Abstract: The invention relates to a method for printing a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can with a printing image, and to a beverage can. The method comprises a first and a second printing operation, in the first printing operation, a first section of the printing surface being printed by way of a first printing process in a first printing press, in the second printing operation, a second section of the printing surface being printed by way of a second printing process which is preferably different from the first printing process in a second printing press, the beverage can being positioned before or during the second printing operation in such a way that the second section of the printing surface is oriented in a predefined position with respect to the first section of the printing surface. The beverage can is printed by way of this method, the first section and the second section of the printing surface being arranged in a predefined position with respect to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveying device, for conveying products in an industrial processing line, the conveying device including, for circulating the products, at least one infeed conveyor, for receiving the products from a line portion upstream the device and a plurality of outfeed conveyors, for further delivering the products to a line portion downstream the device, the conveying device acting as a sorting device and directing product to a predefined outfeed conveyor. The infeed conveyor and the plurality of outfeed conveyors extend in a common plane, the conveying device further including a robotic unit, with a working area covering at least a portion of the at least one infeed conveyor and at least a portion of each outfeed conveyor, for moving products from the at least one infeed conveyor to a predefined outfeed conveyor of the plurality, with a movement parallel to the common plane. Also disclosed is a corresponding method.

Abstract: In one example, an elevator for a roll of print media includes rotatable shafts oriented parallel to one another and translatable supports to support a roll of print media. Each support is operatively connected to the shafts such that rotating the shafts in a first direction raises the supports and rotating the shafts in a second direction opposite the first direction lowers the supports.

Abstract: A relocation method for moving piece goods and an associated transport device are provided. The piece goods (2), that are prone to falling over, in particular bottles, are moved between an in-flow region (E) and a holding area (9) for a layer (10) formed of adjacent rows (3, 4, 5) of the piece goods (2). A transport device (1) has multiple relocation guides (11-15) which are moveable in a controlled manner, and which are configured to transport a row (3-7) or a set of rows of the piece goods between the inflow region (E) and the holding area, to assemble or disassemble a layer. A respective second-outermost row (K2) or a second-outermost set of rows of the layer are secured against falling over by means of a relocation guide (11). An outermost row (K1) or an outermost set of rows is added to the layer or removed from the layer.

Abstract: A transport chute is suitable for use as a store for articles that are able to be laid one on top of another, in particular packages and items of luggage. The chute contains a chute portion which has an inclined chute surface with a dropping direction along the chute surface. The chute portion is interrupted by an interruption such that the chute surface is subdivided into at least an upper chute surface and lower chute surface. The interruption is configured to make it easier to form at least two layers of articles lying one on top of another below the interruption. The lower chute surface has a driver, which is drivable and actuable counter to the dropping direction, for transporting the articles, the articles of the bottommost layer being able to rest at least in part on the driver in order to be transported.

Abstract: In one example, an elevator for a roll of print media includes rotatable shafts oriented parallel to one another and translatable supports to support a roll of print media. Each support is operatively connected to the shafts such that rotating the shafts in a first direction raises the supports and rotating the shafts in a second direction opposite the first direction lowers the supports.

Abstract: It is a major problem encountered in criminology studies, to match the fired bullet with the firearm. One of the acts being featured in the solution of this problem is to provide a holding appropriate for the fired bullet. This invention is about a vacuum powered bullet holder system to be used in forensic analysis of marks on fired bullet.

Abstract: A method of gathering at least one item from an area is provided. The method includes providing at least one grasping mechanism for capturing at least one item, gathering information regarding a first item, including information regarding the first item's orientation in the area, and determining whether the grasping mechanism is able to capture the first item from the area based on the information regarding the first item's orientation. The method further includes manipulating, via the grasping mechanism, the first item if necessary based on the information regarding the first item's orientation to ensure the first item is in an orientation in which the grasping mechanism is able to capture the first item from the area, and capturing the first item with the grasping mechanism and moving the first item to another area.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and a device for changing removable carrier units (8a?, 8b?) with flat packaging material (10) wound on supply rolls (9), in particular, packaging film (11) within a packaging machine (3), which is equipped with devices for at least partially wrapping piece goods, containers, article groups, etc., with flat packaging material (10). With the method removable carrier units (8a, 8b) with new supply rolls (9) are fed in a series one after the other to a work area (AB) of a handling device (5), the work area (AB) of which extends into at least one position of the operating position of the removable carrier unit (8a?, 8b?) arranged in the packaging machine (3), which is equipped with a supply roll (9), so that it replaces removable carrier units (8a?, 8b?) located in the packaging machine (3) and used up supply rolls (9?) with new removable carrier units (8a, 8b) with in each case a new supply roll (9).

