Abstract: A method for Abstract pasteurization of food products contained in containers, such as bottles, characterized by the subdivision of at least part of the assembly constituted by the zones of prepasteurization and pasteurization, into elementary zones of regulation, in each of which in a calculation is made of the number of UP's (Units of Pasterization acquired by at least one reference container passing through at least part of the elementary zone, and in that pasterurization is caused to stop in the zone when the reference container, or at least one of the reference containers has acquired a predetermined maximum number of UP's and when all the other reference containers, if any, have acquired at least a predetermined minimum number of UP's.

Abstract: A pasteurizing apparatus has a conveyor for longitudinally displacing containers to be pasteurized along a treatment path, a manifold extending longitudinally along the path between the path ends, and a multiplicity of longitudinally spaced sprayers connected to the manifold and directed transversely at the containers in the path, whereby each container passes under a succession of such sprayers while moving between the path ends. Conduits connected to the manifold at upstream and downstream locations and at a central location therebetween feed respective liquids at different temperatures to the locations and therethrough to the manifolds. A multiplicity of transverse partitions spaced axially along the manifold are each displaceable between a closed position substantially longitudinally blocking the manifold and an open position longitudinally unblocking it.

Abstract: The instant invention is a holder used in a walking-beam conveyor having a plurality of beams each formed of a longitudinal row of longitudinally extending and aligned tubes connected together at these holders. Each holder has a stationary base formed with an upwardly open hole and is provided above the hole with a projection extending longitudinally in one direction and fitting complementarily with one of the ends of one of the tubes. A holder element having an upright shaft engageable snugly in the hole and formed with a projection extending longitudinally in a direction opposite to the base projection normally fits complementarily with one of the ends of another of the tubes. A locking member engageable longitudinally between the hole and the holder element presses the holder element longitudinally in the opposite direction against a face of the hole.

Abstract: A band of foil is continuously pulled off a roll of the band and fed at a constant rate downwardly toward a station. The band is periodically deflected laterally from its path between the roll and the station so that the free end of the band in the station periodically stops completely. At the same time a succession of bottles is displaced transversely through the station, with one bottle being in the station each time the free end of the band stops. The free end of the band is pressed against the bottle in the station and is severed from the rest of the band each time the band stops in the station. Spots of adhesive are printed on the band on one face thereof upstream of the station and the deflector and advance rollers that engage this face downstream of the printing location only engage this face between the adhesive spots.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transferring of labels or like flexible sheets, e.g. to a transfer drum or the application to bottles or other receptacles, comprises a pickup drum which is formed with a plurality of pickup heads adapted to roll along a stack of labels in a magazine and pick up an individual label for subsequent delivery to the transfer drum. The pickup face is formed as an involute, symmetrical about a median plane perpendicular to its pivot axis and has progressively increasing radius of curvature from a region proximal to the pivot and extending to either side away therefrom.