Abstract: The problem of potentially damaging a pallet layer that is gripped by clamps of a depalletizing tool is solved i) by detecting the real position of the layer using a pad on the tool that is movable with the clamps towards the pallet layer and whose detected stopping position determines the real position of the layer, and ii) while the layer is gripped by the clamp, by inserting under the layer curtains; the pressure on the layer by the clamps being adapted to the ease to go underneath the layer.

Abstract: A medical system includes: a slave having at least one moving part; an operation device having at least one operation part; and a processor that controls operations of the slave based on a conversion table that associates operations of the moving part of the slave with inputs of the operation part of the operation device. The processor is programmed to execute: acquiring user identification information of a user of the slave, slave identification information of the slave, and operation device identification information of the operation device, and generating and proposing the conversion table based on the user identification information, the slave identification information, and the operation device identification information.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for manipulating articles initially disposed in a stack (S), which apparatus (100) comprises a moveable head (2) and a receptacle (5), the receptacle (5) being disposable adjacent a stack (S) of articles and the moveable head (2) being operable to abut and transfer selected articles from the stack (S) into the receptacle (5). The receptacle (5) is a comb-like box which makes it possible to deposit the articles on a roller conveyor (7).

Abstract: In a device for unstacking plate-shaped parts (12), in particular sheet metal blanks, comprising at least one supply station (13) in which at least one stack (14) of plate-shaped parts (12) is located and at least one conveyor station (15) on which the plate-shaped parts (12) are transported further in an unstacked manner, an unstacking unit (17) being provided for transferring the plate-shaped parts (12) between the supply station (13) and the conveyor station (15), said unstacking unit engaging the stack of parts (14) and removing individual plate-shaped parts (12) while unstacking the stack of parts (14) and depositing them in the conveyor station (15), the unstacking unit (17) comprises two robots (18a, 18b) working independently of each other, which alternately engage a common stack of parts (14) of the supply station (13) and are controlled by a control unit (19) in such a way that a first or a second robot (18a, 18b) removes a plate-shaped part (12) from the stack of parts (14) while the first robot (1

Abstract: A feeder for flat objects, particularly a supplement feeder for supplements, having a stack compartment for receiving objects in the form of a stack and a takeoff device for taking individual objects off the stack along a takeoff direction, wherein the takeoff device includes a conveying element and a gate, through which the objects taken off the stack are led individually by the conveying element. In order to be able to process different objects with properties differing from one another, particularly objects of different type and thickness, with the feeder in continuous operation without problems and without congestion and to provide a feeder for different objects that is as flexible as possible and that is capable of processing both thick and thin objects without lasting deformations while largely avoiding takeoff errors, the gate has a first gate device and a second gate device.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading load items, comprising a receiving conveyor having a freely projecting receiving end and a rear delivery end, a removal conveyor and a transfer conveyor arranged therebetween which has a front takeover end adjoining the delivery end of the receiving conveyor and a rear handover end adjoining a head end of the removal conveyor, wherein the transfer conveyor is mounted so as to be pivotable in height about a first swivelling axis arranged at the handover end, and the receiving conveyor is mounted so as to be pivotable in height about a second swivelling axis arranged at the delivery end, wherein the receiving conveyor and the transfer conveyor can be moved, by being swivelled about the first and second swivelling axes, into at least one upper unloading position, in which the transfer conveyor is substantially horizontal before the first swivelling axis, the receiving conveyor is substantially vertical below the second swivelling axis and the receiving end of the receiving conveyor is

Abstract: A packaging bag feeder in a packaging machine includes a bag magazine capable of accommodating a number of packaging bags in a stacked state, a separating mechanism which is configured to separate one of the packaging bags stacked on the bag magazine and a bag placement section on which the separated bag is placed. Every time one bag is placed on the bag placement section, the bag is held and fed to a subsequent packaging step.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for singulating articles in an automatic stack feeder are disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may comprise a pressure sensor on a perforated drive belt assembly configured to sense the pressure exerted by a stack of articles. The sensed pressure may be used to control various portions of the automatic stack feeder, such as a belt or a paddle.

