Abstract: A method and to a device for conveying planar products (12), particularly folded printed products. At a transfer point (A), the products (12) are inserted with the leading edges (14) thereof ahead into compartments (22) of a revolving system (20) in the form of a paddle wheel, the compartments moving along a closed revolving path (U), and removed from the compartments (22) at a transfer point (B) by way of grippers (32) of a gripper conveyor (30) and conveyed away. The products are seized by the grippers (32) at the trailing edges (16). The seizing of the trailing edge (16), which preferably is not the folded open product edge, has the advantage that it can be implemented without a complicated engagement of the revolving system (20) and gripper conveyor (30) and that the further conveyance and further processing of the products (12) are simplified.

Abstract: A transfer or feed drum for filter or cigarette portions, the drum having: a central body mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation; a number of movable assemblies, each of which is fitted to the central body to rotate, with respect to the central body, about a respective second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation, and supports a pickup or feed head having at least one seat with a U-shaped cross section and for engaging at least one filter or cigarette portion; and an actuating system, which controls the angular position of each movable assembly about the respective second axis of rotation as a function of the angular position of the central body about the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus for weighing and conveying items of various shape and size. The weighing apparatus apparatus includes at least two oppositely rotating wheels that engage an item to be weighed. A force measurement element, such as a load cell, is provided to weigh the item to be weighed while the item is conveyed by the wheels in a suspended position. More than one pair of wheels may be employed.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring an item includes a rail (3) forming an endless track (4) along which the item (100) is transferred, a transporter (41, 42) which is movable along the rail and includes at least one gripper (10) for gripping the item, a driver (7) for moving the transporter along the rail, wherein the transporter includes at least two carriers (8) engaging the rail and located at a distance from each other, neighbouring carriers are coupled to each other by a coupler (9), at least one coupler is carrying at least one gripper, the rail includes a first face (12) and a second face (13), each carrier includes a first engage member (14) and a second engage (15) member (15) engaging the first face (12) and a third engage member (16) engaging the second face (13), the engage members of each carrier are positioned relative to each other such that the engage members form a triangle.

Abstract: In order to transport printed circuit boards (30) through a processing system (12), printed circuit boards (30) lying one behind another can be connected by means of holding clips (22) to form a type of chain. The outer ends of the holding clips (22) are suspended on two spaced-apart transport chains (16) which provide for transport and mounting. The holding clips are formed in two parts with a lower holding part (22) and an upper holding part (40), between which a printed circuit board (30) is mounted.

Abstract: A device and method for the transfer flexible flat articles between two conveyors. The device includes a first gripper conveyor with first grippers moved along a first gripper conveyor track for suspended transportation of the articles in a conveying direction, and a second gripper conveyor with second grippers moved along a second gripper conveyor track. Opening and closing of the grippers is controlled so that a transfer of the articles from the first to the second grippers is able to take place. In doing so, a spacing between the first grippers differs from the spacing between the second grippers such that, in a transfer zone, one gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which include the greater spacing between one another, defines a concave course, and the other gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which have the smaller spacing between one another, defines a correspondingly convex course.

Abstract: A turning wheel comprising a number of blades. Each blade has a front side provided with a front projection, and a back side provided with a back projection. Each two consecutive blades form a gap between the backside of a first blade and a front side of a second blade. The gap comprises an inner gap formed radially inward from the back projection and the front projection. During rotation of the turning wheel a container can be held in the gap and an end portion of the container can be held in the inner gap, thereby protecting the end portion from being damaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring articles such as absorbent cores or disposable diaper chassis components from a rotary mechanism, such as a pad turner, to a linear mechanism, such as a conveyor, for further processing. A puck on the apparatus is capable of stretching and rotating the article during this transfer procedure. The puck includes a pair of end segments each of which is arranged to move from a first position where each end segment is at a first distance and a first angle relative to the puck and a second position where each end segment is at a second distance and a second angle relative to the puck during the transfer process.

Abstract: In a bottle filling installation, an apparatus for gripping PET bottles when transferring bottles from a spider element to a spider element/ filling element/rinsing element includes a thrust body that opens and closes grippers; a guide, which is vertical in the operational position, that engages the thrust body; a first spring for exerting a force on the body in a lifting and lowering direction; and a roller for moving the thrust body around a control curve.

