Abstract: A lumber cutting and delivery system for use in assembling trusses on a truss table includes a saw configured to receive a piece of material therein. The saw is configured to cut the piece of material into one or more pieces and at different lengths and angles so that at least some of the one or more pieces are the components of at least one truss. A trunk conveyor system is positioned to receive the one or more pieces cut from the saw. The trunk conveyor system has a first conveying element to transport the one or more pieces over a distance in a travel direction and an ejector configured to discharge the one or more pieces from the first conveying element in a first discharge direction. A branch conveyor system is configured to receive the one or more pieces discharged from the trunk conveyor system in the first discharge direction. The branch conveyor system has a main conveying element to transport the one or more pieces.

Abstract: The present application discloses an interactive rotary machine, comprising a first conveyor assembly, a first blocker assembly, a second conveyor assembly and a second blocker assembly. The first blocker assembly is coupled to the first conveyor assembly, wherein the first blocker assembly forms a plurality of first sections at the first conveyor assembly. The second blocker assembly is coupled to the second conveyor assembly, wherein the second blocker assembly forms a plurality of second sections at the second conveyor assembly, wherein the first blocker assembly and the second blocker assembly are unblocked when the plurality of first sections and the plurality of second sections are matched. Another interactive rotary machine is also disclosed, comprising a first conveyor assembly, a second conveyor assembly and a blocker assembly.

Abstract: A device for pushing glass objects onto a conveyor belt includes a pusher (5), which is supported on a crank arm (6) in such a way that it can be swiveled about an axis (7), which crank arm is in driving engagement with a first electric motor (1) by means of a shaft (12). A second electric motor (2) is in driving engagement with a sleeve (20) by means of a cantilever (18), in which sleeve the shaft (12) is mounted, wherein the shaft (12) can be swiveled about a central stationary axis (19). A third electric motor (3) is arranged to rotate the pusher about the axis (7).

Abstract: A crossing between two transport lines is configured for the horizontal transport of planar articles, preferably in the form of an imbricated stream, of which one transport line is led away at a crossing over the other transport line. Controllable means for transferring the transported articles from one of the transport lines to the other are provided, which, in a first setting, freely admit the transport of the articles on one of the transport lines and, in a second setting, divert the transported articles from one of the transport lines to the other. A transfer apparatus may include a flexible diversion line, which describes a space curve and which with a movable free end, in the first setting, maintains a distance to one of the transport lines and, in the second setting, engages with the free end in one of the transport lines to effect a diversion.

Abstract: A downstream diverter for processing mail at high speeds, the diverter is positioned on a mail sorter machine, so that the force of the mail as it is sorted is isolated from the solenoid driving the diverter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides workpiece feed systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls positioned at an angle to incoming workpieces. The tapered feed rolls may pull individual workpieces toward a guide while gradually accelerating the workpieces and altering their direction of travel. The angle and speed of rotation of the tapered feed rolls may be automatically adjusted to control workpiece speed/acceleration, providing improved gap control and minimizing collisions between successive workpieces. Tapered feed rolls may therefore reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional bridge to decelerate the workpieces after the directional change, reducing the operational space required by a workpiece feed system.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing strip materials onto one or more moving substrates includes a frame extending transversally of the substrate path that supports guide arms. Each guide arm includes pulleys for dispensing strip materials and is able to be moved along the frame by a friction drive system, which includes crank shafts, pulleys, and cables. Each guide arm can be held in position by a friction braking system, which includes members that are pressed against components of the drive system to frictionally prevent motion. A position feedback system measures and displays the location of the guide arms. A substrate tracking and adjustment system tracks the position of the substrate as it moves side to side from a normal path and automatically adjusts the position of the frame along a guide track to maintain the guide arms in a desired position in relation to the substrate.

Abstract: A feeding control mechanism of packaging machine includes a chassis, a feeding guide, a forwarding device, a conveyor belt, and a feeding controller. The feeding guide is arranged at a front side of the chassis to forward a product into the chassis. The forwarding device includes a feeding channel defined by left and right pulleys for clamping and moving a product onto a conveyor belt. The feeding controller is arranged above the conveyor belt. The product tray carried by the conveyor belt are used to trigger first and second sensor of the chassis to activate the feeding controller for opening/closing stop pegs so as to control each product to be correctly positioned on each product tray of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A device having a pusher for pushing glass objects from a resting plate to a conveyor belt moving at a uniform speed. The device has first, second and third electric motors, the first motor mounted to be stationary, and the second and third motors being moveable relative to the first motor. The three motors are connected to the pusher via various transmission parts and controlled independently for controlling the motion of the pusher.

Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a diverter assembly for diverting articles on a load bearing surface of a conveyor, the diverter assembly comprising: a base frame; a slider assembly that is movable with respect to the base frame; a deflector pivotally connected to the slider assembly, the deflector pivoting between a passive position, in which the deflector extends generally along the base frame to allow articles on the conveyor to pass freely, and an active position in which the deflector extends away from the base frame to divert articles on the conveyor; and a crank link configured to reciprocate the slider assembly while rotating in a single direction.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method of laterally displacing articles includes a conveyor defining a conveying surface and conveying articles in a longitudinal direction with the conveying surface. A diverting assembly is positioned diagonally at least partially across the conveying surface. The diverting assembly travels generally vertically between a non-actuated position below the conveying surface and an actuated position extending above the conveying surface. The diverting assembly has a diverting surface that is adapted to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface when in the actuated position.

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

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the transfer of baggage on conveyor systems at the junction between a sort conveyor and a take-away conveyor. The transfer apparatus includes a sweeper arm that rotates across the sort conveyor to sweep a baggage article thereon toward the take-away conveyor. The sweeper arm translates linearly relative to the sort conveyor so that the baggage remains in continuous contact with the sweeper arm. The rotation of the arm is coordinated with the translation so that the baggage will be fully diverted from the sort conveyor by the time the sweeper arm reaches the end of its translation.

Abstract: An apparatus for buffering objects having at least one first conveyor and at least one second conveyor, where objects enter the apparatus via the first conveyor and leave the apparatus via the second conveyor. Along a linear guide, a transfer device can be moved parallel to first and second conveyor to transfer objects from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A control means unfolds and/or retracts a rail extending on at least one side of the first and/or second conveyor, dependent on the position of the transfer device.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for selectively diverting products sideways from a load-bearing conveying surface of a conveyor that is moving in a direction of transport, comprising a frame, an elongated diverter element having an upstream end, a downstream end and a deflecting surface there between, pivoting means for pivoting the diverter element in a reciprocal fashion about a vertical pivot axis extending on one side of the conveying surface, between a passive position, in which the diverter element extends beside the conveying surface so as to allow products to pass freely on the conveying surface, and an active position, in which the diverter element extends at least partially above the conveying surface for diverting products present on the conveying surface sideways from said conveying surface, and driving means for driving the deflecting surface with respect to a remaining part of the diverter element at least in the active position, wherein the pivoting means are arranged for translating the divert

Abstract: The material sample collector is adapted to divert a sample of material from a trough conveyor for analysis of the sample. The collector includes at least one, and preferably two or more, laterally offset wheels rotating on axles. The wheels are in a vertical plane forming an acute dihedral angle with a vertical plane in which the central longitudinal axis of the conveyor is disposed. Each wheel subtends an elliptical segment extending across a portion of the width of the conveyor when viewed from an end of the conveyor. A sample chute extends laterally from the conveyor. The wheels are normally raised above the conveyor and its contents, and lowered when a sample is taken. The lowered wheels bear against the conveyor and/or its contents, diverting material from the conveyor onto a chute. The device is preferably manually operated, but may be powered and automated.

Abstract: An automatic supply apparatus for an elongate supply target member having elasticity and including both end portions includes a stock mechanism wherein a plurality of supply target members are stocked such that the plurality of supply target members are suspended in an inverted U shape and top portions of the plurality of supply target members are arranged side by side in a row direction, and an extraction mechanism to operate the top portions of the supply target members to extract one supply target member from the plurality of supply target members stocked in the stock mechanism.

Abstract: A device for transferring elongate food products, comprising: a carrier with a carrying surface for supporting a row of elongate food products, and a displaceable transfer means positioned at least partially above the carrier and provided with at least one contact surface for urging at least one elongate food product from the carrier. Also a method for transferring at least one elongate food product supplied on the carrying surface of a carrier is presented.

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 manipulating the article during this transfer procedure.

Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product operations is disclosed. Such conveyor assembly includes a pair of spaced apart side frames that support the conveyor belt and between which the conveyor belt rotates. The side frames are formed from an upstanding member and a inwardly extending horizontal member. Both the frame upstanding member and the frame horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. One or more L-shaped brackets are formed from a generally upstanding member and an inwardly extending member. Both the bracket upstanding member and the bracket horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. The bracket horizontal member slots are configured to overlay the frame elongate horizontal member slots, and the bracket upstanding member slots are configured to overlay the frame upstanding member slots for attaching components to the frames.

Abstract: A transfer assembly for transferring glass articles from a supporting surface onto an unloading conveyor, wherein a pickup member, for engaging the articles for transfer, is hinged to one end of a first powered actuating rod, and is connected to one end of a second powered actuating rod movable independently of the first powered actuating rod to adjust the angular position of the pickup member about a movable hinge axis as the pickup member rotates between a pickup position and a release position in which the articles are released onto the unloading conveyor.

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for selectively diverting products sideways from a load-bearing conveying surface of a conveyor that is moving in a direction of transport, comprising a frame, an elongated diverter element having an upstream end, a downstream end and a deflecting surface there between, pivoting means for pivoting the diverter element in a reciprocal fashion about a vertical pivot axis extending on one side of the conveying surface, between a passive position, in which the diverter element extends beside the conveying surface so as to allow products to pass freely on the conveying surface, and an active position, in which the diverter element extends at least partially above the conveying surface for diverting products present on the conveying surface sideways from said conveying surface, and driving means for driving the deflecting surface with respect to a remaining part of the diverter element at least in the active position, wherein the pivoting means are arranged for translating the divert

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: In a method to separate bundle layers by means of a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track whose conveyor speed is greater than the conveyor speed of the first conveyor track, bundles are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction by a speed jump between the first conveyor track and second conveyor track; positions of bundles on the second conveyor track that are spaced apart from one another are detected by a position detection device. The bundles are moved from the second conveyor track with a manipulator, wherein the manipulator is controlled on the basis of the detected bundle positions on the second conveyor track.

Abstract: A rebar guide attachment for a conveyor for preventing the rebar from coming out of the conveyor while be cut and for aligning the rebar for dispensing into a rack. The rebar guide attachment for a conveyor includes a rebar guard and alignment assembly being attached to a dispensing rack for preventing rebar from spilling out of a conveyor upon being cut and for aligning the rebar prior to being dispensed onto a receiving rack.

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 manipulating the article during this transfer procedure.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing goods delivered on one or more feeding conveyor belts onto two or more removal conveyor belts, wherein the feeding conveyor belts as well as the removal conveyor belts are subdivided into a plurality of individual conveyor belts which are arranged in parallel side by side and are driven jointly.

Abstract: A positioning element for positioning advancing food products includes an engaging member with a contact side for engaging on the products for positioning, and a displacing assembly connecting to the engaging member for intermittently displacing the engaging member in a direction which encloses an angle with the contact side of the engaging member. The engaging member of the positioning element is also provided with at least two engaging sides remote from each other to exert a positioning effect in two directions. Also disclosed is a method for positioning food products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the controlled transfer of unit loads from a first conveyor onto a second conveyor which is partially projected over by the first conveyor, the transport directions of which conveyors run at an angle with respect to each other. In order to permit controlled transfer of the unit loads in a defined position from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor, it is proposed that a negative pressure which acts on the upper side of the conveyor belt of the second conveyor can be generated below the first conveyor in the transfer region onto the second conveyor.

Abstract: Modular transfer band assemblies and systems are provided. The modular transfer band assemblies may include a frame, pulleys supported by the frame, and a belt provided around the pulleys. The belt is configured to be driven to transfer an article off of a main conveyor line having rollers for conveying the article. The removable belt module is configured to be engaged and disengaged from the main conveyor line without the use of tools as a single, self-contained unit. Modular transfer band assembly systems may include the modular transfer band assembly and a support structure, wherein the modular transfer band assembly is removably attached to the support structure.