Abstract: A card dispensing system for dispensing cards along a conveying surface which conveys sliced products downstream of a slicer for packaging the sliced products. A hopper contains a stack of cards which are withdrawn from the hopper by a suction force provided via at least one suction cup. The suction cup is moveable vertically to retrieve and remove the card from the hopper. The suction cup is moveable laterally to move the card into a receiving position where a card clamp on a damp carriage arrives to receive the card. Suction force on the card is released when the card damp damps down on the card. The clamp carriage moves the card from the receiving position to the staging position where a nip engages with the card to feed the card through a junction in the conveyor line just as a food product passes over the junction.

Abstract: A reciprocating placer system for selectively picking and placing articles includes a picking assembly that is moveable between one or more magazines in which the articles are each received and stored in a stacked configuration. The picking assembly can include a series of vacuum cups for engaging and selectively picking articles from one or more magazines and thereafter depositing the selected articles on a conveyor or within a receptacle. A drive system controls the transverse movement of the picking assembly with respect to the one or more magazines in order to control the movement of the picking assembly between the one or more magazines and for adjusting the position of the picking assembly, with a selected article engaged thereby, with respect to the conveyor or receptacle on which the article is to be deposited.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders for use in an automated sample analyzer is disclosed herein. The apparatus for dispensing sample holders includes a rotating carousel for housing stack of sample holders. Stacks of sample holders from the rotating carousel are fed into a chute where sample holders contact a set of rotating members having helical threads thereon. The helically threaded rotating members engage the sample containers and separate each sample holder from the remaining sample holders in the stack by rotation of the helically threaded rotating members. The sample holder can then be transferred for use in an automated sample analyzer.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a support mechanism, a movable platform, a driving mechanism, a clutching mechanism, and two or more holding mechanisms. The movable platform is movably connected to the support mechanism, and loads feed trays stacked together. The driving mechanism drives the movable platform to move relative to the support mechanism. The holding mechanisms are fixed on the support mechanism, and switch from a first position to a second position. When the holding mechanisms are positioned in the first position, the holding mechanisms grasp one feed tray adjacent to a feed tray at a top of the feed trays, and the clutching mechanism clutches the feed tray at the top of the feed trays. When the holding mechanisms are positioned in the second position, the holding mechanisms separate from the feed trays.

Abstract: A separating tool for separating out objects one by one from a stack of objects includes a support base, an assembly plate positioned on the support base, a vertical sliding assembly slidably positioned on the assembly plate, and two opposing clamping members connected to the vertical sliding assembly. Each clamping member includes an engaging plate, a connecting shaft fixed to the engaging plate, and a cam base positioned on the support base. The cam base defines a cam slot, and the connecting shaft slides in the cam slot. A distance from a top end of the cam slot to the engaging plate is less than that from a bottom end of the cam slot to the engaging plate, such that the engaging plates of the two clamping members move together when the engaging plates are moved upwards with the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A carton feeding system is provided for feeding selected cartons from a stack of cartons contained within a carton magazine to a downstream carton conveyor such as for a product packaging machine. A carton picking device removes a selected carton from the stack of cartons within the magazine, after which the carton is engaged between a carton engaging segment of the primary segment wheel and a draw roller, which pulls the carton from the magazine and feeds the carton along a first path of travel. Thereafter, a secondary segment wheel engages and redirects a leading portion of the carton toward a second path of travel. The carton then is fed along its second path of travel toward engagement between a pair of downstream nip rolls that feed the carton into the downstream carton conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value. The device comprises a first module (16a) that in an operating state is electrically conductive connected via a first electrical wire to a power supply unit (26) and electrically conductive connected via a second electrical wire to a second module (16b). In a maintenance state the first module (16a) is neither electrically conductive connected to the first electrical wire nor electrically conductive connected to the second electrical wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: A blank delivery system for use in a machine for forming a container from a blank sheet of material is described herein. The blank delivery system includes a blank loading assembly that includes a plurality of blank hoppers. Each blank hopper is configured to hold a plurality of blanks for forming a different type of container. A blank transfer assembly is coupled to each blank hopper of the plurality of blank hoppers. The blank transfer assembly is configured to convey the blanks from each blank hopper to a container forming system of the machine.

