Abstract: A system for advancing a carrying device. The carrying device is for receiving a plurality of products for processing. The carrying device has a first conveyor, and a second conveyor connected to the first conveyor for taking over a carrying device at a precisely determined distance relative to a preceding carrying device. A portion of the carrying device is made of a magnetizable material. The system has a magnet arranged for engaging the magnetizable material of the carrying device thereby engaging the carrying device onto the second conveyor from the first conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for engaging on a configuration of a number of products with a certain mutual distance. The present invention has a frame and a number of pushing members mounted on the frame for movement between a first and a second position. The present invention also has a drive for moving the pushing members and a number of engaging members mounted on the frame for movement with a variable mutual distance. These engaging members are configured to correspond with the configuration of the products. Each of the pushing members has a contact surface which lies against an engaging member for varying the distance between adjacent engaging members during movement of the pushing member between the first and the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storing or buffering and/or setting the pitch of products, comprised of a conveyor belt, a product carrier for transporting by the conveyor belt and for carrying a plurality of products, a feed conveyor for feeding products into the product carrier at a first predetermined location of the conveyor belt, and a discharge element such as a robot, top loader or pushing member for discharging the products from the product carrier at a second predetermined location a distance from the first predetermined location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring products from a product supply belt to a product discharge belt, wherein the transporting direction of the product discharge belt lies at an angle relative to the transporting direction of the product supply belt, comprising:a product gripping member for gripping a product on the product supply belt and releasing a product above a product discharge belt,a manipulator for moving the gripping member between a gripping position and a releasing position, anddrive means for driving the gripping member and the manipulator.The invention also relates to an assembly of a plurality of such transfer devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for buffering or temporarily storing articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a feed for the articles with at least one endless flexible member moving past the feed. Doglike elements which engage the articles and between which the articles are transported are movable together with the flexible member. One or more guide members for guiding the flexible member during changes of direction are provided with a discharge for discharging an article from between two doglike elements. A mechanism for diminishing the impact to the articles is provided wherein the guide members are movable relative to the feed and/or discharge.