Abstract: A conveyor chain for gripping and conveying paper material has a plurality of links hingedly connected to each other. At least one of the links has a grip arm having a first grip surface. The grip arm is movable back and forth relative to a second grip surface of the chain between a grip position for holding paper material and a retracted position for insertion of the paper material between the first and second grip surfaces. The links are molded of plastic material. The or each grip arm is an integrally molded portion of one of the links. A conveyor including such a chain is also described.

Abstract: The method and device are for blow-molding containers. A blank is molded in a blowing mold by means of a blowing pressure after a thermal treatment. The blanks are positioned along a part of the transport path thereof by means of a support element (42) held by a rotating transfer wheel (41). The support element is movably mounted relative to the transfer wheel. The support element is positioned by means of a cam controller (50). The cam controller comprises a positionable cam segment (56) which preselectably places the support element in a working or a resting position. In the working position the support elements are brought into a transfer region and in the resting position are held away from said transfer region.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for blow molding containers. Preforms of a thermoplastic material are heated in the region of a heating zone and subsequently transferred to a blow molding device. The blow molding device is provided with at least one blow molding station for transforming the preforms into the containers. Provided for handling the preforms is a gripper-like transporting element (41) with two gripper arms (45, 46), which are arranged pivotably in relation to a gripper carrier (42). Each of the gripper arms can be pivoted by means of at least one lever and is coupled with a central element (49). The central element is arranged at least partly between the gripper arms. Each of the gripper arms is resiliently clamped with respect to the central element by at least one spring (56, 57).

Abstract: A mailpiece selector device comprising at least a first guide that is mounted above a support plate for supporting said mailpieces, and that is made up of a plurality of moving shoes for selecting said mailpieces one-by-one and for transporting them downstream along a referencing wall, at least one of said plurality of moving shoes having a varying coefficient of adhesion that increases going towards said support plate, the top portion of the moving shoe having a low coefficient of adhesion and the bottom portion having a high coefficient of adhesion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic component mounting apparatus which is applicable to a case in which component feeding devices need not be provided on both sides of a carrying device respectively for reasons of types of electronic components or a setting space and increases an operating rate of a beam to enhance production efficiency. An electronic component mounting apparatus has a carrying device carrying a printed board, a component feeding device supplying electronic components, a pair of beams movable in one direction by drive sources, and mounting heads each having suction nozzles and movable along the beams by drive sources.

Abstract: An article conveying device (1) comprising a star wheel (2) having a plurality of gripping devices (3) mounted on the circumference thereof, a rotary drive shaft (8), a hub (10) coupling the wheel (2) to the drive shaft (8), said conveying device (1) being characterized in that it comprises adjustable fastening devices (22) for coupling the star wheel (2) to the hub (10), each fastening device (22) comprising a drift bolt (23) including a body (24) having a threaded portion (25) screwed into a hole (26) provided in the hub (10), said body (24) protruding from an upper face (28) of the hub (10), a head (34) protruding from a lower face (31) of the hub (10), a central bore (30), a washer (36) interposed between the head (34) of the drift bolt (23) and the lower face (31) of the hub (10), said washer (36) having a predetermined thickness (T3), whereby the starwheel (2) rests on an upper face (40) of the drift bolt (23) with a predetermined clearance (C) with respect of the hub (10), a bolt (37) mounted in the bo

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for transferring bottles (4), containers, or the like held by means of grippers (3), clips, clamps, or the like, from one transport star wheel (2a) to another (2b), or to a rinser, filler, or the like, wherein such bottles are held only in one plane, particularly below the neck ring. This is achieved in that the grippers (3) are positioned on a plane in the transfer area, having a delivery opening and transfer opening positioned one in front of the other in the transfer area, and having at least one diverting element (6) for sliding or transferring the bottle (4) from a gripper (3a) of a turning circle to a gripper (3b) of the other turning circle.