Abstract: An automated unloading apparatus, system and method for use with a container having a plurality of items located on a base belt. The apparatus includes a ramp, a conveyor, a stack control curtain, and a tensioning mechanism. The ramp is configured to pass under the base belt. The conveyor is configured to remove a first item from the plurality of items. The stack control curtain is configured to retain a second item of the plurality of items during removal of the first item. The tensioning mechanism is configured to couple to the base belt and maintain a desired tension on the base belt during passage of the nose ramp under the base belt and removal of the first item.

Abstract: A system for conveying mailpieces along a conveyance path and singulating a mailpiece from a stack of mailpieces along the conveyance path. The system includes a first conveyance for conveying mailpieces at a variable velocity and a second conveyance, downstream of the first conveyance, for conveying mailpieces at a constant velocity along the conveyance path. A series of optical sensors extends from the first to the second conveyance and is operative to issue a gap signal indicative of the relative spacing between sequential mailpieces along the conveyance path. A processor is responsive to the gap signal and is operative to control the first conveyance to decrease the relative spacing between sequential mailpieces when the gap signal exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A system for singulating mailpieces including a first conveyance including a pair of opposing belts for singulating a mailpiece from a stack of mailpieces. The system includes an actuation mechanism operative to apply a force pulse through one of the belts to momentary separate mailpieces of the stack and augment singulation of the mailpiece from the stack by the first conveyance.

Abstract: A system for conveying mailpieces along a feed path includes a plurality of conveyances. A first conveyance is operative to convey mailpieces along the feed path and includes a singulating and drive belt. The singulating and drive belts define a throat for singulating a mailpiece from the stack of mailpieces. A second conveyance accepts mailpieces from the first conveyance and conveys singulated mailpiece downstream of the first conveyance. The system further includes a series of sensors extending from the first to the second conveyance for issuing a gap signal indicative of the relative spacing between sequential mailpieces along the feed path. Additionally, the system includes a means, responsive to the gap signal, for developing a variable opposing force between the singulating and drive belts to optimize singulation of mailpieces along the feed path.

Abstract: A device for loading, storing and providing objects having standardized dimensions includes a storage unit with a carrier plate and four stackers. Each stacker includes a bottom surface disposed on top of the carrier plate. The stackers are configured to store objects stacked perpendicular to the carrier plate. The stackers are disposed symmetrically centered around a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the carrier plate and offset with respect to each other by an angle of 90°. A substructure is disposed underneath the carrier plate. An unloading device is configured to unload a selected object from a first of the stackers that is disposed in a transfer position. The storage unit is rotatable around the rotation axis so as to enable movement of each of the stackers into the transfer position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device to separate blanks form each other in a stack by that at least one separating unit is brought into contact with one or more of the edges of the blank stack. The separating unit comprises a separating arm having a narrow teeth provided blade, which moves first horizontally until a tooth grasps the uppermost blank, whereupon the arm having the narrow teeth provided blade controllably moves upwards and lifts one blank edge. An air knife, which acts towards the side of the blank stack in a direct connection to the point of application of the teeth provided blade, can give one or several air thrusts when the blade is starting its controlled movement upwards and is urging like an wedge in under a slit under the uppermost blank of the blank stack, an eventual existing vacuum between the blanks being disappeared at the same time as the uppermost blank of the blank stack receives a lifting force by the air cushion, created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for picking items from a stack of items stored in one of a number of bins in a kiosk dispensary. Each bin has a bin identifier identifying its position in the rack and each bin accommodates one or more items with multiple items in a bin arranged in a stack. Each item in the stack has an order identifier corresponding to its position in the stack. An item to be picked is identified by its bin identifier and order identifier. Items between the item to be picked and an access position of the stack are removed from the stack and parked until the item to be picked is in the access position whereupon it is removed from the bin and an index of order identifiers and bin identifiers is updated to match the repositioning of the items.

