Abstract: Apparatus for the selective palletization of articles, particularly boxes, having different characteristics, including an article bar code reader which controls an automatic transfer device for the selective transfer of the articles from a feeder conveyor to respective pallets arranged in respective processing stations for loading the pallets with articles and for removing the loaded pallets, in which the processing stations are aligned above respective segments of a conveyor for transferring empty pallets from an accumulation unit for a stack of unloaded pallets, and an elevator device for the unloaded pallets which is interposed between the exit conveyor and each processing station, which defines, together with the related segment of the conveyor and with the related elevator device, a processing module which is actuated in a substantially independent manner.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is suggested in which the bulk material is slowed down and where it accumulates before flowing out. When the amount of the bulk material inside the loading apparatus exceeds a certain weight, the loading apparatus will open and allow the bulk material to flow out in downward direction. The opening of the loading apparatus is caused merely by the influence of the weight, with any influence exerted by kinetic energy being excluded.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring stacks of folded articles such as serviettes or the like, from a pile to a conveyor (3) includes retaining teeth (77) which retain the first article of a stack (P) and which are moved by the advancement of the articles. A separator (47,51) to separate the first stack (P1) of articles from subsequent stacks (P2) and a discharger (83) to discharge each single stack onto the conveyor (3). The separator includes a first separating member (51) arranged to move between two adjacent stacks (P1, P2) of articles, and a second separating member (47), operating in conjunction with the first separating member (51), which also moves between the same two adjacent stacks of articles. The second separating member is provided with a further motion to move the first stack (P) away from the subsequent one (P2) and hold it prior to the discharge thereof onto the conveyor (3).

Abstract: A conveying device for sheets of paper, or similar materials, with some continuous conveyor belts (8 and 9) which are led over localized drive rollers (18 and 19) and also over localized return rollers (6, 7) and then over additional mutually displaceable turn-around rollers (27, 28, 29 and 30). The supporting frame includes a supporting guide track which runs between the return rollers (6, 7) and the drive rollers (18 and 19). The drive rollers (18 and 19) are mounted in a plane lying above the supporting guide track (1). A short sliding carriage (24) is provided as an adjustable component of the supporting frame, the carriage being adjustable, in an infinitely variable manner, and fixable in position on the upper side of the supporting guide track (1) between the drive rollers (18 and 19) and the return rollers (6, 7) by guiding elements and clamping elements.

Abstract: The device for automatically feeding stacks of cutouts to a user machine comprises an inclined supporting surface which is suitable to receive in succession the stacks and supports a guide on which a trolley can slide; the trolley is provided with a supporting element for a stack to be fed to the machine; an unloading station is defined on the supporting surface and is provided with a stop device which is suitable to be crossed by the trolley; a loading device is provided with a lifting element which can move between a lowered position, at a station for the removal of a stack, and a raised position, at an output station, in which the lifting element is engaged by the supporting element of the trolley so as to cause the extraction of the stack from the lifting element.

Abstract: Photographic prints which issue from the outlet of the dryer in a developing machine are gathered into stacks, and successive stacks are admitted into successive empty compartments between the outwardly extending partitions of a belt or chain conveyor. The conveyor is advanced in stepwise fashion, to move successive empty compartments to a station for reception of stacks, by a panel which receives motion from a crank drive in such a way that it constitutes an extension of a partition at the station and during a certain stage of movement of such partition behind the stack in the freshly filled compartment. This renders it possible to maintain in proper orientation stacks which are assembled of relatively small, medium-sized or large prints.

Abstract: A stacker apparatus for continuously stacking articles into vertical stacks for packaging into a case includes a pair of stacking plate assemblies which are mounted on a support frame for horizontal and vertical movement relative thereto. A synchronized cam drive system continuously and successively reciprocates the stacking plate assemblies through an elliptical path of travel to continuously upstack articles fed to the apparatus. The specific operational sequence of the apparatus and its construction provides a built-in surge release and obviates the need for definite shear point.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spacer for spacing two adjacent glass plates which are stood parallel to each other on a pallet. The spacer has a spacing plate part to be inserted between the two glass plates and a head part which rests on the upper edges of the two glass plates. According to the invention the spacer has a magnetic part which is formed of an easily magnetizable magnetic material and fixed to the spacing plate part. In taking away a plurality of glass plates stood in a parallel arrangement on a pallet one after another, the glass plate in the forefront is held by a plurality of suction pads mounted on a frame which is attached to a robot arm, and each of the spacers on that glass plate is removed by attracting it by an electromagnetic holder movably mounted on the frame and swinging the electromagnetic holder to separate the spacer from the glass plate held by the suction pads and then disabling the electromagnetic holder to allow the spacer to fall.

Abstract: A cam assembly comprises a cam plate having formed therein deeper and shallower cam tracks, a first cam follower for movement within the deeper cam track, a second cam follower for movement within the deeper and shallower cam tracks, and a drive mechanism for moving the first and second cam followers with respect to the cam tracks. The cam followers are connected to an article pick-up member. The deeper cam track includes portions engaged sequentially by the first cam follower, and the shallower cam track includes portions engaged sequentially by the second cam follower. The article pick-up member is caused to move to an outwardly extended position and to an inwardly retracted position respectively, relative to the central axis of the cam plate. The article pick-up member is also caused to move through both a like-rotational and a counter-rotational path with regard to the direction of rotation of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a pipe handling system, especially for handling pipes (4P) in connection with a derrick 1A, wherein the arrangement comprises a tower (1) and two preferably individually controlled operating arms (2a, 2b). The pipe handling system operates favorably in connection with a finger board (4) in which all fingers (4a, 4n) are pointing towards the center of the pipe handling system and especially towards a disc-shaped locking unit (4R) mounted on the top of the tower (1), and in connection with a side-step retraction system designed for use with a top drive drilling system.

Abstract: A device having a movable grid mounted on a movable carriage to temporarily intercept sheets being deposited from a machine for processing the sheets being discharged into a pile from a machine for processing the sheets includes an arrangement of a planetary system comprising a pinion movable in a circular arc coacting with a rim gear rigidly mounted on a frame and an arrangement for connecting the pinion to the carriage so that as the pinion rotates in the circular arc, the carriage is shifted between a retracted position and a second position for intercepting the sheets being deposited in pile. The device is particularly useful in a delivery station for a machine for die cutting package blanks in sheets of material.

Abstract: This apparatus for clearing and removing the bulk material from a pile of bulk material comprises a movable bridge, at least one scraper arrangement which is movable along this bridge and a bulk material conveyor arrangement which is also supported by the bridge and arranged in the proximity of the base of the heap, at least one movable bulk material activating tooth being held by the bridge in the region before this conveyor arrangement. In this way large stones or stone chippings are also reliably removed with rest of the bulk material.