Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a pneumatic mandrel for a packaging system. In one embodiment, the mandrel includes a pneumatic nozzle proximate to a loading volume in which items are disposed before being packaged. The pneumatic nozzle can contain multiple ports for directing airflow in different directions. The directions at which the ports generate the airflow may be selected to move items that may be stuck or snagged into the loading volume. Stated differently, the mandrel may generate airflows in multiple directions for pushing items towards the loading volume.

Abstract: A wafer processing method includes a polyester sheet providing step of positioning a wafer in an inside opening of a ring frame and providing a polyester sheet on a back side of the wafer and on a back side of the ring frame, a uniting step of heating the polyester sheet as applying a pressure to the polyester sheet to thereby unite the wafer and the ring frame through the polyester sheet by thermocompression bonding, a dividing step of applying a laser beam to the wafer to form division grooves in the wafer, thereby dividing the wafer into individual device chips, and a pickup step of blowing air to each device chip through the polyester sheet to push up each device chip, thereby picking up each device chip from the polyester sheet after performing the dividing step.

Abstract: A wafer processing method includes a polyolefin sheet providing step of positioning a wafer in an inside opening of a ring frame and providing a polyolefin sheet on a back side of the wafer and on a back side of the ring frame, a uniting step of heating the polyolefin sheet as applying a pressure to the polyolefin sheet to thereby unite the wafer and the ring frame through the polyolefin sheet by thermocompression bonding, a dividing step of applying a laser beam to the wafer to form division grooves in the wafer, thereby dividing the wafer into individual device chips, and a pickup step of blowing air to each device chip through the polyolefin sheet to push up each device chip, thereby picking up each device chip from the polyolefin sheet after performing the dividing step.

Abstract: A wafer processing method includes a polyester sheet providing step of positioning a wafer in an inside opening of a ring frame and providing a polyester sheet on a back side or a front side of the wafer and on a back side of the ring frame, a uniting step of heating the polyester sheet as applying a pressure to the polyester sheet to thereby unite the wafer and the ring frame through the polyester sheet by thermocompression bonding, a dividing step of applying a laser beam to the wafer to form modified layers in the wafer, thereby dividing the wafer into individual device chips, and a pickup step of blowing out air to push up each device chip and picking up each device chip from the polyester sheet.

Abstract: A wafer processing method includes a polyolefin sheet providing step of positioning a wafer in an inside opening of a ring frame and providing a polyolefin sheet on a back side or a front side of the wafer and on a back side of the ring frame, a uniting step of heating the polyolefin sheet as applying a pressure to the polyolefin sheet to thereby unite the wafer and the ring frame through the polyolefin sheet by thermocompression bonding, a dividing step of applying a laser beam to the wafer to form modified layers in the wafer, thereby dividing the wafer into individual device chips, and a pickup step of blowing out air to push up each device chip and picking up each device chip from the polyolefin sheet.

Abstract: A pallet transport device includes a plurality of pallet rails; a pallet feeding unit configured to transport the pallet along the pallet rails; a pallet moving unit configured to horizontally rotate so as to move the pallet; one or more short rails disposed at a periphery of the pallet moving unit; a pallet feeding assist unit configured to move the pallet from the pallet rails to the short rails, or move the pallet from the short rails to the pallet rails; and an elevator unit configured to cause the pallet feeding assist unit to descend and ascend. The horizontal rotation of the pallet moving unit is permitted by the descent of the pallet feeding assist unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: Tobacco products (2), typically cigarettes, are manufactured on a line (1) including a cigarette maker (3) and a filter tip attachment machine (4), both equipped with a number of production devices and units connected to respective master control units (82, 83) and visual display units (84). Key characteristics of sample tobacco products (2) are tested by an auxiliary inspection unit (45) forming part of a monitoring and control system associated with the manufacturing line (1), and connected up to a common interface network (48) so that signals reflecting the monitored characteristics can be fed back to a number of control units (81) associated respectively with the devices and the units of the line (1) on which the characteristics in question depend, and programmed to pilot corrective actions in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: Transfer system cooperating with a machine for producing tobacco and filter product rods having a rod receiving unit, a cutting head, and a control system. The machine enables adjustment of the length of the produced rods, whereby the rod receiving unit of the transfer system is synchronized with the cutting head by the control system. The transfer system is situated between the machine for producing rods and a machine for further processing or transmitting the rods. A rejection unit is provided for rejecting the rods outside the transfer system during the synchronization of the rod receiving unit of the transfer system with the cutting head after a new length is entered into the control system. The rejection unit is located between the cutting head of the machine and the rod receiving unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a star wheel used for transporting articles in an arcuate path. The star wheel is provided with a vacuum apparatus to retain the articles within pockets of the star wheel as the wheel is rotated between a point where the articles are loaded onto the wheel and a point where they are removed. The hub of the star wheel functions as a plenum for low pressure, high flow vacuum, and short openings are provided between the plenum and the pockets. One of the walls of the hub is stationary and, at its periphery, it is positioned closed to but slightly spaced from the rim of the star wheel. A blocking surface is provided within the plenum spaced with a small gap from the inner end of some, but not all, of the short openings, so that vacuum is blocked from some positions of the pockets as they rotate. The apparatus avoids wear and friction, is able to transport irregular shaped articles, and is less costly to manufacture and use.