Abstract: Method for transfer of containers, such as vials (101), between a freeze dryer (1) that is located at a first location and a separate transport vehicle (30) that is mobile with respect to the freeze dryer, wherein the freeze dryer (1) comprises a freeze dryer housing (2) with an access opening (11) towards an inner freeze drying chamber (10) inside the freeze dryer housing (2), multiple shelves (21-24) that are arranged spaced apart above each other inside the freeze dryer chamber (10) and each provided with a horizontally extending first flat supporting surface (25) for supporting the containers, wherein the mobile transport vehicle (30) comprises a mobile undercarriage (31) supporting a storage housing (33) with an access opening (40) towards an inner storage chamber (39), a carrier provided with a second flat supporting surface (58) for supporting the containers inside the storage housing (33), and a container shifter (60) for pushing out containers away from the second flat supporting surface (58) in a pu

Abstract: An apparatus for laning rolled products is disclosed. The apparatus can include an infeed section having one or more adjacent infeed lanes. Each infeed lane can convey a plurality of rolled products in a first direction. The infeed section can feed rolled product to a transfer section, the transfer section receiving one or more of the plurality of rolled products from each lane of the infeed section. The transfer section can convey the one or more rolled products in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction to a first or second discharge section. The first or second discharge sections can each have one or more adjacent discharge lanes for receiving the one or more rolled products from the transfer section. The first or second discharge sections can convey the one or more rolled products in a third direction substantially parallel to the first direction. A displacement device can transfer rolled products from the transfer section onto the first or second discharge sections.

Abstract: In the present method, which includes use of an operating head, groups of articles are intermittently picked up from a plurality of identical flanked channels (10, 20, 30) which bear articles (3) equidistanced from one another. The articles are ordered in groups in identical flanked lines (F1, F2, F3) and in a number that is equal to the number of channels. In the method, each group of articles is transferred above a supply line (40) provided with equidistanced compartments corresponding to the articles arranged on the channels. Each line of articles is unloaded into underlying compartments (4) of a series of compartments in the line. It is thus possible to insert into the compartments of a series of compartments an equal, smaller or greater number of articles than the number of channels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a unit for forming a layer of a batch of groups of articles, comprising a first conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of groups in an abutting relationship; and a second conveyor adapted to separate batch from the remaining groups for a gap; unit further comprises manipulating means adapted to manipulate separated batch on an area defined by second conveyor, so as to form layer.

Abstract: A product bag unloading apparatus in which two product bags (3, 4) arranged in a single row in the bag width direction are conveyed on a carry-out conveyor (5) in a single-row arrangement, with their length direction oriented in the conveyor's conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first chuck (11) for gripping one product bag (3), a second chuck (12) for gripping the other product bag (4), a pivot arm (17) pivoting through 90 degrees about a fulcrum shaft (16) with the first chuck (11) rotatably provided at a free end thereof, and a chuck translation mechanism (parallel linkage mechanism) (14) maintaining the first chuck (11) in a constant orientation at all times when the first chuck (11) is moved between a bag receiving position and a bag release position by the pivot motion of the pivot arm (17).

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 spacing apparatus singulates and spaces items for further processing and packaging. The apparatus comprises a rotatable dispensing wheel member having apertures for receiving items, such as food parts. The apertures are configured to place the items in a consistent alignment on a conveyor system. As the dispensing wheel rotates, the items are deposited from the apertures sequentially and with consistent positioning on a conveyor system that transports the singularized items to a measuring point. The rate of rotation of the dispensing wheel member can be controlled by a controller. A guide disposed above the dispensing wheel member provides greater accuracy in depositing items into the slots.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous loading and accumulation of rows of suspendedly handled items includes a feed jig at a top of the apparatus with one or more feed channels having grippers for holding the row, and a continuous-motion loader at a bottom of the apparatus having panels or walls on an outer periphery to define a plurality of passageways, wherein the continuous-motion loader has a length defining a row loading area, which is defined by the feed jig, and a pickup area for the rows so loaded, external to the feed jig.

