direction and, in the extended state, define holding positions for the containers. The stoppers are extended one-by-one based on sensor results to sequentially fill the holding positions of the accumulating device starting from the holding position arranged farthest from the separating device.

Abstract: A multiplex grouping apparatus for grouping sequentially fed articles includes at least one loading station with a feed sensor, at least one unloading station with a discharge sensor and at least two conveying devices. The conveying devices include a plurality of mechanically interconnected carriers and each conveying device can be moved by a respective controllable drive, which can be activated by a central control device using a respective speed controller. Articles can be transferred onto the carriers from each loading station and articles can be transferred from the carriers into each unloading station with each conveying device, during transfer of an article from the loading station to one of the carriers, moving synchronously with the feed sensor and, during transfer of an article into the unloading station, moving synchronously with the discharge sensor.

Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of food items in multiple layers comprises collecting food items in a staging area in a first plurality of groups, each group having a plurality of food items. The first plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into an accumulating and storage area and thereby forming a plurality of first layer group. A second plurality of groups of food items is collected, each of the second plurality of groups having a plurality of food items. The second plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into the accumulating and storage area such that the second plurality of groups forms a plurality of second layer groups of food items superposed to the first layer groups, and thereby forming a plurality of two layer-groups. The plurality of two-layer groups of food items are displaced downwardly into a receptacle in a packing area.

Abstract: A product handling system includes a product conveyor capable of transporting a plurality of products. An overhead diverter assembly includes a flighted conveyor situated substantially orthogonal to the product conveyor that includes a flight. A transport containment device is located at least partially below the flighted conveyor. A control system operates the overhead diverter such that the flighted conveyor has a diverting mode and a cassette filling mode. When the flighted conveyor is in the diverting mode, the flight moves in a profiled motion to acquire the product from the product conveyor at a location beneath the overhead diverter and transports the product along the transport containment device.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for feeding containers (4) to a downstream processing unit (2), which receives the containers (4) with a distance (D) between them. At the input end (16) of the infeed worm (6) the containers (4) arrive bunch to bunch and at an exit end (26) of the infeed worm (6) they exhibit the required distance (D) between them. At least two conveyor belts (11, 12), drivable with a constant velocity, are arranged such with respect to the infeed worm (6) that the containers (4) are in contact with a groove (7) of the infeed worm (6). The first conveyor belt (11) at the input end (16) of the infeed worm (6) has a smaller velocity in the direction of transport (T) than the conveyor belt (12) at the exit end (26) of the infeed worm (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for forming product groups from a flow of a plurality of identical piece goods fed by means of conveying devices, having an infeed track (16) and dividing elements engaging in the product flow in a synchronized manner transverse to the transport plane on at least one pair of driven, endlessly circulating flexible drive elements (7, 11, 12), wherein at least one crossbar (8) is disposed on each of said pairs of flexible drive elements, dividing elements (9) being held thereon, wherein at least three pairs of flexible drive elements (7, 11, 12) are provided within a device, wherein each of said pairs can be operated with a unique velocity profile.

Abstract: Apparatus, flight bar assemblies, and methods are disclosed for nesting objects into a substantially staggered arrangement. Such nesting may be done in a nesting zone of a machine, for example, just upstream of a shrink wrapping machine. The nested arrangement allows the grouping of nested objects to be shrink-wrapped without use of trays or cardboard blanks if desired. The flight bar assemblies may include movable spacers for orienting rows of objects before, during, and after nesting. Lane dividers may be provided having lengths corresponding to a contour of an outer guide and cam surface, cooperating with the lane dividers to selectively urging the rows of objects inward in an organized fashion to allow efficient and reliable nesting.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises immobilizing the queue on its entire length using flaps (10, 11) for creating a gap between two consecutive objects and for isolating downstream from said gap a group of objects defining the batch; inserting into the gap thus created a first cleat (39) having a longitudinal advance speed Vt lower than the running speed Va of the conveyor belt (3); releasing said immobilized queue and making the cleat in charge of it; starting a new temporary immobilization of said queue; and so on. The device for implementing the method comprises: on the one hand, means in the form of flaps (10, 11) for immobilizing the queue on the length thereof by clamping in order to define a gap between two consecutive objects in said queue, and on the other hand, a means in the form of cleats (39) that can be inserted in and take in charge the immobilized queue. Each cleat (39) is associated with a roller-shaped member (38) for maneuvering the flap (10).