Abstract: It relates to an equipment to transport and move material which transfer products in bulk into one by one; it receivers a certain amount of pieces (1) and delivers one by one to the next industrial process. This equipment transfers products from a belt conveyor (2) to a weighing system (8) of products on a constant flow; it comprises a rotating cylinder (5) with holes (9) on the cylindrical surface which suck the pieces (1) one by one discharging them in a sequence over a weighing and grading system (8).

Abstract: A container machine and method, the machine comprising: an exit track for containers; a primary starwheel holding processed containers and moving the processed containers along a pitch line path toward the exit track; a sorter starwheel positioned adjacent to the primary starwheel and driven in phase synchronization with the primary starwheel; a sorter track for providing a path for containers held by the sorter starwheel; a diverter mechanism to divert at least a selected one of the processed containers on the primary starwheel to a pocket of the sorter starwheel; and a timing device for causing the diverter mechanism to operate while the primary starwheel is rotating at least at fifty percent of production speed and preferably at production speed.

Abstract: A work unit for conveying bottles between two stations and for rejecting bottles considered faulty, includes a selecting disc, having a vertical axis and featuring radial seats made on its edge, for holding, in cooperation with vacuum ducts, bottles. A first track, concentric with the disc, cooperates with the seats and the vacuum ducts to guide bottles, considered good, from an inlet station to an outlet station. A second track begins in an intermediate point of the first track and extends to intersect the first track, and leads to a discharge station. The second track guides, with the cooperation of removing elements, the bottles considered faulty, from the first track to the discharge station, due to deactivation of the vacuum ducts with respect to the seats situated upstream of the discharge station and containing the faulty bottles.

Abstract: A small item pneumatic diverter for high speed diversion of articles, such as fruit, from a moving conveyor in a product handling system. The pneumatic diverter is particularly suited for diversion of small, relatively fragile articles after they have been optically scanned for size, weight, quality or other characteristics. The diverter has a nozzle connected to an electrical solenoid controlled air valve that is connected to a source of compressed air and a computer for controlling the release of air to the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of small discharge ports at one end for discharging air towards an article on the moving conveyor. In one configuration, the nozzle discharges air across the top of a small article to provide lift and against the article to off-load it from the conveyor. A delay mechanism is utilized to selective discharge an article after it has been scanned.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus for a filter cigarette making machine comprises a rotatable catcher drum (2). The drum (2) has receiving grooves (6) in its outer circumferential surface, for each receiving a cigarette rod (CR). A rod (CR) received in the groove (6) moves forward into a braking area therein. In the braking area, the rod (CR) receives braking force due to suction and is stopped. A pair of limit sensors (40, 42) are arranged outside the drum (2). The sensors (40,42) optically detect a rear end of the rod (CR), and on the basis of the result of this detection, whether a stop position at which the rod is stopped is within a tolerance area or not is determined. On the basis of the result of this determination, a controller (38) regulates the braking force exerted on rods (CR) to thereby control the stop position of the rods (CR). Then, a pusher (26) pushes the rod (CR) from its stop position back to a normal position, in each of the grooves (6).

Abstract: A reject bottle detection and ejection apparatus has a plurality of sensors positioned along the length of a belt conveyor that senses whether a bottle conveyed by the conveyor is positioned in an upright orientation, in an inverted orientation, in a sideways orientation, in a slanted orientation, or whether the bottle is damaged, and an air jet nozzle positioned downstream of the plurality of sensors that selectively emits a jet of air at a bottle conveyed past the air jet that has been sensed to be not in the upright orientation or to be damaged, thus removing the bottle from the conveyor.