Abstract: A mailpiece selector device comprising a guide co-operating with at least one opposing selector roller to separate mailpieces one-by-one from a stack of mailpieces and to transport them downstream, said guide having at least two adjacent selector fingers having different lengths, it being possible for each of said selector fingers to pivot independently from the other(s) about a common pivot axis and against respective associated resilient return means.

Abstract: A mailpiece feed device designed to be mounted upstream from a franking machine, and comprising at least a mailpiece feed zone for receiving a stack of mailpieces of various formats supported by a first plurality of drive rollers and a separation zone for individually selecting the mailpieces and having a second plurality of drive rollers, at least first clutch means E3 being provided for actuating said first plurality of drive rollers, said mailpiece feed device further comprising at least one sensor CN for detecting passage of said mailpieces as they enter said separation zone, and control means for subjecting said first clutch means to forced deactivation followed by an activation/deactivation series so long as the sensor CN is not activated, so as to cause a rapid succession of horizontal movements generating jerky motion on said stack, conducive to facilitating mutual separation of said mailpieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-automatic and/or fully automatic order-picking system and a corresponding apparatus and a method which facilitates efficient order picking at low technical outlay.

Abstract: The method of detecting a mailpiece of the open mailpiece type such as a non-wrapped magazine consists in causing the mailpiece (3) to pass on edge through a first conveyor (2A) arranged to move the mailpiece (3) by nipping it while holding it tightly over substantially the entire height of the mailpiece, then to pass on edge through a second conveyor (2B) arranged to move the mailpiece (3) by nipping it while leaving a top end (3B) of the mailpiece free to fan out. Two measurements are taken of the thickness of the mailpiece (3) respectively when the mailpiece is in the first conveyor (2A) and when it is in the second conveyor (2B), for the purpose of determining, by differentially comparing the two measurements, whether the mailpiece is an open mailpiece.

Abstract: A flat-article feed device comprising an unstacker device (4), a conveyor (5) on which the unstacked articles in series and on edge are moved with constant pitch, and a synchronization device (6) interposed between the unstacker device and the conveyor so as to compensate for variations in pitch between consecutive articles. The unstacker device (4) is servo-controlled to unstack a current article in response to a signal indicating detection of the passage of another unstacked article preceding said current article downstream from the unstacker. The synchronization device (6) is arranged to move a plurality of articles at the same time in series and on edge with different respective speed profiles in order to compensate for variations in pitch.

Abstract: A mailpiece feed device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck for receiving a stack of mailpieces, conveyor rollers for conveying the mailpieces along a longitudinal referencing wall and towards a separator device designed to separate the mailpieces one-by-one from said stack of mailpieces and to convey them downstream, and, incorporated vertically in said longitudinal referencing wall, at least one friction roller of varying roughness, with its coefficient of friction decreasing from the top to the bottom of said longitudinal referencing wall.

Abstract: A mailpiece unstacker device comprises a feed magazine for moving the mailpieces in a stack and on edge in a certain direction towards an unstacker head. It is provided with materials sensors for delivering signals indicating that a current mailpiece has a cover made of a plastics material and/or includes a metal material. A control unit forces the feed magazine and the unstacker head to operate as a function of the signals generated by the sensors so that the mailpieces are presented facing the unstacker head in positions that are inclined backwards to various extents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing sets of sheets. The apparatus includes a frame, a hopper for moving a stack of sheets, a pre-singulator for separating a portion of a sheet from the stack, a sheet peeler for peeling part of a pre-singulated sheet from the stack, a sheet picker for gathering peeled sheets into a set, and a sheet discharger for clearing the set of sheets. The sheet peeler may include at least one rotating drum. The sheet picker may include one or more augers.

Abstract: A separator device for separating flat articles one-by-one from a stack of flat articles and for conveying them downstream, said separator device comprising at least one flexible bag provided with a plurality of balls and co-operating with a drive member so that, by deforming while said flat articles are being conveyed downstream, it separates said flat articles one-by-one. A particular application lies in separating mailpieces.