Abstract: A bottle cleaner that inverts the bottles to spray solutions into them. The bottles invert and receive, for example, a spray of a cleaning solution. The cleaner then returns the bottles to the upright orientation. Each pass of the bottles utilizes two sets of linked grippers arranged as a chain. One chain contacts the bottles on one side while the second chain contacts them on the other side. The two chains squeeze the bottles between them to firmly hold them. A single adjustment sets a uniform distance between the two chains of each path through the cleaner at four different locations, and the same adjustment equalizes the distances between the two chains of the two paths so that they will effectively retain the same bottles through two passes through the machine. Four motors running at the same speed keep the chains moving together.

Abstract: A device for positioning an article (2) to be wrapped by a machine has a horizontal support body (3) centrally fixed on a vertical rotation shaft (4). The device (1) is equipped with at a least one plier device (5) connected, to turn together with the rotation shaft, to support the body (3), the plier device provided with at least two jaws (6,7). An opening apparatus (8) is connected to at least one of the jaws (6,7) to hold and to release the article (2). The at least one plier device (5) is connected to the support body (3) by a respective rotation device (9) for rotating the at least one plier device (5) and of the article held thereby, around an axis almost radial in respect to the support body (3).

Abstract: A conveyor includes a plate with a closed-loop track along which vials are driven in a continuous manner in holders arranged so as to be in free contact with each other in order to form a continuous stream along the track. Each holder includes a horizontal platen (72) to which is connected a plurality of vertical blades (72) forming a ring and capable of elastically moving away from the rotational axis of the platen, the inner surfaces thereof being intended for bearing against the periphery of a vial.

Abstract: A transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part with a first locking element and a mounting part holder with a second locking element, and where one of the two locking elements is locked with the other locking element by rotation. In addition, a transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part that can be locked with a mounting part holder, and where a ring-shaped operating element is provided for locking the mounting part with the mounting part holder. Also, a transport star having at least one mounting part and a mounting part holder on which the mounting part can be positioned in a position predetermined by positioning devices, whereby the lifting of the mounting part can be prevented by the positioning devices.

Abstract: The invention is related to a device for opening and further transporting of printed products (6) with respectively at least two sheets (18) held together over a fixed edge (10), comprising a conveying device (1) with transport grippers (7) driven in conveying direction (F) arranged with a distance between one another, which are designed to hold the printed products (6) suspended on their fixed edge (10), as well as with an opening device (2) arranged below the transport grippers (2), which is destined to open the printed products (6). The invention is characterised in that the opening device (2) comprises an opening wedge (15) capable of being inserted into a free edge zone (24) between the sheets of the printed product (6), and the opening device (2) furthermore comprises means (5) for supplying blast air (21), by means of which the sheets (18) of the printed product (6) are capable of being fanned open in the edge zone (24), into which the opening wedge (15) is inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transferring flexible flat objects, in particular printed products, between two conveyers wherein the apparatus includes a first gripper conveyor having first grippers moved along a first gripper conveying path for the substantially suspended transport of the objects in a conveyor device by seizing a first object edge, a second gripper conveyor having second grippers moved along a second gripper conveying path for receiving the objects by seizing a second object edge located opposite of the first object edge, at least one actuating apparatus for opening and closing the first and second grippers such that a transfer of the objects from the first grippers to the second grippers can take place in a transfer region. At least one auxiliary conveyor including auxiliary grippers carried along an auxiliary conveyor conveying path together with the first grippers is provided.