Abstract: The device for removing front and end trimmings in a series of aligned rolls comprises: at least one continuous flexible suction conveyor (13); a suction system (3) associated with the conveyor so as to generate a suction through openings (13A) in the conveyor; a device for eliminating trimmings along a roll transfer path; a device receiving rolls from the conveyor. The receiver comprises at least two alternate paths for the rolls, which are arranged in sequence along the conveyor (13) and onto which the rolls may be alternately sorted.

Abstract: A collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers. A diverter may be used to direct incoming product bags between parallel conveyors.

Abstract: A small item pneumatic diverter for high speed diversion of articles, such as fruit, from a moving conveyor in a product handling system. The pneumatic diverter is particularly suited for diversion of small, relatively fragile articles after they have been optically scanned for size, weight, quality or other characteristics. The diverter has a nozzle connected to an electrical solenoid controlled air valve that is connected to a source of compressed air and a computer for controlling the release of air to the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of small discharge ports at one end for discharging air towards an article on the moving conveyor. In one configuration, the nozzle discharges air across the top of a small article to provide lift and against the article to off-load it from the conveyor. A delay mechanism is utilized to selective discharge an article after it has been scanned.

Abstract: A unit for supplying packets of cigarettes has a first and a second belt conveyor, which respectively define a first and a second path having a common portion; and a routing device extending about the first and second belt conveyor at the common portion, and cooperating with the belts of the first and second belt conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for picking up a semiconductor chip, a method and apparatus for removing a semiconductor chip from a dicing tape, and a method of forming a perforated dicing tape are provided. Air may be blown through air holes in a dicing tape to at least partially separate the semiconductor chip from the dicing tape and/or create a space between the semiconductor chip to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape to the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip may then be picked up by a removal member and completely removed from the dicing tape. Semiconductor chips that are not to be removed may be vacuum-suctioned to the dicing tape. UV radiation or heat may be applied to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape. The semiconductor chip may be detected by an optical detector. Removing the semiconductor chips by air reduces stress and damage to the semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying rod-shaped articles in the tobacco-processing industry, wherein a holding vacuum is used to hold the articles on a conveying drum. For removal of an article, in a transfer region to a removal drum, the holding vacuum at the conveying drum is stopped for the removal and a holding vacuum is applied to the removal drum.

Abstract: A fastening element 30 is fed from a feed track 64 through a feed chamber, formed by interfacing closed channels 132 and 160, to a junction point located in a feed passage 84, formed by two communicating feed openings 86 and 88. An inclined surface 82, located between the feed chamber and the junction point, is inclined downward from the feed chamber to the junction point. A ram 105, located movably in the feed chamber, transfers the fastening element 30 from the feed track 64 to the inclined surface 82, where the fastening element moves down the inclined surface to the junction point. Upon the application of a pressure medium into the feed passage 84, selectively in either of two directions, the fastening element 30 can be directed toward a fastening device 104.

Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.

Abstract: A fastening element 30 is fed from a feed track 64 through a feed chamber, formed by interfacing closed channels 132 and 160, to a junction point located in a feed passage 84, formed by two communicating feed openings 86 and 88. An inclined surface 82, located between the feed chamber and the junction point, is inclined downward from the feed chamber to the junction point. A ram 105, located movably in the feed chamber, transfers the fastening element 30 from the feed track 64 to the inclined surface 82, where the fastening element moves down the inclined surface to the junction point. Upon the application of a pressure medium into the feed passage 84, selectively in either of two directions, the fastening element 30 can be directed toward a fastening device 104.

Abstract: A sorting device for laminae, especially for inlaid floor laminae of wood, is proposed which has a delivery point in a horizontally extending transport track and a delivery track proceeding from the delivery point. The laminae to be sorted out are lifted up from the transport track and transferred to the delivery track arranged above the transport track by a controllable deflection apparatus which transmits an upwardly directed impulse to the laminae to be sorted out. To support a defined transfer of the sorted laminae to the delivery track, a guide element arranged above the delivery point can be present which is preferably constructed as a suction band conveyor with acceleration effect for the laminae.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus and method are disclosed for receiving articles, such as cans, adjusting, or rearranging, the received articles between single and multiple lines during conveyance, and/or adjusting the spacing between the articles so that the articles are spaced from one another a preselected distance, including, if needed, equal spacing between the articles in the single and multiple lines. Rearrangement of the articles in single to multiple line mode (or, alternately, in multiple to single line mode) and/or control of spacing of the articles are/is effected by conveyance of the articles to and between a plurality of article actuators, each including a rotatable disk having negative pressure thereat for selectively establishing and maintaining engagement of the articles with the peripheral portions of the disks.

