Abstract: A vibratory conveyor is provided which comprises a machine frame, a twoarmed lever mounted on the frame for pivotal movement about an axis, a reaction base mounted on one arm of the lever, and a conveyor element for conveying a product from one end to the other. Leaf springs are connected between the conveyor element and the reaction base and arranged to vibrate so as to cause the conveyor element to convey product. A sensor is disposed between the said one arm and the machine frame for sensing the weight of product on the conveyor element. The lever and conveyor element are so arranged that a line connecting the axis of pivotal movement of the lever and the center of mass of the conveyor element runs perpendicular to the length of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor is provided which comprises a machine frame, a twoarmed lever mounted on the frame for pivotal movement about an axis, a reaction base mounted on one arm of the lever, and a conveyor element for conveying a product from one end to the other. Leaf springs are connected between the conveyor element and the reaction base and arranged to vibrate so as to cause the conveyor element to convey product. A sensor is disposed between the said one arm and the machine frame for sensing the weight of product on the conveyor element. The lever and conveyor element are so arranged that a line connecting the axis of pivotal movement of the lever and the centre of mass of the conveyor element runs perpendicular to the length of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a vibratory conveyor including a detector applicable to detect when the depth of product on the conveyor is at a determined minimum value. The product-conveying rate of the conveyor is adjusted so that the depth is maintained at or around the minimum value. This is done by logging the total time, during a given period, for which the depth of the product exceeds, or falls below, the determined minimum value, and varying the product-conveying rate depending upon whether the total time that product is detected is more or less than a given percentage of the period.

Abstract: A packaging machine is described for forming, filling and sealing bags with a product. The machine forms a film into an elongate, side-sealed tube as it travels in a first direction, and severs the elongate tube into individual, open-ended, bag-length elements. These are then transported in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a bottom seal formed on them to convert them into open-topped bags. A carousel is arranged to receive the open-topped bags. Product is introduced into each of the open-topped bags, and a top seal formed on each of them to convert them into filled, sealed bags, as the bags travel round the carousel.