Abstract: The present invention relates to a gage element constituting a reference unit against which a certain article, such as a cardboard box can be compared to determine if a condition of a dimensional match exists. The gage element includes a computer readable storage medium holding a plurality of data elements associated with the box. The computer readable storage medium has an output allowing the data elements to be transferred to an apparatus for processing the certain article, the data elements being operative to alter the settings of the apparatus so as to-adapt it specifically for the box to be currently processed. In a specific example, this apparatus is a palletizer machine that arranges individual boxes into a stack forming a pallet. The data elements could be the dimensions of the box, the weight of the box, the stacking pattern and the dimensions of the stack, among others.

Abstract: An adjustable guide rail system for guiding containers transported on a conveyor in a container processing production line that allows adjustment of the distance between the opposing guide rails to accommodate containers of different dimensions and configurations. The adjustable guide rail system comprises sections of guide rail, a reversible motorized actuator and a motion converter driven by said reversible motorized actuator which is coupled to the sections of guide rail to automatically adjust the width of the path of the containers being transported on the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.

Abstract: System for feeding empty containers on a conveyor belt, namely for packaging installations, such as bottling plants. The system for feeding containers comprises a supporting surface having dimensions sufficient to accommodate a multitude of empty containers placed side by side. This supporting surface continuously moves the containers against an abutment wall. The movement of the supporting surface causes empty containers to agglomerate against the abutment wall. A pushing device is provided to selectively push out from the containers agglomeration a number of containers over a secondary conveyor belt that will lead those containers to successive processing stations, such as a filling station, capping station, labeling station etc. The pushing device is mounted relative to the supporting surface such that it moves generally parallel to the abutment wall.

Abstract: A leaflet dispensing apparatus having a main structural body on which is mounted a carousel including a plurality of magazine for storing leaflets and an intermediate chute for transferring the leaflets from the carousel to a dispensing wheel. The dispensing wheel is adapted to remove a leaflet from the intermediate chute and to transport the leaflet to a dispensing area where a dispensing blade pushes the leaflet onto or into a container being transported by a conveyor located adjacent to the leaflet dispensing apparatus. The magazines for storing leaflets are the vehicle for reloading the carousel. The magazines may be discarded after use or may be re-used.

Abstract: A container distribution apparatus having a frame surrounding a revolvable turret, the revolvable turret comprises intermediate transport members in the shape of slots adapted to receive containers from a feeding member such as a conveyor belt, to transport and to deliver containers to accumulator members located between the revolvable turret and the processing machines, to retrieve containers from accumulator members, and to transport containers to a exiting member such as a conveyor belt, each accumulator member is capable of carrying containers to and from a processing machine. A synchronization unit coordinates the transfer of containers to and from the accumulator members by activating a drive mechanism in a step-like manner to rotate the revolvable turret and by activating the opening and closing of gates located at the junction of the intermediate transport members and the accumulator members.

Abstract: A machine for filling fluid product into containers delivered in a row by a conveyor has a filling station with a walking nozzle bank. Containers are processed batchwise through the filling station, the nozzle bank including elongated gripper plates that are moved laterally to engage the containers while the nozzles are inserted therein. Once a batch of containers has been received in the filling station and engaged by the gripper plates, the container batch is allowed to move in the conveying direction together with the nozzle bank as the containers are being filled. Movement of the containers is controlled without the need for feed screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A pump suitable for use with delicate fluids such as food products. The pump includes a casing having an internal cavity that defines a pumping chamber, an inlet and an outlet port, a first and second pumping rotors mounted for rotation in the casing, each pumping rotor including a first set of angularly spaced apart projections and a second set of angularly spaced apart projections. The first and second sets of projections of one rotor are in a condition of mesh with the first and second sets of projections of the other rotor, respectively. This feature allows one rotor to drive the companion rotor, thus eliminating the need of separate drive gears.