Abstract: A filling machine includes a rotor comprising plural container-filling positions, an inflow star upstream from the rotor, and a linear conveyor downstream of the rotor that receives the container from the rotor at an outflow point after the container has been filled but before the container has been closed. An interface having a curved portion receives the container at the outflow point and conveys the container toward the linear conveyor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lumber handling and cutting apparatus, including an incoming material conveyor assembly, a material infeed assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly, a cutting assembly adjacent to the material infeed assembly, a material outfeed assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, an outgoing material conveyor assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, and a printer assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly and the material infeed assembly.

Abstract: A multi-angle sorter having an omnidirectionally endless conveyor belt surrounding a polygonal frame to form a belt-frame assembly supported atop a roller drive including multiple pairs of diagonally opposite roller sets. Each pair of roller sets is arranged to drive the belt in a corresponding angular direction. A grid sorter comprises a grid of intersecting conveyor lines composed of multi-angle sorters at the intersections in line with conventional bidirectional conveyors.

Abstract: Particles are sorted into paths based on a measurable parameter by forming them into a stream in at least one duct carried on a body rotating around an axis where the duct is shaped so that the particles are accelerated to cause the particles separated into the duct to be aligned one after another in a row in the duct. The parameter of the particles are measured in the aligned stream one after the other and the particles are directed into one of a plurality of paths as determined by the measurement. In one arrangement the body comprises a disk member having a front face facing a supply conduit and the duct lies in a radial plane of the disk member. In one arrangement the measurement of the parameter is carried out by one or more measurement devices either carried on the disk or outside the edge of the disk.

Abstract: An ammunition reloading system is configured to be operatively coupled with an ammunition reloading press to enable automated operation of the press. The reloading system includes a motor and a power transmission assembly that enables rotational power in a single direction from the motor to drive the ammunition reloading press. A controller is communicatively coupled to the motor and to one or more press position sensors to determine a position of the press within a press stroke cycle and increase or decrease the speed of the motor accordingly.

Abstract: An automatic ammunition reloading system includes an actuation assembly in communication with a control system. The actuation assembly is joined to a reloading press by attaching to a control segment of the ammunition press so as to put the reloading press in operative relation with the actuation assembly. The control system receives input from one or more press position sensors to determine an actuation distance of the control lever for a full stroke of the reloading press. The control system controls operation of the actuation assembly so as to power the reloading press.

Abstract: An automatic ammunition reloading system includes an actuation assembly in communication with a control system. The actuation assembly is joined to a reloading press by attaching to a control lever of the ammunition press so as to put the reloading press in operative relation with the actuation assembly. The control system receives input from a control lever position sensor to sense an extremity position of the control lever and to determine an actuation distance of the control lever for a full stroke of the reloading press. The control system controls operation of the actuation assembly so as to oscillate the control lever through the actuation distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a picking device for arranging between at least one automatic placement point and at least one picking workstation, comprising at least one container holder movable along a travel path from the picking workstation to the placement point, and comprising a rotation unit for moving the at least one container holder along the travel path. The invention further relates to a storage system, which enables a fast picking of goods and simultaneously increases safety and ergonomics for an operator, the picking device has a tilt device for the at least one container holder by means of which the at least one container holder can be tilted toward the at least one picking workstation during a movement along the travel path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for transporting and handling containers, in particular containers made of a thermoplastic material. The containers are transported from an inlet point (41) to an outlet point (30) in a transport direction by the transport device. The transport device has at least one handling device (26) which moves in the transport direction for handling one or more of the containers in a simultaneous manner in particular, and the handling device (26) is arranged in a movable manner relative to the transport device in order to move in a direction which deviates from the transport direction. The invention is characterized in that the transport device has at least one motor (32, 34, 37), by means of which the at least one handling device (26) can be moved in a motor-driven manner in the direction which deviates from the transport direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing anode plate for electrolysis, the apparatus includes a transverse transmission device (3) for transmitting the anode plate in a transverse direction; a plate-flattening and thickness-measuring device (4) for flattening the anode plate and measuring a thickness of the anode plate; a hanger bottom milling device (6) configured to mill a bottom surface of a hanger of the anode plate, disposed at a first side of the transverse transmission device (3) and positioned downstream of the plate-flattening and thickness-measuring device (4) in the transverse direction; and a hanger side milling device (5) configured to mill a side surface of the hanger of the anode plate, disposed at a second side of the transverse transmission device (3) and positioned downstream of the plate-flattening and thickness-measuring device (4) in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the rotational position of a rotatable element of a rotary device. The rotary device can be: a filler, capper, labeler, a star wheel conveyor, or other rotary device. The rotary device can be part of a system that includes an adjustment mechanism having at least a portion disposed radially outside the rotatable element. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment element positioned to engage the rotatable element. The method includes moving the adjustment element and/or rotating the rotatable element(s) so that the adjustment element engages a rotatable element to adjust the position of the rotatable element. In some cases, the same motor that rotates the rotary device about the axis to convey articles is used to assist in engaging the adjustment element and the rotatable element to adjust the position of the rotatable element.

