Abstract: A receive device of a conveyor unit, an apparatus including the receive device and a method for transporting rod-like articles for tobacco-processing. The receive device includes a deceleration device to decelerate the rod-like articles and an acceleration device to accelerate the rod-like articles. The acceleration device is arranged downstream from the deceleration device. A conveyor speed limit device is located between the deceleration device and the acceleration device. 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: A molded body cutting apparatus according to the present invention comprising a first conveyer member that conveys an extrusion-molded pillar-shaped ceramic molded body a cutting member that moves in a direction parallel to a movement direction of the above mentioned first conveyer member while moving also in a vertical direction, and cuts the above mentioned ceramic molded body to a predetermined length by passing through the interior of the above mentioned ceramic molded body and a second conveyer member that conveys a cut ceramic molded body cut to a predetermined length by the above mentioned cutting member, wherein a conveyance speed of the above mentioned first conveyer member and a movement speed of the above mentioned cutting member in the above mentioned parallel direction are almost the same, before the above mentioned ceramic molded body is cut, and each of the conveyance speed of the above mentioned first conveyer member, the movement speed of the above mentioned cutting member in the above mentio

Abstract: In an alignment conveyor apparatus including an input conveyor (1), an output conveyor (2) with a flap sensor (14), a single or a plurality of alignment conveyors (3), a product sensor (12), and a control unit (7), the control unit (7) includes an alignment conveyor controller (71) and an output conveyor controller (72), the alignment conveyor controller (71) includes a product position manager (712), a position correction calculator (713), and a position correction instruction creator (715), the output conveyor controller (72) includes an output conveyor position manager (721).

Abstract: A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors. The first and second endless conveyors are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction. Each are aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in the flow direction. Each pair of endless conveyors in the array overlap adjacent pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array include independently actuable first and second drives independently driving their corresponding first and second endless conveyors.

Abstract: An non-contact article rotating device is disclosed that rotates articles without impacting or contacting the article other than the bottom of the article. The device is designed to accept a stream of articles with minimum gaps between them, and rotate only those that are programmed to be rotated. The device accepts any combination of rotated and non-rotated articles and can rotate them through angles up to and through 360 degrees. One embodiment of the disclosed device uses only one single-speed drive motor and pneumatic components to operate two conveyor roller sections. While one conveyor roller section maintains a constant speed, the conveyor rollers of the second conveyor roller section are sequentially braked and unbraked to rotate an article that is positioned partially on the first conveyor roller section and partially on the second conveyor roller section. The difference in speeds between the two conveyor sections rotates the article.

Abstract: A first endless belt conveyer (2) conveys products (4) at random intervals to a delivery point (21), from which a second endless belt conveyer (3) conveys the products (4) in groups to a pick-up point (31). The position of the delivery point (21) can be adjusted relative to the second conveyer (3) (arrow A). The second conveyer (3) is driven in direction B and comprises a series of pockets (34) that extends the whole length of conveyor belt (30), providing angled surfaces to support the products (4). Moving the delivery point (21) to both left and right provides buffering to compensate irregularities in movement of the second conveyer (3) and/or pauses in arrival of the products (4). A continuous stream of products (4) arrives at the pick-up point (31), where the products (4) may be removed in groups—for example, by a robot.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems and methods provide for the smooth conveyance of an article and transfer of an article on or off a conveyance path. In one example, a system comprises a first conveyance path having two ends, in which the conveyance path includes a plurality of conveyance rollers arranged to convey the article from the first end to the second end, and at least one of the rollers is configured to rotate at a first rate to drive the article. The system further comprises a transition mechanism disposed proximate to the second end of the first conveyance path. The transition mechanism includes a transition wheel positioned to receive the article from the second end, and the transition wheel is configured to be driven at a second rate that is coordinated with the first rate.

Abstract: Packets of cigarettes are conveyed from a packer to a cellophaner by a unit utilizing a first pocket conveyor connected to the infeed of the cellophaner, and a second pocket conveyor by which packets are directed onto the first conveyor at a transfer point; the unit is also equipped with a sensor that will check whether or not each pocket of the second conveyor is occupied by a packet, and a placement mechanism, interlocked to the sensor, of which the function is to fill any empty pockets of the first conveyor with packets recycled from the cellophaner.