Abstract: A system and method for case-packing articles utilizing an infeed conveyor and spaced apart outfeed conveyors positioned at opposite sides of the infeed conveyor and a robotic operating arm arranged for transverse operation with respect to the longitudinal movement of each of the conveyors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blowing or pushing products from a conveying member, to which end a number of spaced-apart members are employed, each being provided with a controllable air valve, or with sliding parts with a controllable driving mechanism which are mounted on an endless conveyor, belt or chain. Further, a control system has been provided in which detection members determine whether a product meets set quality requirements and when and by which member the approved products should be blown or pushed from the conveying member in such a way that the products are successively brought in predetermined arrangements or patterns.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for pushing at least one of two hollow glass articles from a dead plate of a glass forming machine onto a conveyor belt. A pusher serves for this purpose, and includes a base portion and, for each glass article which is to be pushed, at least one thrust finger extending transversely to the base portion. Each thrust finger defines with the base portion a pocket for receiving the glass article. A nozzle is arranged in the region of a corner of the associated pocket. From each nozzle compressed air can be blown such that a pressure below atmospheric pressure which draws the glass article into the pocket is created between the pusher and the glass article. The compressed air is blown from the corner out between the base portion and the glass article.

Abstract: A paper web is drawn into a printing and can be guided along a selected one of several paths. The paper web is weakened along a line of separation and is then held by a retaining system that can move the web in a conveying direction along a first path. The web is fed to a different conveying path and is separated ot torn along the line of separation. This line of separation or weakening is formed at an angle to the production direction.

Abstract: A device for executing an inspection method of a filter rod for cigarettes includes an inspection drum (6), and the inspection drum (6) has plural pickup grooves (8) for receiving one filter rod (F) each in its outer periphery. The filter rod (F) in each pickup groove (8) is provided with rolling force by a rolling guide (10), and passes through an illuminated region (B) of light while the inspection drum (6) rotates. At this time, when the filter rod (F) rolls, the shielded portion of the illuminated region (B) due to the filter rod (F) varies. This variation means that the filter rod (F) is normal, and is hence used for determination of the inspection.

Abstract: An automatic loading and unloading apparatus using servo motors allows simultaneous loading and unloading of two or more semiconductor device packages into and from test devices. The loading and unloading apparatus has a feeding mechanism which has a feed container carrying two semiconductor device packages which have not yet been tested; a loading tool for transferring those two semiconductor device packages from the feed container to a centering position; a DC test contact tool; an insertion tool; a removal tool; and a sorting station for sorting the semiconductor device packages depending on results of a burn-in test. The tools of the apparatus are driven by the action of servo motors, thereby allowing independent movements thereof in the vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transferring empty blow molded containers with precisely timed and directed blasts of air to a trimmer. The transfer apparatus includes a first set of air nozzles for transferring multiple bottles at a time from a wheel discharge takeaway conveyor to an index bucket chain of a trimming machine. The containers are blown across a transfer bridge assembly and are prevented from rebounding out of the index bucket chain due to the construction of the bridge assembly and the use of a second set of air nozzles. The second set of air nozzles are located above a path of travel of the transferred containers and fire bursts of air directed downward and forward onto the containers on the transfer bridge and index bucket chain.

Abstract: A device for transferring objects, especially hollow bodies, such as cans, tubes and the like, from an arriving conveying device to an exiting conveying device. At least one rotatingly driven rotor is provided. At least one holding device, for the objects, is provided which is articulated with the rotor for common drive. At least one control device is provided connected to the holding device and is restrictedly guided along a cam to generate a nonuniform conveying velocity of the holding device. The holding device is mounted on the rotor pivotably around a pivot axis located at a spaced location from a rotor axis.