Abstract: A device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A device for transferring objects from a printing machine chuck to a support and distancing pin, the chuck and the pin being moved on two independent paths, at a point of which paths they are parallel to one another and at a predetermined reciprocal distance, the device comprising a carriage which is mobile in a parallel direction to the chuck and to the pin, between a distant position from the chuck and the pin to a close position to the chuck and the pin, means for gripping and releasing the objects being provided on the carriage, which means for gripping and releasing are mobile along a trajectory in a perpendicular plane to the carriage in order to be placed alternatively in front of the chuck and the pin, the trajectory including at least a tract in which it is parallel to the path of the pins.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting flat products and for orienting such products for applying printed indicia while the products are transported, comprises a conveyor system which transports flat products in a first direction while holding the products in a first orientation generally orthogonal to the first direction, and, during transport, orients at least a peripheral portion of the product in a direction opposite the first direction, in an orientation and position for applying printed indicia on the peripheral portion of the product. The apparatus and method are particularly applicable for use in applying address information to the upper right corner of newspapers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a first product (20) which supports identification information (30) and a second product (22) which, optionally, supports identification information (30?). Said first and second products are maintained and transported together by a clamp (12), such that the second printing product (22) at least partially overlaps the first printing product (20). The identification information (30) of the first printing product (20) is arranged in the edge section (26) and the identification information (30?) of the second printing product (22) is free. The printing products (22, 22) are subjected to an optical-electronic control where an image capturing device (38) captures an image of the identification information (30, 30?), when a control point is passed. The captured image is electronically processed and the result thereof is transformed into control signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and discharging flat, preferably flexible articles, in particular printed products, the apparatus including a plurality of grippers which can be moved in a conveying direction (F) along a continuous conveying path (U) defined by a conveying mechanism. The grippers include a first gripper jaw and a second gripper jaw, which can assume a clamping position and an open position relative to one another. The first gripper jaw is longer than the second gripper jaw and includes a first gripper part, which in the clamping position interacts with the second gripper jaw, and a second gripper part, which in the clamping position projects beyond the second gripper jaw. The orientation of the first and second gripper parts of the first gripper jaw relative to one another is variable and can be adjusted by a control means.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a singling equipment for a device for packaging articles, comprising a singling plate which rotates around an axis and a removing wheel which rotates around an axis and which comprises a plurality of removing units with two grippers for receiving and clamping the articles, whereas both grippers are pivotable around a respective gripper lever axis, each removing unit is ratable around an own pivot axis and each gripper has a gripper jab, whereas the distance between the gripper lever axis and the gripping jaw is equal at each gripper-pair and the gripper jaws are designed to grip the stick of a lollipop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distribution star for containers of the type used in systems for manipulating containers (particularly bottles), for example in filling plants. More particularly, the present invention relates to a distribution star of the type used in systems for manipulating containers, comprising a ring structure characterised in that it comprises: an annular fixed element that carries a plurality of grippers; an annular displacing element that carries cam means for the grippers; wherein the said annular displacing element is displaceable along a circumference of the said ring structure to set the said annular displacing element at different positions of the cam means with respect to the said grippers.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring containers, comprising a first turntable (6) centrally fixed onto a first shaft (5) so as to rotate about a vertical axis (Z) and a plurality of first grippers (7) mounted peripherally on the first turntable (6). Each first gripper (7) is provided with at least two first arms (9) which can be actuated by a first actuator (12) so as to rotate about different first pins (10) with first parallel axes (Y, Y?) between at least a first open position, where respective first retaining portions (13) of the first arms (9) are spaced from each other so as to receive or release a container (2), and at least one first closed position, where the first retaining portions (13) are close together so as to hold the container (2) between them. Each first arm (9) of each of the first grippers (7) is provided with a slot (15) aligned with the slot of at least one other first arm (9) of the same first gripper (7).

Abstract: A transfer chain for a preform heater, the heater intended for a machine for blow-molding containers, each container being formed from a preform. The transfer chain is intended for a preform heater (31) of the kind in which a preform support element is mounted on an articulated chain with a member for rotating the preform during its travel in the heater. The member for rotating the preform includes a shaft (77) which is fastened to an element (75) of the articulated chain (60) and carries a pinion (62) compelled to roll along a rolling track (63, 65) fastened to a frame (79) when the articulated chain is driven by a motor unit.

Abstract: A device for transferring objects, in particular containers such as preforms or bottles, comprising a support (2) which is rotated about an substantially vertical rotational axis and which supports at least one transfer arm (3) with an inner radial part fixed to the support (2) and an outer radial part (6) adapted for sliding with respect to said inner radial part along an elongation axis held within a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of said support (2), the outer radial part (6) having a gripper head (13) adapted for supporting at least one object, wherein said head (13) is adapted for sliding, with respect to the inner radial part, along an elongation axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the support (2).