Abstract: A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors. The first and second endless conveyors are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction. Each are aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in the flow direction. Each pair of endless conveyors in the array overlap adjacent pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array include independently actuable first and second drives independently driving their corresponding first and second endless conveyors.

Abstract: A robot for gripping and handling one or more objects, which robot includes a stationary base with a first guide extending in a first direction, and an arm including a second guide extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the first direction, preferably perpendicularly to the first direction, which arm is connected to the base by way of the first guide in such a way that the arm is movable in the first direction. A slide is provided on the second guide and is movable in the second direction. A gripper supported by the slide, for gripping one or more objects, is movable in a third direction intersecting the plane of the first and second directions, preferably perpendicularly. A number of stationary actuators are provided on the base, for driving the arm, the slide and the gripper by means of pulling elements, for example drive belts, which are connected to the arm, the slide and the gripper respectively.

Abstract: To provide an alignment conveyor apparatus capable of separating products by detecting a close contact state thereof and of performing a position correction by increasing or decreasing a speed of an alignment conveyor. In an alignment conveyor apparatus including an input conveyor (1), an output conveyor (2) with a flap sensor (14), a single or a plurality of alignment conveyors (3), a product sensor (12), and a control unit (7), the control unit (7) includes an alignment conveyor controller (71) and an output conveyor controller (72), the alignment conveyor controller (71) includes a product position manager (712), a position correction calculator (713), and a position correction instruction creator (715), the output conveyor controller (72) includes an output conveyor position manager (721).

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: An induction subsystem for a conveyor sortation system and method of inducting articles includes providing a plurality of tandem conveying surfaces. The speeds of the conveying surfaces are individually controllable. At least one sensor is provided for sensing articles on at least one of the conveying surfaces. A control is responsive to the at least one sensor for controlling the speeds of said conveying surfaces in a manner that controls relative positions of articles. The control defines a plurality of feedback-gapping algorithms. Each of the feedback-gapping algorithms is defined between adjacent conveying surfaces for adjusting relative speeds of those adjacent conveying surfaces as a function of at least one parameter of the articles. The control controls relative positions of articles with the feedback-gapping algorithms beginning with a pair of adjacent conveying surfaces and cascading through adjacent pairs of adjacent conveying surfaces.

Abstract: An infeed assembly for spacing a continuous line of product into units to be wrapped in a continuous wrapping system is disclosed. At least one set of registration belts is orientated downstream of a set of spaced infeed belts in communication with a continuous line of product. The registration belts are programmed to move at the same velocity as the infeed belts to receive a product and then at a velocity greater than the infeed belt in order to separate and register one or more products into units to be wrapped and before returning to the velocity of the infeed belts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for combining at least two partial flows of articles so as to form a total flow. In the total flow, the articles to be sorted are about equidistant from one another. A withdrawal device and a first acceleratable section are arranged in at least one partial flow. The withdrawal device and a second acceleratable section are arranged in at least one second partial flow. A control device is provided that temporarily stores or accelerates the articles separated by the withdrawal device in order to ensure largely equidistant intervals between the articles to be sorted in the total flow.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system and method employs a primary product transporting conveyor with accumulation and re-circulating sections. The conveyor is configured to receive products from an upstream destination and discharge products to a downstream destination. A second conveyor, operable at a considerable slower speed than the first conveyor, is located in the same transverse plane as and is aligned adjacent to the first conveyor. Both conveyors travel in the same direction at the adjacent alignment. As products are discharged from the system, a wall of product is formed on the slower moving conveyor. As a result, products on the inner lane of the faster moving conveyor which would otherwise tend to move inward towards the discharge point, causing product turbulence and disruption, are urged back onto the inner lane by the product wall and then smoothly discharged from the system to the downstream destination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a conveyor system for evenly spacing conveyed objects are provided. In one embodiment, the conveyor system includes a conveyor belt that includes a conveyor having cavities, rollers in some of cavities, and a positioning component. The conveyor system further includes a conveyor drive coupled to the conveyor system and a roller engagement surface positioned adjacent the conveyor belt and configured to engage the plurality of rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling units within a flow from at least one incoming feeder track into at least one outgoing feeder track is provided, including at least one shifting unit for controlled shifting of the flow into one or more selectable paths of the outgoing feeder track, wherein the shifting unit is provided with a speed controller for controlling the speeds of the respective units and separation of the units in the longitudinal direction of flow, the separation enabling the controlled shifting.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: The tracked drive device particularly protected by its frame or hood as well as by protective plates, so as to prevent any accidental insertion of a finger or any other part of the human body between the track elements. The arrangement makes access to the track, for replacement or maintenance, particularly difficult. The invention provides a pivoting construction of the driving device, whereby the driving mechanisms become easily accessible, thus facilitating track change.