Abstract: A food item is cooked in a cooking device and transferred to a heated holding table by two exit conveyors. The food item then falls onto one of two transfer conveyors that move perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the exit conveyors. The food items travel on the transfer conveyors and then fall onto a main conveyor. The main conveyor moves in a direction that is parallel to the direction of movement of the exit conveyors. If the food item has not been manually removed from the main conveyor after a predetermined amount of time, the food item falls off the main conveyor and into a drawer waste chute for disposal.

Abstract: An automated grouping system of bakery products increases a quantity of bakery products that may be fed to equipment having a larger processing capacity. The automated grouping system includes a supporting structure laterally arranged adjacent to a conveyor of bakery products. The structure includes two longitudinally-arranged lateral rails. Sliding supports, along with first linear driving actuators of regulated stroke, are mounted on the lateral rails. Each sliding support includes a vertical post and a cross guide fixed at an upper portion thereof. The structure also includes a pair of second linear vertical actuators, which support and actuate a pair of pulling plates and positioning mechanisms of bakery products. The pulling plates are also actuatable by third linear actuators of regulated stroke, which are provided on a lower cross member, to position the pulling plates in a direction transverse to a conveying direction of the bakery products.

Abstract: A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading and/or unloading the chamber comprises a transfer bar extending across the slot. The bar is pivotally attached at each end to first and second flat springs, each spring being wound on a respective rotatably mounted spool located proximate the slot. Drive means are provided for synchronously rotating the spools to effect movement of the bar into or out from the chamber and for selectively rotating the spools to raise or lower the bar.

Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.

Abstract: Filter cigarettes are turned out by a combination unit composed of a cigarette maker coinciding with a substantially horizontal first leg, also a filter tip attachment machine coinciding with a second leg, of which the downstream machine is equipped with an infeed roller turning on a horizontal axis lying transverse to the second leg. The first and second legs extend parallel one with another and are linked by a transfer unit rotatable about an essentially vertical center axis and incorporating a plurality of holders, each designed to take up two cigarette sticks from an outfeed end of the upstream machine and direct them through a semi-circular path to an infeed end of the downstream machine.

Abstract: A device for handling packets of cigarettes has two drying beams, each for feeding a line of packets to an intermediate station; and two transfer units, each for transferring the incoming packets from a respective drying beam from the intermediate station to a single output conveyor; the transfer units and the output conveyor are powered by the same motor, and the speed of the drying beams is so regulated that the packets are fed to the intermediate station in phase with the movement of the transfer units.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for separating imbricated flat products, in particular, folding boxes, with a delivery belt on which the products are supported in the form of an imbricated flow and are transported at a transport speed, with a transfer conveyor belt, disposed downstream of the delivery belt, which has a higher transport speed than the delivery belt. The transfer conveyor belt is designed as vacuum belt, or comprises a vacuum belt, and a retaining device is provided for the trailing flat products.

Abstract: An article transport, meterer and loader has a plurality of parallel lanes disposed above and in angular relation to a direction of transport of a plurality of article conveyors.

Abstract: The device for sorting items, such as rolls, is provided downstream of a first number (N) of feeding channels (Ca) of items (R), which feeding channels (Ca) are provided with dispensing members (S) for a controlled release of the items (R). The device (100) includes: a number of mobile tracks (5) equal to the first number (N), arranged downstream of the (N) feeding channels (Ca) and operatively associated in pairs, so as to define operating gaps (H1) between successive pairs. The first mobile tracks (5) are movable in reciprocal synchronism, transversally (W) to the feeding channels (Ca). A second number (M) of second mobile tracks (6) are arranged downstream of the feeding channels (Ca) and are disposed each one between successive pairs of the first tracks (5) at the operating gaps (H1).

Abstract: A transferring apparatus carries out the method proposed by the invention, for transferring articles from a first conveying line to a second article conveying line by two manipulating members, operated independently from each other to pick up a corresponding pair of articles moving on the first conveying line, and to release them onto the second conveying line arranged at an angle with respect to a picking up configuration.

