Abstract: An article dropping apparatus may include a first shutter and a second shutter. A first movable member is movable relative to the first shutter. A second movable member is movable relative to the second shutter. An article may be supported by the first shutter and the second shutter to extend therebetween when the first shutter and the second shutter are positioned at closed positions. The first movable member and the second movable member may keep a relative position with respect to the article, via use of clamping members, during the movement of the first and second shutters from closed positions to open positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously separating a portion of a continuous web of film, having a leading edge and a plurality of spaced apart side seals, includes a base, a plurality of blade pairs, and a film guide device. The blade pairs are moveable between an open and closed positions and are mounted to the base and spaced apart a distance corresponding to the side seals in the film. The film guide device includes a guide member that releasable attaches to a portion of the film adjacent the leading edge. The guide members suspends the film between the plurality of blade pairs in the open position to align the plurality of seals on the film with the plurality of spaced apart blade pairs to accurate separate the film into a plurality of pouches upon movement of the blade pairs to the closed position.

Abstract: A transporting device and method for depositing sheet material on a tray, the transporting device including at least two rollers which can be displaced with respect to each other, with a belt extending between the rollers above the tray, the belt being connected at its ends to the two rollers, whereby the belt can be rolled up onto and unrolled from at least one of said rollers.

Abstract: Article handling apparatus comprises a carriage mounted to a support for to and fro movement along a path (A). An article conveyor is mounted on the carriage defined by opposed conveying surfaces for conveying articles relative to the carriage along a transport path substantially parallel with the path of movement of the carriage relative to the support. First and second drives are provided for moving the carriage and actuating the article conveyor respectively, whereby in one operating mode, when the carriage is moved by the first drive, the second drive causes a compensatory movement of the article conveyor such that the opposed conveying surfaces defining the transport path remain substantially stationary. The carriage is movable to either of two dispense positions at opposite ends of the carriage path such that when the carriage is positioned at a dispense position articles held on the carriage may be dispensed by suitably opening the article conveyor.

Abstract: A laundry piece stacking device which stacks a predetermined number of laundry pieces uniformly and evenly in a stack. Laundry pieces of a predetermined size are conveyed from an ironing area along a double feed conveyor to a swing arm conveyor. The swing arm conveyor is pivotable and rotates in an arc above a work discharge zone. By appropriate adjusting elements, the laundry pieces are evenly draped over a first conveyor in a stacking arrangement until the number of pieces in the stack equals a predetermined count. At that time, the first conveyor and a second, adjacent conveyor are activated for a brief interval so that the first stack formed is transported away from the work deposit zone towards a workpiece receiving area located at the far end of the second conveyor means. The swing arm conveyor is inhibited from operation during this time period. After one stack is removed, additional stacks are formed on the first conveyor and sequentially conveyed towards the receiving area.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sheet feed for rapidly and accurately placing a sheet onto a processing station. A carriage is movably mounted above this processing station and reciprocated for feeding. Two belts extend between the sheet feed frame and opposite ends of the movable carriage, leaving an opening in the carriage. When the carriage is reciprocated, the belts transport the sheet to register it, feed it through the carriage opening onto the processing station, hold it down on the processing station, and remove it from there.