Abstract: The method according to the invention of transferring stacked, sheet-like, flexible products (10), in particular printed products (12), to a belt conveyor (20) has a gripper (26) by means of which the product (10) at the bottom of the stack of products in each case is conveyed from a receiving region into a transfer region (19). In the transfer region, the product (10) is deposited on the belt conveyor (20). In order to accelerate the product as quickly as possible to the speed, and in the conveying direction (F), of the belt conveyor (20), the method has a contact-pressure roller (54) which follows the gripper (26) in the transfer region (19). This contact-pressure roller (54) presses the product (10) onto the belt conveyor (20), the gripper (26) releasing the product (10) at least more or less at the same time as the operation of pressing the product onto the conveying belt (64) of the belt conveyor (20) commences.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and a related method for automatic transfer of socks (4) from a linking machine (2) to a sock-modelling piece for boarding operation (36) according to a predetermined orientation, the apparatus comprising reversing means (20) comprising feeding means (21) for picking up the sock (4) from a sewing station (22) of the linking machine and loading means (31) for automatically loading the sock (4) onto the sock-modelling piece, the reversing means (20) comprising a supporting element (23) and at least one pair of lower rollers (24) disposed around said supporting element (23).

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes at least one carrying means that is mounted on a compensation bearing unit and that is for receiving and/or delivering a polymer melt, and in particular a tacky polymer melt.

Abstract: A conveyer device according to the present invention conveys a component assembly including a female screw component having a through hole defining a female screw, an assembling component to be assembled to the female screw component from above, and a bolt to be screwed to the female screw of the female screw component from above the assembling component to fix the assembling component, and the conveyer device includes a holding member (140) holding the female screw component and a screwing restriction mechanism (150) provided at the holding member for restricting the bolt held by the assembling component while unscrewed from the female screw so as not to be screwed to the female screw.

Abstract: A method and to a device for conveying planar products (12), particularly folded printed products. At a transfer point (A), the products (12) are inserted with the leading edges (14) thereof ahead into compartments (22) of a revolving system (20) in the form of a paddle wheel, the compartments moving along a closed revolving path (U), and removed from the compartments (22) at a transfer point (B) by means of grippers (32) of a gripper conveyor (30) and conveyed away. The products are seized by the grippers (32) at the trailing edges (16). The seizing of the trailing edge (16), which preferably is not the folded open product edge, has the advantage that it can be implemented without a complicated engagement of the revolving system (20) and gripper conveyor (30) and that the further conveyance and further processing of the products (12) are simplified.

Abstract: A stacker infeed machine providing adjustment of a gripper drum with respect to an overhead conveyor system. The infeed further provides for separate adjustment of a conveyor system with respect to the gripper drum without altering the vertical spacing between the gripper drum and the overhead conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for conveying containers (2) with non circular cross section, comprising at least two input conveyors, a re-uniting star-wheel (5), on which the two distinct conveyance flows are re-united, an auxiliary star-wheel (6) cooperating with said re-uniting star-wheel (5), first engaging means (50) mounted on the re-uniting star-wheel (5) and acting on containers housed in corresponding pits of the auxiliary star-wheel (6) to keep them correctly oriented into said pits before they are transferred on the reuniting star-wheel (5) and second engaging means (60) mounted on the auxiliary star-wheel (6) and acting on containers housed in corresponding pits of the reuniting star-wheel (5) to keep them correctly oriented into said pits during the rotation of the re-uniting star-wheel (5). Said first and second engaging means (50, 60) are active when the containers (2) reach said merging area.

Abstract: The conveyor system for planar products (60), in particular print shop products, features a feeder device (50) as well as a gripper conveyor (10) with a plurality of grippers (12) that move along an orbital track (U), wherein the grippers (12) each include two gripper parts (14, 16) that can be pivoted relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The relative position of the gripper parts (14, 16) to one another and/or the orientation of the whole gripper (12) in space is a function of its position along the orbital track and is set by at least one control guide (28, 30, 40, 80, 80?) that interacts with the grippers such that the gripper parts (14, 16) can be moved from an open position to a closed position while moving through a transfer area (A) of the orbital track (U) for the transfer of products (60) from the feeder device (50).