Abstract: A lid infeed system includes a pair of adjacent and parallel spinning rods for holding a stack of lids thereon; a rotatable transfer plate at one end of the spinning rods and rotatable in a plane substantially transverse to an axial direction of the spinning rods, the transfer plate having three spaced openings through which a vacuum is applied for holding and carrying a forwardmost lid from the stack of lids during rotation of the transfer plate, and the transfer plate reducing in thickness from a center thereof to a periphery thereof, so as to provide an annular sloping front face against which the forwardmost lid is held; an adjustable hold down bar positioned above the spinning rods and in front of the transfer plate for holding down the stack of lids on the spinning rods; a vacuum block for limiting the supply of the vacuum through each opening, for a predetermined angular extent of rotation of the transfer plate, the vacuum block having a front face with a recess therein which extends for a predetermine

Abstract: A receiving device for a double cigarette is provided with a rotatable catcher drum, receiving grooves, suction holes and pusher rods. The receiving grooves are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the catcher drum. Each of the receiving grooves receives the double cigarette from an inlet thereof and guides an advance of the double cigarette. The suction holes are formed on a bottom of each receiving groove and provide braking force to the received double cigarette and temporarily stop the advance of the double cigarette. The pusher rod is arranged in each receiving groove and pushes back the temporarily stopped double cigarette toward the inlet side of the receiving groove and positions the double cigarette in a normal position.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus for cigarettes having a catcher drum rotatable in one direction, a large number of receiving grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the catcher drum, each receiving groove being tunnel-shaped and permitting a received double cigarette to advance, a stopper member formed in each receiving groove and having a stopper surface, a plurality of suction holes formed in the bottom of each receiving groove for supplying a suction pressure to the receiving groove, and a hole permitting the atmosphere or suction pressure to be introduced into the receiving groove from the stopper surface of the stopper member, where the suction pressure supplied from the suction holes and the atmospheric pressure introduced from the stopper surface cooperatively cause the double cigarette advancing in the receiving groove to be stopped at a position short of the stopper member.

Abstract: A device for aligning rod members includes a separation drum, feeding grooves, which are disposed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface thereof, for receiving a pair of charcoal half rods, and a sealing sheet for covering part of the outer peripheral surface of the drum. The feeding groove is formed into a tunnel-shaped passage when the feeding groove passes through the sealing sheet as the drum rotates. Suction holes are provided at opposite ends of the feeding groove. The suction holes suck the air in the tunnel-shaped passage to move the paired charcoal half rods to the right and the left. Stopper rings are fixed to opposite end portions of the drum to stop the movement of the charcoal half rods. Thus, the charcoal half rods separated to right and left are aligned.

Abstract: A conveying device is provided for vertically positioning ferromagnetic cans discharged from an upstream unit in a horizontal position. The conveying device includes a first direction changing band for receiving and transporting horizontally disposed ferromagnetic cans discharged from the upstream unit and having a first discharge end for discharging cans in an essentially vertical orientation. A second direction changing band is disposed along side the first direction changing band for transporting cans and has a second discharge end for discharging cans in an essentially vertical orientation. A transfer device transfers a portion of the horizontally disposed ferromagnetic cans to the second direction changing band. An upright can carrying band is disposed beneath the first and second discharge ends of the first and second direction changing bands for receiving the essentially vertically oriented cans.

Abstract: An article diverter for changing the conveyor path of successive conveyed articles from a single succession to at least two successions of articles. The diverter includes actuators positioned adjacent to one conveyor path but on opposite sides of the conveyor path. A flexible terminal end of one actuator is moveable, across the conveyor path to end adjacent to the flexible terminal end of another actuator when said ends are compressed. Each of the flexible terminal ends are directed towards the center of the first conveyor path when compressed. The flexible terminal ends are connected to piston rods which are retractable and extendable responsive to a control signal. The two actuators contain a member to hold their terminal end parallel to the conveyor path when the rod is extended and in a second position which intersects the conveyor path when the rods are retracted. When the ends of the two actuators intersect the conveyor path, articles contacting the actuators are diverted to a second path.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus of the present invention includes a discharge drum replacing one transportation drum in a drum train of a filter attachment, transportation grooves on a drum shell of the discharge drum, jet holes opening in the bottom of each transportation groove so that the jet holes of each two adjacent transportation grooves open in different positions, a control sleeve fixed in the drum shell, jet grooves formed over a predetermined rotational angle zone on the outer peripheral surface of the control sleeve and connectable to their corresponding jet holes, blow pressure lines for independently introducing a blow pressure into the individual jet grooves, and solenoid valves arranged individually in the middle of the blow pressure lines and used independently to open and close the blow pressure lines.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for rod-shaped articles, such as cigarettes, comprising a housing rotatably mounted to a fixed main shaft with a plurality of cooperating crank arms and article holders rotatably mounted to the housing by crank arm shafts and holder shafts. The crank arms and article holders are rotated in response to rotation of the housing by means of a plurality of endless toothed belts cooperating between toothed pulleys on the main shaft and the crank arm shafts and a plurality of endless toothed belts cooperating between toothed pulleys on the main shaft and on the holder shafts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for identifying returned bottles, cans, plastic bottles or other packages (10) and for sorting them on the basis of an identification code, in which method a compensation corresponding to the package is given on the basis of the identification of the returnable package (10). The returnable package (10) is transferred to a measuring station of an identification device (2), at which measuring station is generated a signal corresponding to the shape of the returnable package (10) for the central unit (3) of the device, which compares the measured signal or signals with the preprogrammed signals stored in a memory (8) of the central unit (3) and identifying the shape of different packages. When the package shape corresponds to the shape stored in the memory (8) and programmed therein, a sorter (11) located after the measuring point is activated for transfer-ring the package (10) to its own storage storage station (A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3 . . .