Abstract: A unit for grouping packages along a transfer path includes an input station receiving the packages arranged in longitudinal lines parallel to the transfer path; an output station for groups defined by a given number of packages from respective longitudinal lines and aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path. A movable conveying surface is supplied at predetermined time intervals with a number of packages equal to that in each group, and which feeds the packages along the transfer path. At least one aligning member is moved cyclically along a first path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path, and at least one push member is moved cyclically along a second path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path. The aligning member and the push member are moved respectively by independent first and second conveying mechanisms, and the work portions of the first and second paths coincide with each other.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-layer loading of food items such as frankfurters in a receptacle includes the steps of displacing groupings of frankfurters along a staging area, allowing the frankfurters to drop downwardly by gravity to an accumulation and storage area until at least two layers of frankfurters are accumulated and allowing the double layer of frankfurters to drop downwardly into a packing receptacle in a packing area.

Abstract: A powerful throughput magazine of the ‘first in first out’ type is activated for the handling of diapers (10) or similar objects during the transport from a converter (13) to a packer (14), the diapers being transported as diaper groups (19) through said magazine. The magazine (15) comprises of an endless magazine conveyor (18) having transversely directed bars (20), wherein one diaper group (19) each is disposed between adjacent bars on the magazine conveyor (18) in an upright position. After removing the diapers (10) from the magazine (15), the diaper groups (19) are separated again, and the diapers are individually fed to the packer (14).

Abstract: A conveying device for conveying and aligning flat products or stacks of flat products, in particular printed products, includes leading pins for stop on a leading edge of conveyed products and trailing pins or pushers for stop on a trailing edge of the conveyed products. The products are insertable between the leading and trailing pins and are thus aligned by the pins. A distance between successive pushers is adjustable without parts of the device having to be exchanged.

Abstract: In an arrangement (10) for grouping a plurality of products (Pn, Pn+1) into batches (Li) carried by at least one conveyor belt (12) travelling in a longitudinal direction at a travelling speed (V1), the products (Pn, Pn+1) arrive with at least one determined upstream spacing (E) between two successive products, and including an advanced phaser (22, 23) provided on the path of the products (Pn, Pn+1) and capable of grouping transversally at least two products (Pn, Pn+1) into a row so as to form, at high speed, batches (Li) obtained by grouping the products (Pn, Pn+1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying strips of corrugated cardboard, the device comprising a work table for conveying strips on the work table along a direction of conveyance, wherein the work table is supported on a floor and comprises at least one longitudinal groove for accommodating an element which is displaceable therein, and at least one slide which is disposed underneath the work table and is actuable for displacement in the direction of conveyance, which slide comprises an element which is actuable for upward extension through the at least one longitudinal groove for cooperation with the strip.

Abstract: Method of placing products on the floor of a grouping station (3), in aisles (5), to form a batch of products to be palletized, including withdrawing guide walls (6) forming the aisles (5) to an inactive position; moving the batch towards the palletization station (11); repositioning the guide walls (6) into an active position; and re-placing a mechanism (10) for moving the rows into their starting position by turning them about the guide walls (6). The station (3) for grouping products (2) is arranged between the selection station of the receiving line (1) and the table (12) of the palletization station (11) and includes: motorized conveyor (4); guide walls (6); thrust devices (40) for conveying the batch onto the table (12); a mechanism for withdrawing the guide walls (6); and a mechanism for imparting to the thrust devices (40) a turning movement about the guide walls (6).