Abstract: A feeding device of chocolates and similar products for a wrapping machine includes: a first belt means which has a continuous advance motion, supports and moves a plurality of products, aligned and arranged in a single line at mutual contact; a second belt means aligned downstream the first belt means, having an alternate advance motion and associated to holding means of the product; a positioning wheel rotating, facing the second belt means immediately downstream the holding means and having a plurality of angularly equidistant pliers means for gripping the product.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting bottles which has a conveyor for conveying bottles at a first velocity. A bottle spacing mechanism receives bottles conveyed by the conveyor at a first location and releases bottles on the conveyor at a second downstream location.

Abstract: A conveyor constructed of a single belt or a plurality of abutting belts arranged side by side in the conveyor, in which the belt or belts have rollers arranged to rotate on axes oriented at multiple angles oblique to the direction of belt travel. A gradual or monotonic, stepped change in the axes of the rollers across the width of the conveyor can be used to make a conveyor capable of converting a mass flow of articles into a single stream of separated articles.

Abstract: An articles separating and supplying apparatus and method are provided by which, even in case of a size change of articles, articles of a predetermined number can be securely separated and supplied at a high speed. A transfer conveyor for transferring arrayed articles to be separated and supplied, and a separating conveyor, supported pivotably around a pivot, for receiving the articles from the transfer conveyor, are provided. A counter counts the number of articles transferred by the transfer conveyor. Upon the counter counting the predetermined number of the articles, a first stopper stops feeding-in of the articles transferred by the transfer conveyor. A second stopper is arranged to stop, at a front position of the articles of the predetermined number on the separating conveyor, feeding-out of the articles from the separating conveyor. The second stopper comprises an endless belt from which engaging members project. A stop position of the engaging members is changeable by movement of the endless belt.

Abstract: In a device for loading a three-knife trimmer with brochures, periodicals or like bound book blocks (1), comprising a feed conveyor (4), a stacking device (16) operable in magazine mode and counted stack mode and including a magazine (17) having a first upper magazine intermediate shelf (18) and a second lower magazine intermediate shelf (25), and comprising a delivery table (28) arranged below said magazine (17) and an ejector (29) for cyclically and synchronously feeding a stack (3) of book blocks to the intake device (35) of the three-knife trimmer, it is provided that the feed conveyor (4) is formed by a conveyor belt (5) continuously driven at a first velocity (vS) and by an accelerator conveyor (6) located directly downstream thereof in the feed direction and driven at a higher velocity (vB), and that a separating device (11) for book blocks (1) supplied in an imbricated flow (2) is arranged in the transition zone from the conveyor belt (5) to the accelerator conveyor (6) for holding back a following po

Abstract: A system for feeding containers on conveyor consisting of a feeder conveyer and an accumulator conveyor in which the speed of the accumulator conveyor is controlled to meter the distribution of containers to a processing station, such as a sealing unit.

Abstract: A system and method is described for transporting articles, in particular for transporting container holding baggage pieces. At least two endless conveyor belts are sequentially arranged to define an upstream conveyor belt and a downstream conveyor belt for transport of articles in a transport direction from the upstream conveyor belt to the downstream conveyor belt. The conveyor belts are driven by drive-motors, in particular asynchronous motors, with the rotation speed of each drive motor being regulated depending on the weight of the articles located on the conveyor belt associated with the particular drive motor. The drive motors can be controlled by adjusting the frequency and/or voltage of the supplied electric power.