Abstract: A narrow belt conveyor system is provided with a pop-up style diverter comprising a plurality of rows of diverter wheels in which each row raises and lowers independently of any of the other rows. Thus, each row of diverter wheels can be raised before the leading edge of a conveyed article reaches that particular row of diverter wheels and lowered after the trailing edge of the conveyed article has cleared that row. This permits the spacing between the articles to be greatly reduced, greatly increasing the article throughput rate and/or reducing the conveyor speed while achieving the same throughput rate.

Abstract: An accumulation device is adapted to accumulate a plurality of products according to at least one prescribed accumulation pattern. The accumulation device includes a receiving unit, a first accumulation processing unit, a second accumulation processing unit and a discharge unit. The first accumulation processing unit is configured and arranged to perform a first accumulation processing to a first group of the products received in the receiving unit. The second accumulation processing unit is disposed parallel to the first accumulation processing unit with respect to the receiving unit, and configured and arranged to perform a second accumulation processing to a second group of the products received in the receiving unit. The second accumulation processing is different from the first accumulation processing. The discharge unit is configured and arranged to transfer the products processed in the first and second accumulation processing units toward a downstream portion.

Abstract: Unit for automated container recovery machines, such as for receiving returnable bottles and cans, includes a conveyor device for transporting the returnable containers horizontally in the direction of their longitudinal axes and for rotating the containers about their longitudinal axes. The aim is to provide an additional unit of this type. To achieve this, the conveyor device includes one or more continuous conveyer chains which are adjacent to one another and include support elements and conveyor members which are situated on the support elements. The conveyor members can be rotated about an axis that extends in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device.

Abstract: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.

Abstract: A finger sweep for use with mail parcel handling systems includes an elongate mounting member for coupling the finger sweep to a drive shaft, and a parcel engaging member disposed on a distal end of the mounting member. In one embodiment, a pair of finger sweeps are coupled at first ends to a drive shaft such that parcel engaging members on their second ends extend in radially opposite directions. In another embodiment, an elongate mounting member is centrally attached to a drive shaft and parcel engaging members on its ends extend in radially opposite directions. The parcel engaging members are formed from polymeric material and may be removably fastened to the mounting member, or formed directly thereon.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transferring products from a first conveying line to a second line conveying line operated stepwise in a feeding direction and particularly for feeding a boxing machine a plurality of compartments are aligned along the feeding direction. Each compartment has a bottom and a pair of lateral boards. The compartments receive products released by a manipulator and taken from the first conveying line. An actuator rotates the compartments from a loading configuration for receiving the products, to an overturned configuration, in which the compartments face corresponding, dwelling seats of the second, feeding line. A holding element closes the upper part of the compartments, moving from the loading configuration up to the overturned configuration. A pusher moves into the compartments in the overturned configuration, to push the products into the facing seats of the second, feeding line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and sorting parcels, including the concept of determining at least one component of the gravity center of said parcels. Determination of the gravity center component includes the use of a tilting action in combination with the use of sensors to sense the movement of the parcels as they tilt. Another concept includes the use of sensors to determine whether a parcel is sufficiently rigid to provide a tilting action, or whether the parcel is flexible and thus does not provide a tilting action so much as it provides a flexing action over the pivot point.

Abstract: A tamale loading apparatus (10) includes a converging mechanism (61) and diverter wheels (83, 84) to position tamales (200) on a belt (24). The belt is run at a speed to fly the tamales (200) into a can (300) wherein the tamales are automatically loaded and it is no longer necessary to load the tamales (200) by hand into the cans (300).

Abstract: A transfer conveying mechanism includes a transfer track supported by a transfer support arm. Above the transfer track is a chain guide and depending therefrom are transfer sprockets. Extending about the transfer sprockets is an endless chain having at least one push dog attached thereto. The push dogs move the carrier into and across the transfer track. Attached above the transfer support arm is a sprocket, which is rotatably connected to a pivot plate. The pivot plate is attached to a structural steel assembly from which the transfer conveying mechanism depends. As the sprocket is rotated by a motor and chain transmission, the transfer conveying mechanism rotates in order to direct a carrier to a desired conveyor track.

Abstract: The push off diverter may be used to push objects off of a conveyor. The push off diverter may have a frame having a slide support element with a push bar attached. An electric gearmotor may be attached to the diverter frame and the output motor shaft may have a lever arm attached. A push rod may have a ball end element at each end. A first end of the push rod may be attached at the approximate outer end of the lever arm and a second end may be attached to a bracket that may be attached to the push bar. There may be a control unit that may apply electric power to rotate the electric gearmotor, to activate a brake for the electric gearmotor, and to terminate power for rotation of the electric gearmotor.