Abstract: A block sorting system includes a block transferring apparatus that has a plurality of independently movable opposing pairs of gripping members. The gripping members pick up the row of blocks on a staging conveyor and move the row of blocks laterally to a set of adjacent sorting conveyors. A sensor apparatus measures the length and width of each block in the row of blocks while the row of blocks is laterally translated to the sorting conveyors. The independently controlled gripping members release a first set of blocks having a first length and width onto a first sorting conveyor. The remaining blocks are translated over a second sorting conveyor and a second set of blocks having a second length and width are released onto the second sorting conveyor. Rejected blocks may be translated laterally to a container and released into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of rod-shaped articles from a longitudinal conveyor that longitudinal axially conveys the articles onto a transverse conveyor that transverse axial conveys the articles transversely to their axes, a direction of transport of the longitudinal conveyor and the transverse conveyor being transverse to each other. The apparatus includes a conveyor having receptacles structured to receive articles from the longitudinal conveyor and to discharge the received articles onto the transverse conveyor. Moreover, the conveyor is structured and arranged to receive at least two pairs of articles, which are delivered to the conveyor on separate tracks of the longitudinal conveyor. Additionally, the conveyor is further structured and arranged to discharge the pairs of articles to two separate tracks of the transverse conveyor. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for unloading and binding brick or other components include an infeed conveyor that delivers layers of brick to a transfer distribution carriage. The distribution carriage repositions the brick layers on either an outfeed conveyor or a tine conveyor. The layers of bricks carried by the outfeed conveyor are moved to where a tine layer is positioned on their upper surface. The tine conveyor divides the bricks into an arrangement of rows spaced apart to define openings for receiving a lifting or moving member, so that when the tine layer is positioned in a completed stack, enables movement of the stack by a forklift or other suitable moving means. Additional layer or layers are then positioned on the tine row on a packaging conveyor so that completed stacks are delivered to a package station that binds the stack of bricks or other components into an integrated structure.

Abstract: A palletizer for bottles having loader carriage with a plurality of horizontal corridors (11) formed by pairs of laterally adjustable guides (21), which suspend the collars (92) of the bottles, and pairs of laterally adjustable side walls (31), which can move toward each other to lock the bottle bodies from movement along the corridors. During loading of the carriage, the guides are moved to engage the bottle collars and the side walls are moved apart. During unloading of the carriage, the side walls are moved inward to lock the bottles and the guides are moved apart so that the gripper (52) can enter the carriage from above.

Abstract: Cooling tunnel for flexible packages filled with hot liquid products. The cooling tunnel is applicable to automatic packaging installations and comprises a main conveyor belt (1) adapted for the transport of packages (2) filled with hot liquid products through a cooling device (3), loading means (4) of packages (2) onto the main conveyor belt (1), unloading means (5) of packages (2) from the conveyor belt (1) and emptying means (6) of the packages (2). The loading means (4) are adapted for loading the packages (2) onto the main conveyor belt (1) forming successive sets (15), in which the packages (2) form an arrangement of orthogonal rows and columns, whereas the unloading means (5) are adapted for the simultaneous unloading of the packages (2) from each row of the sets (15) of packages (2).

Abstract: The palletizer comprises a loader carriage (10) provided with a plurality of parallel horizontal corridors (11) for receiving the articles, each corridor comprising:

Abstract: A pick-up member for use with an apparatus for transporting a container from a pick-up station to a deposit station. The pick-up member being substantially formed of plastic and includes a bell-shaped head having a longitudinal bore for receiving containers and transverse bores intersecting the longitudinal bore and causing transverse movement engaging members for engaging with the containers. A control mechanism is provided to control the position of the engaging members.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a novel row former, a novel array rake and a novel sweep mechanism that are all designed to prevent relative movement between objects arranged in rows and then formed in two dimensional arrays of the objects as the objects are moved through the conveyor system, where the objects have triangular shaped cross sections.

Abstract: A feed conveyor is operable in a first direction to deposit a stream of articles across a width of a downstream conveyor operating along a second direction, the second direction being at an angle to the first direction. The feed conveyor is an extendable conveyor that is accurately controlled for circulating speed, extension speed and retraction speed, to deposit articles transversely onto the downstream conveyor in a tightly spaced, grid pattern. The extension and retraction speed are controlled by a first servomotor and the conveying speed of the feed conveyor is controlled by a second servomotor.