Abstract: An elevated grade station drive system includes a plurality of conveyor sections for conveying workpieces downstream at a variable transfer speed along and between the plurality of sections according to control instructions provided by a control system. The output from at least one workpiece position sensor cooperates with corresponding upstream conveyor sections and provides workpiece position data to the control system. Each conveyor section has a corresponding variable frequency drive cooperating in variable speed driving engagement therewith. The control system controls each variable frequency drive so as to interlock adjacent conveyor sections for smooth translation of the workpieces between adjacent conveyor sections without crushing or binding the workpieces. The plurality of conveyor sections may include a plurality of lugged conveyors, which may be lugged chains.

Abstract: A flight lug is provided for releasable attachment to a conveyor belt. The lug comprises a base and first and second side walls mounted to opposite edge surfaces of the base such that the base extends between and interconnects the side walls intermediate upper and lower ends of the side walls. Flanges extend inwardly from adjacent the lower ends of the side walls. Each flange defines a slot between the flange and the lower surface of the base for receiving an edge of the belt. The first side wall is pivotally attached to the base for movement relative to the base between a first position where the flange on the lower end of the first side wall is spaced a first distance from the flange on the lower end of the second side wall for allowing the belt to fit between the flanges, and a second position where the flanges on the side walls are spaced apart a second distance which is less than the width of the belt for capturing the belt in the slots between the side walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the spacing between discrete articles having at least one linear motor disposed radially from a central axis, and a pick-up disposed proximate to the linear motor. The at least one linear motor is capable of adjusting the radial position of the pick-up with respect to the central axis so that an article is transferable from a first surface to the pick-up, the at least one linear motor adjusts the pick-up radially from the central axis, and the article is transferable from the pick-up to a second surface.

Abstract: This conveyor system provides head-to-head or head-to-tail placement of product. More specifically, the system is configured to use the minimum acceleration necessary to perform the targeted spacing. Feedback control continuously readjusts acceleration to perform the given work. The system uses one or more contiguous variable speed conveyors that work together to space items by a calculated amount at each output juncture attempting minimum acceleration necessary to perform the given work. During product transition, an acceleration match is made with downstream conveyor where additional spacing correction can occur. Feedback control is used to continually readjust acceleration as necessary to meet spacing requirements.

Abstract: A singulating conveyor for aligning a mass of conveyed articles into a single file. The conveyor includes a first centering conveying zone in which one or more roller-top conveyor mats direct conveyed articles sidewise toward a side or the center of the zone. The rollers on which the articles ride rotate about axes oblique to the conveying direction to provide a sidewise component of motion to the articles. The articles are received downstream in a second separation zone, in which the articles are sped up in the conveying direction to separate them into a single file. The conveyor mats can be realized as endless conveyor belts in motion or as stationary mats overlying a moving belt contacting and rotating the rollers.

Abstract: A lumber processor includes slowdown conveyor to transition lumber pieces from one processing device to a subsequent processing device where the movement of lumber pieces changes from lineal to lateral motion; a printer station includes a printer boom which includes a lateral translation device to move a symbol printer over the path of travel of the conveyor to allow the printer to mark pieces of lumber that are passing beneath the printer station.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for singulating articles received in a slug and/or manipulating such articles to create a controlled gap between a trailing edge of a leading article and a leading edge of a successive article, while targeting a desired throughput. For singulation, a plurality of belts are mounted adjacent to each other with a slide chute between each pair of adjacent belts, articles moving from an infeed belt and passing from one belt to another through the chute therebetween. A plurality of sensors are positioned such that there is a single control sensor for at least selected ones of the belts, each control sensor sensing article position on a corresponding belt. Controls are provided for operating each belt in response to a corresponding control sensor, an operative state of a downstream belt and/or a difference between the desired throughput and detected throughput.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring articles from a first conveying device to a second conveying device. The device has a central body and a plurality of transfer element sets attached to the central body. Each transfer element set comprises a plurality of pivoting transfer elements, and each transfer element has a receptacle for receiving an article. The plurality of transfer element sets are arranged around a perimeter of the central body. A first pivoting transfer element and a second pivoting transfer element within one of the transfer element sets are axially offset relative to each other along a common axis.