Abstract: Device (1) for switching containers rotating about a fixed axis (10) of rotation and comprising, arranged peripherally around the axis (10) of rotation, a plurality of arms (7, 188) for gripping at least one container, each gripping arm (7, 188) comprising a cam follower (98, 186) for engagement in a cam raceway (91, 184), the raceway (91, 184) comprising at least one fixed section (111, 112, 115) and at least one removable section (120a, 120b, 194, 196) for a retractable cam, said device being characterized in that it comprises at least one rotary transverse plate (152, 153, 185) on which are fixed the radially mobile gripping arms (7, 188) and at least one fixed transverse plate (90a, 90b, 182) containing the raceway (91, 184) of the cam follower (98, 186) of the gripping arm (7, 188), and in that the removable section (120a, 120b, 194, 196) is retractable in a direction approximately parallel to the axis (10) of rotation by means of an actuator (140a, 140b) mounted on the fixed transverse plate (90a, 90b,

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic component mounting apparatus which is applicable to a case in which component feeding devices need not be provided on both sides of a carrying device respectively for reasons of types of electronic components or a setting space and increases an operating rate of a beam to enhance production efficiency. An electronic component mounting apparatus has a carrying device carrying a printed board, a component feeding device supplying electronic components, a pair of beams movable in one direction by drive sources, and mounting heads each having suction nozzles and movable along the beams by drive sources.

Abstract: A method of transporting containers, each comprising a body having a bottom and, at its opposite end, a mouth, the method comprising the steps of: supporting each container over a portion only of its bottom by means of a support that is movable with the container, and centering the mouth of the container on a container travel path, the centering being provided by clamping a portion of the container in the neighborhood of its mouth; and moving the containers as supported in this way.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys work that was conduction heated at an energizing position to a processing position that is separated from the energizing position in the horizontal direction in order to perform hot press-forming, and comprises: a holding member that freely clamps both end sections in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated; a drive mechanism that moves the holding member from at least the energizing position to the processing position; and a guide member that extends between the energizing position and the processing position and guides and supports the middle section in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated and is being conveyed toward the processing position. A hot press-forming apparatus comprises the conveyor apparatus when conveying conduction heated work to a downstream process.

Abstract: A rotary conveyor (1) utilized in equipment (1a) for filling containers (2) with liquid or powder products includes a supporting shaft (8) aligned on a longitudinal axis (X) and coupled to relative drive components (10) associated with the shaft (8), by which the shaft is set in rotation about the axis (X). A support element (11) is keyed to the shaft (8), presenting a peripheral rim (12) with a plurality of slots (13) each designed to accommodate a container (2) transferred from a transport and/or processing device (3) forming part of the equipment (1a). The slots (13) incorporate restraining components (14) having grippers (15) movable between a position of engagement, in which the containers (2) are locked to the support element (11), and a position of disengagement in which no restraining force is applied to the containers (2).

Abstract: A conveyor chain for gripping and conveying paper material has a plurality of links hingedly connected to each other. At least one of the links has a grip arm having a first grip surface. The grip arm is movable back and forth relative to a second grip surface of the chain between a grip position for holding paper material and a retracted position for insertion of the paper material between the first and second grip surfaces. The links are molded of plastic material. The or each grip arm is an integrally molded portion of one of the links. A conveyor including such a chain is also described.

Abstract: A device for dynamic storage of objects along a conveying section between an input station and an output station with an endless, flexible conveying means, which is variably subdivided into a conveying strand and an idle strand, with at least one carriage, which can be moved in the plane of conveyance, for changing the storage capacity, which carriage presents a first deflection for the conveying strand and a second deflection for the idle strand, as well as with a first drive device for the conveying means in the area of the input station and a second drive device for the conveying means in the area of the output station. The conveying means is provided over its entire length at identical intervals with grippers for the objects and the conveying means has a link chain, equipped with rotatable guide rollers, which runs at least in some areas in at least one stationary guide rail, where at least one guide roller is arranged on the respective chain link in a movable manner.

Abstract: A device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: A bottle cleaner that inverts the bottles to spray solutions into them. The cleaner sends the bottles through two inverting passes for multiple stages of liquid cleaning. Thus, on the first pass, the bottles invert and receive, for example, a spray of a cleaning solution of some sort. The cleaner then returns the bottles to the upright orientation. On the second pass, the bottles again turn upside down and then may receive a liquid rinse. After returning the bottles to the normal orientation, the cleaner may then pass the bottles off to another location for further operations. Each pass of the bottles utilizes two sets of linked grippers arranged as a chain. One chain contacts the bottles on one side while the second chain contacts them on the other side. The two chains squeeze the bottles between them to firmly hold them. A single adjustment accomplishes a multitude of tasks.