Abstract: For transporting bottles with a carrying ring in the neck region, particularly PET bottles, along a specified path of motion through processing stations (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), of a processing installation particularly a bottle-filling installation, in each case a number of bottles (8), grouped in a row (9) transversely to the direction of transport (20), is transported by a carrier (13) and positioned relative to the latter. The carriers (13) can be moved by conveying chains (11) or similar driving means at uniform intervals consecutively from a bottle feeding station (1) past at least one processing station, especially a filling station, to a bottle delivery station (7) and, from there, empty back to the bottle feeding station. As carrier for a row (9) of bottles (8), a cellular board-like flat carrying strip (13) is provided.

Abstract: A method of transferring packing units from a receiving station to a stack building station includes the steps of delivering the packing units to the receiving station in a plurality of rows and in a plurality of tracks in a conveying direction, accepting the packing units in a plurality of rows and in a plurality of tracks at a transfer apparatus, removing all packing units of desired properties from a first row not only including packing units of desired properties, storing the at least one packing unit of desired properties, and positioning the at least one stored packing unit of desired properties in a row following the first row, so that only rows of packing units of desired properties are collected at the stack building station.

Abstract: In a pickup head (1) for an automatic component assembly machine a house (5) is provided, which and a transmission (27, 29) is movable in a vertical direction (z-direction) by means of a drive motor (25) and is arranged on a horizontally (x-direction) movable wagon (3). The house (5) carries several pickup devices (11), which are movably mounted in the house and during the movement of the house (5) can be made to selectively accompany this in order to pick components. Therefor, the pickup devices (11) are resiliently biassed to a pulled down position by compression springs (21) and they can further be locked in an upper position by activating solenoids (31). These have locking pins (37), which during activation engage abutments (23) of each pickup device (11). The pickup head (1) can hereby, by driven by a single motor (25) simultaneously pick several components, what gives a quick picking function and hereby a quicker mounting.

Abstract: Automatic semiconductor part handler. In one aspect the handler includes a source of parts and a transfer mechanism for transferring a part from the source to a belt assembly. The belt assembly includes a belt, a belt displacement controller, and an image forming device for forming an image of the part with respect to a desired end point. The belt displacement controller is coupled to the belt to move the belt based upon the image of the part with respect to the desired end point, thereby positioning the part in a precise location with respect to the direction of motion of the input belt.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for conveying products longitudinally respecting a particular longitudinal spacing. Between two conveyor surfaces moving at a particular speed equal to the product of an at least average particular rate of arrival of products by the particular spacing, the products rest on a second conveyor surface moving at a speed that is systematically oscillated around a particular speed at a rate equal to the particular rate. The products can therefore be set or maintained at the particular spacing and if a plurality of rows of products are processed simultaneously they can be set in phase or with a particular phase shift.

Abstract: A conveyor system is set forth. The conveyor system includes first and second strip conveyors. The first and second strip conveyors comprise a common input end that is common to both of the first and second strip conveyors. A lateral drive is disposed to drive the common input end in a lateral direction. A first output portion terminates the output of the first strip conveyor and a second output portion terminates the output of the second strip conveyor. A lateral adjustment assembly is used for laterally adjusting the first and second output portions independent of one another. The first and second strip conveyors are particularly useful in a conveyor system for accepting one or more streams of product input and converting the one or more streams to a format that is suitable for automatic loading to a subsequent machine.

Abstract: A method of transferring elongated articles from a first path to a second path crosswise to the first, whereby the articles are fed longitudinally along the first path in a first and second succession side by side and parallel to each other, and are fed transversely along the second path; the articles in the first succession are picked up by means of a first pickup member, and the articles in the second succession by means of a second pickup member; the first pickup member and respective article are fed along a first portion of a first annular trajectory extending about a first axis; the second pickup member and respective article are fed along a second portion of a second annular trajectory extending about a second axis; and the lengths of the first and second portions depend on the arrangement of the articles along the second path.