Abstract: The invention describes a depalleting device (1) and a method for operating the latter for a transported product (2) provided in a stack comprising a mounting table (8) which is adjustable linearly in a guiding arrangement (10) by a feed drive (9), and comprising a conveying device (4) arranged on the latter and drive-connected to a drive motor and with a mounting conveying device (23) arranged at least at one end section (20) of the conveying device (4). The mounting conveying device (23) is drive-connected to a drive motor that is independent of the drive of the conveying device (4). By means of a detecting means (52) of the mounting conveying device (23) a load parameter is detected which acts on the latter on placing a conveying roller up to the transported product (2) and a signal is generated in a control and regulating device for controlling the speed of the drive motor of the mounting conveying device (23).

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor unit constituting a separating and feed mechanism (33), in particular for sheet-shaped workpieces, in particular sheets (3) to be printed, with a lifting mechanism (2) for transporting the sheet (3) vertically and a conveyor track with conveyor means (51, 52) for transporting the sheet (3) horizontally. This being the case, the conveying means (51, 52) are displaceable in a guide system between an operating position for feeding the sheet (3) to a production unit (36), in particular a printing machine (37), and a non-operating position to enable the sheet (3) to be lifted unhindered from a sheet stack (39).

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying products from a stack to an output includes a stack area configured for receiving a stack of a plurality of products, a guiding element extending to the output, and a transport mechanism configured for acting on at least part of the products in the stack for conveying the products in the direction of the output such that edges of the products abut on the guiding element.

Abstract: A robotic gantry system, end-effector for a robotic gantry system and method of transporting products using a robotic gantry system is provided. The end-effector includes a movable floor that can be positioned below picked products to prevent products from being dropped during transport. The movable floor also permits selecting individual rows of products from a given layer of products of a product stack. The end-effector may include a vacuum assembly for vacuum adhering to the products. The method permits selection of varying portions of a stack of products with the end-effector and protecting the selected portions of products using the movable floor.

Abstract: A method of feeding flat items, in particular postal items, into unstacker apparatus (6) for unstacking flat items, which apparatus includes a feed magazine (3) with first and second paddles (8, 13), in which method a first stack of flat items (9) are moved in front of the first paddle towards the unstacker apparatus, comprises the steps consisting in: forming the second stack of flat items (22) on edge behind the second paddle; moving the second stack of flat items on edge and the second paddle until a junction is obtained between said first and second paddles; and moving said first and second paddles together to behind the second stack of flat items. This method contributes to facilitating building up of the first stack of flat items for feeding the unstacker apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading a load support, particularly a tray, which can be loaded with at least one packing unit, particularly with a pallet layer of packing units, includes a roller array comprising a plurality of driven rollers, and having a size which corresponds substantially to a size of a loading area of the load support; and a lifting mechanism lifting the roller array or lowering the load support such that the rollers engage through holes within the loading area of the load support, in order to remove from the loading area a packing unit, preferably in a desired manner, by driving the rollers.

Abstract: A carton feeder assembly is disclosed for selecting or picking carton blanks from the end of a stack of blanks in a magazine. The assembly includes a magazine and conveyor for moving stacks of carton blanks toward a carton feeder assembly. A support shaft assembly is disposed at the downstream end of the magazine and includes a support shaft against which the forwardmost carton blank in the stack leans and rests to support the stack of carton blanks. The support shaft is eccentrically rotatably mounted and driven by a motor so that the support shaft oscillates rapidly as it is rotated. This motion of the support shaft keeps the forwardmost blank of the stack spaced slightly from and out of contact with the support shaft for a significant majority of the time, thus reducing substantially the average friction between the forwardmost blank and the support shaft.