Abstract: Conveyor for transporting articles such as a chain conveyor that can be changed between a stretched configuration and a compact configuration, the chain being formed from a plurality of articulated links. Each link includes a trolley provided with lateral guide mechanism cooperating with a track defining a predetermined trajectory, a support carrying a nozzle for the releasable attachment of an article, the support mounted rotatably with respect to the trolley between a straight position corresponding to the deployed configuration of the chain, and an oblique position, corresponding to the compact position of the chain and in which the support is inclined with respect to the straight position; and an actuator coupled to the support, capable of driving the support in rotation from its straight position to its oblique position, and reciprocally.

Abstract: Described is a device for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising a support structure (11) and at least one detection sensor (15) connected to the support structure (11) and mobile with respect to the support structure. The device (1) also comprises means (16) for synchronizing the sensor (15) with respect to the container (2), to move it in such a way that the sensor (15) follows the container (2) along at least one part of the feed path (A) from an initial position to a final position. Described is also a method for detecting containers (2) moving along a feed path (A) of a conveyor (3), comprising the operating steps of providing a sensor (15) and moving it from an initial position to a final position in a way which is synchronized with the movement of a container (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating packaging means, such as bottles, cans or similar containers, comprising a device-internal transport section, on which the treatment of the packaging means is carried out on processing stations (8) in at least two process steps, and further comprising holding and centering elements, by means of which the packaging means (1) are held at least during the respective process step in an orientation on the device-internal transport system necessary for said process step and/or by means of which the packaging means are moved at least during one process step.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing electronic devices includes a rotary turret having first device concentric around the rotary turret, which transfer the electronic devices; a rotary wheel having second device holders concentric around the rotary wheel, which receive the electronic devices and a processing device to process the electronic devices. The rotary turret rotates the first device holders along a first circular path, and the rotary wheel rotates the second device holders along a second circular path. The first axis of the rotary turret is perpendicular to the second axis of the rotary wheel, and that a projection of the second circular path of the second device holders in a direction perpendicular to the second axis of the rotary wheel onto the first circular path of the first device holders defines a line from the inside to the outside of the first circular path of the first device holders.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for separating healthy plants from agricultural material, such as harvested plants. The apparatus includes a conveyor to present the agricultural material to a mesh, which may be, for example bristles. A rotating drum with a plurality of protruding tines moves through the mesh and pulls individual plants from the agricultural material. A machine vision system may then sort the healthy, individual plants. The method includes presenting the agricultural material to the mesh, and then pulling individual plants through the mesh.

Abstract: The invention relates to a revolving treatment machine for treating containers, comprising a rotor element which can be driven to revolve about a vertical machine axis and which is used as a container support or forms a container support. The treatment machine further comprises a support element for at least one functional element of the machine which interacts with the containers, said support element being drivable as to revolve about the vertical machine axis.

Abstract: A container handling machine includes transport stars and a container transfer station between adjacent stars. The container transfer station has a drive element arranged between two adjacent stars for moving them relative to each other in a way that results in centers of the adjacent stars being moved relative to each other according to an ascertainable and operationally-induced deviation during operation of the container handling machine.