Abstract: A method and device for conveying reams of paper, whereby a ream is conveyed by at least two conveyors arranged in series and connected to each other at a transfer station; and wherein at least a first of the two conveyors is an endless conveyor having at least one ream pusher and traveling at a first speed to feed a ream to the transfer station, where the ream is accelerated to a second speed greater than the first speed to detach itself from the pusher by a distance at least equal to the length of the pusher before leaving the first conveyor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for singulating articles received in a slug and/or manipulating such articles to create a controlled gap between a trailing edge of a leading article and a leading edge of a successive article, while targeting a desired throughput. For singulation, a plurality of belts are mounted adjacent to each other with a slide chute between each pair of adjacent belts, articles moving from an infeed belt and passing from one belt to another through the chute therebetween. A plurality of sensors are positioned such that there is a single control sensor for at least selected ones of the belts, each control sensor sensing article position on a corresponding belt. Controls are provided for operating each belt in response to a corresponding control sensor, an operative state of a downstream belt and/or a difference between the desired throughput and detected throughput.

Abstract: An assembly for packaging a discontinuously supplied stream of products, comprising a packaging apparatus provided with folding means for folding the longitudinal edges of the continuous packaging web around the products in longitudinal direction to form a tubular packaging sleeve, connecting means and separating means for breaking the tubular packaging sleeve between the products in a transverse direction for forming separated packaged products, wherein the assembly comprises a conveyor chain which is provided with grippers for clamping therein the products to be conveyed, the assembly further comprising an intermediate conveyor built up from a number of mutually aligning conveying sections drivable independently of each other and with variable speed, the intermediate conveyor being provided with a control adapted to drive the various conveying sections of the intermediate conveyor such that the mutual distances between discontinuously supplied products are reduced to a standard distance.

Abstract: An apparatus to enable products to be evenly spaced so that they can be loaded onto a collator or other receiving device on a packaging machine. The packages are caused to be placed on a chain conveyor belt which has a multiplicity of spinning rollers to cause linear movement of the package along the chain conveyor belt. A multiplicity of sensors which actuate a respective air driven cylinder to cause a friction plate to come in contact with a selected portion of rollers at a location of the package will cause the linear movement of the package to stop for a given period of time so that the package can be appropriately spaced from the packages ahead of it and the packages behind it on the conveyor.

Abstract: A mail tray singulator for controlling the handling, movement and sensing of mail trays or other mail items into a single file arrangement on a conveyor system for downstream processing. The mail tray singulator includes conveyor modules configured at preferably right angles with respect to one another. The modules are configured so that they can be readily adapted to preexisting conveyor systems with minimal reconfiguration. The system may use differing speed, height and belt friction conveyor belts between adjacent modules to achieve separation and enhance the effect of the right angle configuration between adjacent conveyor modules. Guard rails and side rail rollers may also be employed. Photoeyes, in conjunction with a programmable logic controller, allow the conveyors to be started/stopped based on pre-programmed scenarios.

Abstract: The device for individually transferring flat objects from an entry conveyor (2) on which the objects travel in series edge-on in a first direction (A), into buckets (6) of an exit conveyor (5), comprises an intermediate conveyor (7) arranged in the continuation of the entry conveyor above the exit conveyor and equipped with receptacles (9) which, over at least part of their path, can move in a second direction (B) perpendicular to said first direction, each flat object leaving the entry conveyor being injected edge-on into a receptacle of the intermediate conveyor which comes up to face the exit of the entry conveyor so as to be transferred edge-on into a bucket of the exit conveyor. It further comprises an injection system (14) comprising elastically deformable wheels (15) at the exit end of the entry conveyor and designed to accelerate and then retard the movement of each flat object in said first direction before injecting it into a receptacle of the intermediate conveyor.