Abstract: In the present invention, through the provision of a tray placing rack for storing trays in multi steps, the trays accommodating electronic parts after inspection are received in the racks and through the provision of a tray stacking rack above the tray placing rack, an empty tray emptied by having been inspected of the electronic parts before inspection at an inspection stage is stacked on the tray stacking rack.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises equipment for an automated high volume batch work-piece manufacturing factory comprising work-piece handling and work-piece processing in a high productivity factory architecture capable of producing 1,000 or more work-piece an hour. The work-pieces may be presented to the equipment from a stacked supply to a parallel array. Additionally, the work-pieces may be transferred between manufacturing architectures by an array to array batch transfer. The work-pieces may be transferred within the manufacturing architecture in a parallel to parallel batch transfer operation. The robotic operations may be between robotic devices, between robotic devices and processing equipment, and within processing equipment.

Abstract: A device (100) for feeding blanks (99) to a packaging machine (M), includes at least one rotating group (G) for picking up flat folded carton blanks from the bottom of a stack (94) of blanks (99), in a picking up position (P), by means of picking up vacuum means (7) supported by the group (G). Then, the picked up folded blanks are erected into box-like configurations (A) in an erecting position (K). Then, the group (G) feeds the blanks (99) to an inlet station (98) of the machine (M), to place them one by one in the station (98) in a placing position (ID). The group (G) includes one first cinematic series (C1) for determining the movement of the picking up vacuum cups (7) along a closed path (T), extending between the picking up position (P) and the placing position (ID). A second cinematic series (C2) controls and maintains constant the orientation of the picking up vacuum cups (7, V).

Abstract: A device (2) for feeding reels (3) has a manipulator (14) having a gripping member (19) for picking up one reel (3) at a time off a pallet (16) and transferring the reel (3) to an unwinding pin (4a; 4b) on a machine (1); the gripping member (19) is enabled to pick up a reel (3) off the pallet (16) when at least one reference point (k1) of the gripping member (19) lies inside a central hole (7) of the reel (3).

Abstract: A dispensing arrangement for inserting a part into a cast iron mold includes a dispenser apparatus configured to dispense a predetermined number of parts, a staging apparatus configured to position the parts in a selective orientation and a jig apparatus configured to grip and lift the parts from the staging apparatus and position the parts in a die of a mold. The apparatus may be located adjacent the mold in use.

Abstract: A paper feed device includes a setting plate, a support unit, a driving unit, a power transmission mechanism, a link mechanism, and an operation lever. The support unit elevatably supports the setting plate, and elevates the setting plate when the support unit receives a driving force. The driving unit drives the support unit. The power transmission mechanism transmits the driving force from the driving unit to the support unit. The operation lever is switched between a first state and a second state. When the operation lever is in the first state, the power transmission mechanism transmits the driving force to the support unit. When the operation lever is in the second state, the link mechanism cuts off the transmission of the driving force to the support unit.

Abstract: A robotic-based system and method for transposing glass sheets of mixed sizes, including jumbo-sized sheets, from or onto a conveyor onto or from unloading platforms positioned on either side of the conveyor. The system comprises two parallel bridges extending across and above the conveyor and a pair of industrial robots movably mounted each on one of said two bridges for allowing traverse movement of the robots along the bridges such that the robots are having equal reach to both sides of the conveyor. The robots may be operated either in a full synchronized mode for handling sheets too large or to heavy to be handled by a single robot or in an individual operation mode where each robot handles a single sheet.

Abstract: A sheet feeder for use with a stack having plates and sheets alternating. Sheets are removed by being reliably suction adhered with a sucker. The sheet feeder includes a suction device, and the sucker and device are mounted at a supporting portion. In order to allow suction adhering of the plates and sheets alternately stacked in a magazine, the suction device is operated when the sucker is brought into contact with the sheet, and the sheet is raised separately from the plate. Thereafter, the sheet is suction adhered to the sucker by suction. This makes it possible to prevent the sucker from suction adhering to the plate together with the sheet, and only the sheet is reliably removed from the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for resisting rotational movement of can ends in a downstacker is provided, that includes a housing having a bore, a ring having a bore that is disposed within the housing, a second ring having a bore that is disposed within the housing and a sleeve having a bore that is disposed within the housing wherein the bores of the ring, the second ring and the sleeve are in substantial alignment relative to each other. A method of resisting the rotational movement of can ends in a downstacker is also provided.