Abstract: Beads are transferred in the form of a flow along supply channels into first holding pockets; the beads from the holding pockets of the bead feeding unit are fed to receiving pockets of a bead transfer unit by means of movable feeding means, then in the bead transfer unit the beads are inserted into a guiding chamber formed at the intersection of a guiding groove of a first guiding plate and a guiding groove of a second guiding plate of the bead transfer unit, at least one guiding plate is rotated relative to the second guiding plate, which forces the movement of the guiding chamber so that the distance of the guiding chamber to the axis of rotation of the guiding plates changes, and the beads from the guiding chamber or the guiding channel are conveyed to a outfeeding pocket.

Abstract: A device for transferring objects, in particular parisons (3) or bottles (2), has a carousel (10) able to rotate about a predetermined axis (X), an object (2, 3) pick up element (14), a supporting arm (16) for the pick up element (14) connected to the carousel (10), the pick up element (14) having at least three degrees of freedom relative to the carousel (10), a cam (12) for guiding the arm (16) and the pick up element (14), having a predetermined number of tracks (22, 23, 24), for moving the pick up element (14) along a predetermined path (P); the cam (12) has a fixed portion (25) and at least one removable portion (26) connected to the fixed portion (25), the removable portion (26) having a predetermined profile and there being the possibility of substituting it with other removable portions having a different profile to the portion (26).

Abstract: In a device for feeding book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) of a subsequent processing arrangement with a book block feeder (30) that essentially feeds the book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) vertically from above transverse to the conveying direction of the infeed channel (11), at least one push-out unit (51) is driven separately of the at least one pusher (14) of the infeed channel (11) and provided in the infeed channel (11) in the region of the book block feeder (30). The separate drive makes it possible to define a push-off motion that allows a gentle start of the push-out unit (51) relative to the book block (2) to be pushed off on the one hand and a synchronous transfer to the continuously moving pusher (14) of the infeed channel (11) on the other hand.

Abstract: A device for transferring fittings having at least two gripper units offset in the circumferential direction around a transfer axis of a transfer station. Each gripper unit can be activated in a clocked manner, whereby each gripper unit takes over from a feeder, via a movement around the transfer axis generated by an electric servomotor, at least one container fitting individually from a moving take-over position of a feeder and transfers it through the transfer station to a moving hand-over position offset in the circumferential direction of the transfer station. The gripper units are arranged such that they move around the transfer axis relative to one another. The transfer station includes the electric servomotors as drive motors of the gripper units for generating within one full revolution of each gripper unit individually periodically non-uniform movements of the gripper units in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a star wheel having a drive, for installation in bottle filling system or the like, in particular in the wet area for empty PET bottles, having as hygienic a design as possible and having the corresponding machine components being used here. The aim is achieved in that the star (1) comprises a centric, cone-shaped, plate (4) attached by means of a screw (5).

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: A device for transporting containers and in particular plastic containers has a main carrier rotatable about a pre-specified main axis D, with a multiplicity of transport elements for transporting the plastic containers. Each of the transport elements is arranged on an arm and can swivel in relation to the main carrier about a pre-specified geometric pivot axis. A multiplicity of independently controllable first drives is provided to generate the swivel movements of the transport elements. Each transport element is also mobile linear in relation to the pivot axis about which it is pivotable, and a multiplicity of independently controllable second drives is provided to generate the linear movement of the transport elements.

Abstract: A singulator and method that separates a single log from a pile of logs and supplies the single log to a conveyor.

Abstract: In a device for feeding book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) of a subsequent processing arrangement with an intermittently rotating star feeder (31) that features several block receptacles (34) that are arranged on a roller divided into disks (33) in a star-shaped fashion and respectively feature perpendicularly aligned first and second locating surfaces (34.1, 34.2), it is proposed that the star feeder (31) features several clamping jaws (36) that are respectively assigned to the block receptacles (34) and arranged parallel to the second locating surfaces (34.2), as well as movable relative to the latter. The star feeder (31) can be operated with a significantly higher angular acceleration and rotational speed without risking that the book blocks lose contact in the block receptacles (34). Even loosely gathered book blocks (2) can be flawlessly processed.