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively removing articles, such as cigarettes, from a transfer conveyor system in which the transfer of the selected articles to a receiver conveyor from a transfer conveyor is rejected within a transfer zone. Vacuum suction retaining articles on the transfer conveyor is blocked in the transfer zone as articles pass to the receiver conveyor. Transfer of selected articles is rejected by application of an air pulse responsive to a reject signal. The selected articles are returned to the transfer conveyor, from which they are removed.

Abstract: Pouch transfer apparatus for positioning over and generally transverse to the upstream end of a multiple lane pouch conveyor. The apparatus includes a transfer wheel carrying a plurality of suction heads about its outer periphery for picking pouches off a cutting apparatus that has cut a pouch strip into individual pouches. The transfer wheel distributes the individual pouches at three predetermined angular drop-off positions during the rotation of the transfer wheel. The suction heads are divided into three series or flights, i.e., a first series for dropping pouches into a near lane of the pouch conveyor, a second series for dropping pouches into a middle lane of the pouch conveyor, and a third series for dropping pouches into a far lane of the pouch conveyor. Positive pressure is supplied to each suction head at its drop-off point to eject the pouch into the appropriate conveyor lane.

Abstract: An in-line inserter device comprises envelope and insert feeding assemblies, an envelope inserting station assembly, a sealing and stacking assembly, and various diverter stations. The envelope feeding assembly withdraws envelopes from a hopper-held envelope stack and conveys them to the inserting station. Each modular insert feeding assembly comprises a hopper-held insert stack disposed above, along, and in line with an insert conveyor. The conveyor, along its track, carries inserts dispensed from the hopper-held insert stacks to the inserting station. Diverter stations are disposed ahead of the envelope inserting station for diversion of envelopes and inserts and ahead of the inserted envelope stacking assembly to divert inserted envelopes, for normal operational purposes and for rectification of sensed faults by rejection and extraction of processed faulty items.

Abstract: A diverter changes the conveyor path of successive articles from a single succession to at least two successions of articles. The diverter includes a wheel mounted for rotation in a common plane with the path of the single succession of articles and being movable between one location adjacent the path and other location interposed within the path. The wheel has a top peripheral edge defining a series of radial vanes and pressurized air is directed towards the vanes upstream relative to the path of articles for spinning the wheel towards the succession of articles. The wheel has a resilient, shock-absorbing, peripheral surface for contacting articles and can be adjusted in elevation to contact articles at the same level as the articles center of mass.

Abstract: A conveyed item divider apparatus and method for automatically dividing a mixture of a plurality of first items and a plurality of second items into a first group containing only the first items and a second group containing only the second items. The apparatus includes a first conveyor conveying the mixture of items along a common path beneath an overlying second conveyor containing a negative pressure chamber. Each of the containers is suctioned in abutting relationship with the second conveyor. A shutter mechanism selectively releases each of the second containers to the first conveyor where they are urged laterally to follow a second path along the first conveyor. Each of the first containers is subsequently returned to the first conveyor to follow a first path along the first conveyor which is substantially colinear with the common path and is separate from the second path.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a shingled stream of paired coextensive sheets into two partial stream is advanced below an upper conveyor to which suction can be applied and which displaces the sheets at an acute angle to the main path defined by the lower conveyor. The upper conveyor engages only the upper sheet of each pair and shifts it laterally to deposit it on the lower conveyor in a shingled partial stream parallel to the partial stream which remains of the lower sheets after the upper sheets of each pair has been laterally drawn away.