Abstract: A conveyance device for accumulating and aligning a plurality of articles and conveying a batch of the articles includes a conveyance unit, first, second and third support members, and a drive unit. The conveyance unit is configured to convey the batch of the articles in a conveying direction. The first and second support members are configured to move along the conveyance unit so as to support an article disposed at a front end or a back end among the articles constituting the batch of the articles. The third support member is arranged on the conveyance unit and configured to move with respect to the conveyance unit so as to sandwich the batch of the articles between the third support member and at least one of the first support member and the second support member. The drive unit is configured to independently drive the first, second and third support members.

Abstract: A machine for grouping packs includes a sliding work plane for advancing in sequence at least a consecutive and equidistanced row of packs along a predetermined advancing direction (A); and a retaining means for cyclically braking the advancing of one of the packs of the row with respect to the sliding work plane, the retaining means including at least a striker body and a moving means for cyclically locating the striker body close to a pack advancing on the work plane, such that the striker body receives the pack in contact there-with, preventing the pack from advancing at a same speed as a previous speed thereof on the work plane.

Abstract: A device (10) for orienting tubular cores made of card for supporting rolls of toilet or kitchen paper includes elements for imparting an angular movement to each long item (11) in such a way that it is fed out of the device at a suitable angle. The elements for the angular orientation of the item (11) are designed to cause the item to be fed forward while keeping it substantially-transversal to the direction of feed and include first mobile members (12) for feeding a corresponding portion of the item (11) and extending along a respective path, which has a curved section (12a) , and second mobile members (14) for feeding a second portion of the item (11) and extending along a respective path having a curved section (14a) which is concentric with and radially inside the curved section (12a) of the first mobile feed members (12).

Abstract: A device for grouping individually packaged goods which are fed in a substantially closed stream by the means of conveyance along a transport plane, and grouped by at least one divider finger which can be introduced from below transversely to the transport plane into the stream along the conveyance direction, where, for the at least one divider finger, a motor drive provided which is capable of carrying out in a free and adjustable manner a movement of the at least one divider finger transversely to the transport plane (z-direction) independently of the movement along the conveyance direction (y-direction) and vise versa.

Abstract: An apparatus is situated downstream of a stickpack manufacturing machine with multiple dropping channels for forming a same number of stickpacks, which are distanced from one another by an interaxial measurement which is more than twice the width of the stickpacks. The apparatus comprises a ring-wound conveyor line, in which two batteries of walled compartments are provided, which batteries are driven independently from each other so that each battery is alternately situated either upstream or downstream; the number of compartments of each is a multiple of the number of dropping channels; the compartments are distanced by a step which is equal to half the interaxial measurement. A robotic handler is provided upstream of the conveyor line, which handler collects the stickpacks exiting from the machine and piles the stickpacks in the compartments of the battery waiting there; first the compartments in odd order, i.e.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-layer loading of food items such as frankfurters in a receptacle includes the steps of displacing groupings of frankfurters along a staging area, allowing the frankfurters to drop downwardly by gravity to an accumulation and storage area until at least two layers of frankfurters are accumulated and allowing the double layer of frankfurters to drop downwardly into a packing receptacle in a packing area.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus for forming a stable arrangement of bottles so they can be moved on an inline conveyor system. This is accomplished by an apparatus for nesting bottles comprising a first conveyor having lanes of bottles, and a second conveyor, wherein a fixed number of bottles from each lane is released from each lane in a staggered arrangement to facilitate nesting of the released bottles and then pushing and guiding the released bottles from the first conveyor onto a second conveyor so that the bottles form a nested bundle.

Abstract: A unit for grouping packages along a transfer path includes an input station receiving the packages arranged in longitudinal lines parallel to the transfer path; an output station for groups defined by a given number of packages from respective longitudinal lines and aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path; a movable conveying surface, which is fed at predetermined time intervals with a number of packages equal to that of each group, and feeds the packages along the transfer path; and at least one movable member, which is fed cyclically along an operating path having at least one portion parallel to the transfer path, and has an aligning surface, against which, at each cycle, the packages in each group upstream from the movable member come to rest and are aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path; the movable member also has a push surface which, at each cycle, acts on each group of packages downstream from the movable member to push the group out of the unit.