Abstract: The path changing rotational conveyor for lightweight articles includes a rotor with receiving configurations distributed along its periphery to be coupled with the lightweight articles and a perimetric wall with a plurality of suction openings in correspondence with the receiving configurations; and a stationary negative pressure chamber defining a laterally open channel facing the perimetric wall of the rotor along a predetermined circumferential arc. The negative pressure chamber is partly delimited by the perimetric wall of the rotor and, when the rotor rotates, the suction openings are communicated directly with the negative pressure chamber along the predetermined circumferential arc. The rotor is connected to a rotation device and the chamber is communicated with a suction source.

Abstract: In an arrangement for machining workpieces, with at least a first machining station in which the workpieces are machined during an operating cycle comprising a machining phase and a transport phase, and a transport unit which includes first accommodation structures for the workpieces and via which the workpieces can be supplied to the first machining station during the transport phase, a second machining station is arranged in transport direction after the first machining station in spaced relationship and the first accommodation structure is arranged on the transport unit so as to be movable relative thereto for supplying workpieces to both machining stations.

Abstract: There is described container-handling machine comprising a carousel rotatable about an axis and supporting a plurality of holding elements adapted to cooperate with respective containers; and a slip-ring comprising a first rotor rotatable integral with carousel about said axis, and a first stator exchanging, in use, at least one between power and control signals with first rotor and fixed with respect to carousel; container-handling machine further comprises an encoder housed within a cavity defined between first stator and first rotor, adapted to detect at least the angular position of carousel with respect to axis, and comprising a second rotor rotatable integrally with first rotor and a second stator connected to first stator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspection of containers including a circular star wheel conveyor having a plurality of intermediate annular inspection pockets and at least one non-inspection position. The method includes the steps of providing an outfeed stripper configured to engage a container disposed in the non-inspection position aligning the outfeed stripper inside the circumference of the star wheel conveyor and aligning the outfeed stripper with the conveyor and with the rotational path of the star wheel. Positioning an outfeed mechanism adjacent to the star wheel conveyor and operating the outfeed mechanism at a desired conveyor speed. Controlling the movement of the star wheel conveyor to align the container with the outfeed stripper and the outfeed mechanism only at the non-inspection position regardless of the number of angular inspection positions.

Abstract: A rotary device (10), especially a transfer star, for the transport of articles (15) from a first processing device (1) to a second processing device (5). The rotary device (10) includes a plurality of gripping devices (60) for gripping and holding of articles (15) that are preferably electronically controlled. The distance between the articles (15) in the first processing device (1), e.g. in a heating unit, is different from the distance between the articles (15) in the second processing device (5), e.g. a blow molding device. An electronic control device (30) is located on top of the rotary device (10). This control device (30) controls the distance between the articles (15) fed into the second processing device (5). A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for transferring an article from a first conveying device to a second conveying device, where at least one conveying device comprises at least one motor, including determining a load of the at least one motor, and adjusting the relative positioning of the first conveying device with respect to the second conveying device depending on the determined load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container treatment machine for treating containers, especially a labeling machine, comprising a rotor which can be driven to revolve about a vertical machine axis and a plurality of treatment positions configured on the rotor and having at least one container support and a clamping and/or centering unit each. Said unit can be displaced in a controlled manner in a controlled travel movement between an initial position and a position which centers and/or clamps the respective container.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: A module (4) in a support structure (5) for container handling machines (2), comprises a connecting bar (6) provided with bearing expansions (7) at its ends, each of the bearing expansions (7) being detachably connectable with a corresponding bearing expansion of another module in such a way as to define a support (8) for a star wheel conveyor (3).

Abstract: Conveyor for transporting articles such as a chain conveyor that can be changed between a stretched configuration and a compact configuration, the chain being formed from a plurality of articulated links. Each link includes a trolley provided with lateral guide mechanism cooperating with a track defining a predetermined trajectory, a support carrying a nozzle for the releasable attachment of an article, the support mounted rotatably with respect to the trolley between a straight position corresponding to the deployed configuration of the chain, and an oblique position, corresponding to the compact position of the chain and in which the support is inclined with respect to the straight position; and an actuator coupled to the support, capable of driving the support in rotation from its straight position to its oblique position, and reciprocally.