Abstract: The invention provides an elevator for separating and distributing a plurality of whole freshly harvested tobacco leaves including clumps of agglomerated tobacco leaves. The elevator has an inclined frame longitudinally extending between a lower end and an upper end, an endless conveyor, and a declumper. The frame carries deck portions extending substantially between the lower end and the upper end. The conveyor is adapted to travel over the deck portions in an upward direction and under the deck portions in a downward direction. The conveyor is also adapted to carry the tobacco leaves to the upper end and discharge the tobacco leaves from the upper end. Also, the elevator includes a declumper adapted to buffet the clumps of tobacco leaves to separate the whole tobacco leaves in the clumps from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and sorting parcels, including the concept of determining at least one component of the gravity center of said parcels. Determination of the gravity center component includes the use of a tilting action in combination with the use of sensors to sense the movement of the parcels as they tilt. Another concept includes the use of sensors to determine whether a parcel is sufficiently rigid to provide a tilting action, or whether the parcel is flexible and thus does not provide a tilting action so much as it provides a flexing action over the pivot point.

Abstract: Apparatuses for article handling, comprising one or more of a) an article-moving conveyor belt (1) designed to move along an underlying plate (55) which has a ridge portion (56), so that a substantial part of each article (21) will lie on one side or the other of the highest point of the conveyor belt; b) a lifting apparatus (4) for moving articles, e.g., PET bottles, from an in-feed point to discharge point located above the in-feed point, with the aid of a continuous row of movable article-carrying baskets (26-36) spaced apart along the length of driving belts or drive chains; and c) an article sorting apparatus (6) that is conveyed on a continuously moving conveyor belt (22) and includes a gate (15) that is designed to be able to move an article (21) away from the conveyor belt (22) sideways, and which in the neutral position of the gate (15) is designed to allow the article (21) to move past the gate (15) unaffected thereby.

Abstract: Machine for profile working of front surfaces on oblong wood workpieces resolves the problem of simple, accurate and fluent or continued working of workpieces front surfaces of various lengths and intersections, and the machine is of a compact construction. It is characteristic by the construction of the entrance turnover device transversely placed between longitudinal conveyors with carriers, which has on the periphery of rotating wheels constructed movable bearing couplings, and by them fixed guiding plates with the groove inside which there are movably inserted guided bearings of bearing couplings. In the area of the entrance turnover device there are placed under an optional angle the oblique roller conveyors, inside which there are flexibly and circularly movably inserted rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and sorting parcels, including the concept of determining at least one component of the gravity center of said parcels. Determination of the gravity center component includes the use of a tilting action in combination with the use of sensors to sense the movement of the parcels as they tilt. Another concept includes the use of sensors to determine whether a parcel is sufficiently rigid to provide a tilting action, or whether the parcel is flexible and thus does not provide a tilting action so much as it provides a flexing action over the pivot point.

Abstract: A combinational weighing apparatus includes a distributing apparatus for distributing articles fed from above, a plurality of conveyance apparatuses disposed radially below and around the distributing apparatus and a plurality of weighing apparatuses disposed below the respective plurality of conveyance apparatuses, the distributing apparatus including a conical distributing table, a stirring member having one end attached to a rotation shaft arranged at an apex portion of the distributing table and the other end extending slantwise downward to the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the distributing table, and a drive unit for rotating the rotation shaft, in which a gap is provided between a lower side of the stirring member and an upper surface of the distributing table so as to be increased downwards.

Abstract: The device (20) for diverting individual items from a stream of items which are conveyed on a transport apparatus has an extendable and retractable diversion element (22), which is operated via a gear unit (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) by a drive apparatus moving or swinging to and fro and is precisely time-controllable, in order to impart a cross impulse to items to be diverted so that they slide from the transport apparatus (11) across the direction of transport. The diversion element (22) carries out a complete extension and retraction movement during a single to-or-fro movement or swing of the drive apparatus. The drive apparatus moving to and fro can be a pneumatic cylinder (42), and the gear unit which transmits the piston movement to the diversion element (22) can be a coulisse link mechanism (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) or a toggle lever.