Abstract: A singulator is disclosed for singulating the flow of articles in a conveyor system. The singulator includes a mechanism for actuating a portion of a conveyor to remove one item at a time from the conveyor end. A control system singulates items by selectively actuating portions on the conveyor underlying the items and extending toward the end of the conveyor. After one item has been singulated, another item is singulated when a gap between the trailing edge of the first item and a leading edge of the second hem reaches a predetermined size. This process repeats itself for singulating more articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for feeding cigarette packets (3) out of a packing machine, where the packets (3), being substantially in the shape of parallelepipeds, are moved forward with their large lateral faces (4) in contact with each other along a first path (P1) by a conveyor (2) that stabilises them in a defined direction (D) transversal to the large lateral faces (4). Downstream of the stabilising conveyor (2), there is a unit (33) for printing on the packets (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) of a conveyor section (2) for containers (A, B, C, D, E) which are conveyed on said conveyor section and which are to be filled with items (3) or with a bulk material through a filling funnel (5), at a filing station (4). The containers are arranged in a filling position. According to the invention, the conveyor section (2) is configured with at least one circulating synchronous belt drive or chain drive (6) with its own intermittent actuating drive (7) and spaced-out container engagement knobs (8) in the area directly before, at and/or after the filling station (4). Said engagement knobs (8) ensure that the containers (A, B, C, D, E) arriving on the conveyor section (2) with their tops open are individually handled at a faster ate as they are moved into the filling position and, after filling, as they are moved out of the filling position, and can optionally be returned to the conveyor section (2) at the output end.

Abstract: A plant and a method for carrying out orderly arrangement of products in ranks along a packaging line, wherein an alignment device is set between a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt. The products arrive on the first belt in ranks with substantially disorderly transverse alignment and with longitudinal distances that may vary between the said ranks, and are accelerated to obtain, on the second belt, ranks aligned in an orderly way and properly spaced from one another.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is disclosed for providing selectively spaced products for packing in cases. The conveyor assembly includes a feed conveyor belt for supplying products and first and second pick conveyor belts. A diverter conveyor belt is disposed between the feed conveyor belt and the first and second pick conveyor belts, and adapted to selectively align the feed conveyor belt with either the first pick conveyor belt or the second pick conveyor belt. A first pick motor is operatively associated with the pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of a first pick conveyor belt. A second pick motor is operatively associated with the second pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of the second pick conveyor belt. A sensor is operatively associated with the diverter belt for sensing product on the diverter belt.

Abstract: A container feeder for feeding pillowlike uncompleted containers C1 each having a container body M1 and upper and lower ears U1, L1 projecting laterally from upper and lower ends of the container body to a conveyor 21 of a container forming device 14 for forming the uncompleted container C1 into a rectangular parallelepipedal completed container C2 comprises a slanting chute 101 having a lower end positioned at a starting end of a conveyor transport path, a first receiving member 134 so disposed as to be movable upward or downward along a chute transport path, the first receiving member 134 being movable into the chute transport path when moving downward to receive the lower end of the container body M1 of the container C1 falling along the chute 101 under gravity, and a second receiving member 144 so disposed as to be movable upward or downward along the chute transport path, the second receiving member 144 being movable into the chute transport path when moving downward to receive the upper ears U1 of the c

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of putting articles into a queue and apparatus enabling he method to be implemented. According to the invention, apparatus for putting articles into a queue comprises a plurality of parallel transfer conveyors which are suitable, together or separately, for transferring an article from the outlet of an inlet conveyor to the inlet of an outlet conveyor, between which and in line with which the transfer conveyors extend, and which includes a camera for observing articles on the inlet conveyor and a device for deriving article outline and identity data from images taken by the camera, and a device for selectively actuating the transfer conveyors as a function of the outline and identity data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for supplying a discharge lamp with a direct current, provided with: input terminals for connection to a supply voltage source, a circuit portion I coupled to the input terminals for generating a DC voltage from the supply voltage delivered by the supply voltage source, said circuit portion being provided with output terminals between which the DC voltage is present during operation, a first branch comprising capacitive means and interconnecting the output terminals, a second branch comprising a series arrangement of second capacitive means and an impedance and shunting the first branch, and a load branch which shunts the series arrangement and which comprises terminals for connecting a discharge lamp. According to the invention, the second branch is in addition provided with a diode.