Abstract: A device having a holder for holding a container such as a bottle of a size and with a second other holder for holding a container such as a bottle of another size. In addition, a method for loading a device with containers such as bottles, whereby the containers of one size are placed in a first holder and the containers of another size are placed in a second other holder to allow easy adjustment to a different size of container without requiring any time-consuming retooling work.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus includes a holding unit (100) that rotates together with a rotation table (20) as a transferring mechanism intermittently driven to be fed, a lifting and lowering unit (200) for lowering the holding unit in order to transfer a workpiece held by the holding unit onto a processing table (30) as well as lifting the holding unit in order to transfer the workpiece held on the processing table onto the holding unit, and a fixing unit (300) that fixes the workpiece held on the holding unit and releases the workpiece when transferring the workpiece onto the processing table.

Abstract: A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic or gravity-fed fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is delivered into the housing, includes multiple depressions or indentations for receiving and separating fruit, and further defines a compressive deceleration path that moves the fruit in a compressive but protective fit toward a housing exit, releasing the fruit after the fruit has been decelerated to the speed of the moving body.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.

Abstract: In one example, a pallet conveyor includes: a forward track to guide pallets from an upstream part of the forward track to a downstream part of the forward track; a return track; and a pallet transfer device configured to simultaneously (1) continuously receive pallets from a downstream part of the return track and give pallets to the upstream part of the forward track and (2) continuously receive pallets from the downstream part of the forward track and give pallets to an upstream part of the return track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container clamp (2) or container clip provided on conveying elements in container filling installations for receiving the neck of a container, particularly a bottle, each clamp (2) or clip comprising a bearing block (3). The aim of the invention is to protect such installations by special clamping designs so that improper strain would result in the failure of only a single clamp and any further damage to the installations could be avoided. Said aim is achieved in that the bearing block (3) comprises holding elements (8, 9) which detach at least partially from the bearing and holding device (10, 11) when a lateral pivoting range or a lateral force is exceeded, wherein the bearing block (3) or the container clamp (2) or container clip is released to fall on the ground.

Abstract: A singulator and method that separates a single log from a pile of logs and supplies the single log to a conveyor.

Abstract: A rotating device includes a wind machine, a transmission mechanism, and a vane rotatably mounted to the transmission mechanism. The wind machine is adjacent to the transmission mechanism, used to rotate the vane.

Abstract: A unit (1) for separating opening devices (2) supplied in the form of a row (7) and to be applied singly to respective sealed packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit having a separating assembly (10), in turn having a first and a second jaw (40, 41) movable along a path (P) and defining a seat (42), which is movable between an open configuration, in which it receives an opening device (2) from the row (7) at a first station (I) along the path (P), and a closed configuration, in which it moves the opening device (2) singly along the path (P) to detach it from the rest of the row (7); the unit (1) also has elastic means (43) for loading at least the first jaw (40) towards the second jaw (41); a conveyor (13) for conveying the opening devices (2), and which is separate from the separating assembly (10); and at least a first cam (61) activated by the conveyor (13) and cooperating cyclically with a cam follower (38), integral with the first jaw (40), to move the first jaw (40), in opposition to the elasti

Abstract: A device (1) for transporting containers and in particular plastic containers (10) with a main carrier (2) rotatable about a pre-specified main axis (D), with a multiplicity of transport elements (12a, 12b) for transporting the plastic containers (10), wherein each of these transport elements (12a, 12b) is arranged on an arm (8a, 8b) and can swivel in relation to the main carrier (2) about a pre-specified geometric pivot axis (S1, S2), and a multiplicity of independently controllable first drives (14a, 14b) is provided to generate the swivel movements of the transport elements (12a, 12b). According to the invention, each transport element (12a, 12b) is also mobile linear in relation to the pivot axis (S1, S2) about which it is pivotable, and a multiplicity of independently controllable second drives (16a, 16b) is provided to generate the linear movement of the transport elements (12a, 12b).