Abstract: The device includes selectively operable article re-orienting means, allowing groups of articles to be packed together in a variety of orientations using a single standard packaging machine. An infeed conveyor carries the articles in a predetermined orientation using a single standard packaging machine. An infeed conveyor carries the articles in a predetermined orientation in a plurality of lanes. A group collator comprising a set of lane brakes and a movable backstop aligns a group of articles in one or more rows transverse to conveyor. A paddle transfers the group to the packaging machine. The re-orienting means turn a sub-group of articles making up the group to a specified orientation for such transfer, each article sub-group being turned about a respective axis normal to the plane of the infeed conveyor.

Abstract: An improved connector feeding apparatus for use with a wire harness-making system is described and includes a series of slots for holding longitudinal trains of connectors, a finger plate positioned above individual connector slots that is driven by a linear drive mechanism in a manner that permits the finger plate to move longitudinally along the trains of connectors. The finger plate includes an associated lift mechanism that can be raised and lower onto a preselected train of connectors and which engages a selected connector at the lowest extent of the lift mechanism. A shuttle is positioned ahead of the connector slots and receives connectors moved therefrom. The shuttle is driven linearly in a direction transverse to the longitudinal movement of the connectors within the connector slots. A connector loading means that ejects the connectors from the shuttle is positioned so it may face the shuttle when being driven alongside of the connector slots.

Abstract: A belt feeder for the rapid and successive in-line transportation of small electronic components. The belt feeder has an inclined dispensing portion with at least one dispensing lane, a conveyor portion having an intermittently moving conveyor belt and at least one conveyor guide lane superposed above the conveyor belt, and a receiving nose structure having at least one nest structure mounted thereon at the end of the conveyor belt and forming a nest. The inclined track is positioned adjacent and above the conveyor track to allow the components enough space to be successively dispensed to the conveyor belt from the dispensing lane and into the conveyor guide lane where the component is intermittently carried forward by the conveyor belt until it comes to rest within its nest.

Abstract: In an individual section (IS) glassware forming system that includes a lehr loader having a loader bar and electric actuators for controlling motion at the loader bar along forward, sideshift and lift axes independently of each other to load glassware from a cross conveyor across a transfer plate onto a lehr conveyor, apparatus for controlling motion at the loader bar includes an operator station for entry of a plurality of control parameters that relate to physical characteristics of the glassware, cross conveyor, transfer plate, lehr and loader bar. The operator station includes prestored programming for automatically translating the control parameters entered by the operator into motion profiles for each of the three axes, with each of the profiles comprising a data set of motion data versus time data. An electronic controller is coupled to the electric actuators for controlling motions at the loader bar along the three axes as a function of associated sets of motion data versus time data.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring separate products, such as eggs and fruit, from a feed conveyor to a packaging apparatus includes a feed conveyor provided with at least one row of product holders, a receiving conveyor provided with brushes for receiving the products discharged from the feed conveyor and a feed-through conveyor connecting to the receiving conveyor for further conveying the products to a packaging apparatus. The apparatus is provided with electrically operable discharge members disposed above the feed conveyor. The fall trajectory of the articles discharged from the feed conveyor is such that the articles end up at substantially the same landing location on the receiving conveyor, independently of the speed of travel of the feed conveyor at the moment of discharge.

Abstract: A method and device for the transfer of goods, in particular aluminum cans, from a first conveyor to a second conveyor. The goods are cyclically transferred in groups. On the first conveyor, the groups are disposed along the conveying direction of the first conveyor. When placed on the second conveyor, the groups are disposed transverse to the conveying direction of the second conveyor. The groups of goods are preferably held by vacuum during the transfer from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. In order to preserve the row-wise separation of goods present on the first conveyor, the device transfers goods in such a manner that, when viewed transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the conveying direction of the first conveyor, groups of goods being transferred do not overlap with the other groups of goods being transferred.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor apparatus of the present invention is structured such that when objects to be conveyed are respectively positioned in outlet sides of upstream sorting conveyors under a condition that the objects are positioned on each of downstream sorting conveyors, driving of the upstream sorting conveyors is stopped, such that when the objects are carried out from outlet sides of the downstream sorting conveyors, the driving of the upstream sorting conveyors are respectively restarted, such that when the objects are respectively positioned in the outlet side of each of the downstream sorting conveyors, the driving of each of the downstream sorting conveyors is stopped, and such that the driving of all the downstream sorting conveyors is synchronously restarted under a predetermined carry out condition.