Abstract: A method comprises the steps of: positioning a plurality of objects, having different dimensions to each other, on an infeed conveyor; delivering to an intermediate conveyor a flow of objects coming from the infeed conveyor and movable along an advancement direction; feeding a packaging unit with the objects coming from the intermediate conveyor, the packaging unit producing a plurality of packages, starting from a web of packaging material, each package containing one object. The method further comprises the step of checking if, in the flow of objects which advance along the intermediate conveyor, there are empty positions in which an object is missing. If an empty position is detected, there is provided filling the empty position by accelerating the objects which follow the empty position relative to the objects which precede the empty position. The intermediate conveyor comprises a plurality of conveyor belts arranged in sequence along the advancement direction.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: moving a strip through an expansion machine having at least one expansion punching tool and an associated complementary tool or matrix, causing the expansion machine to operate in synchronism with the movement of the strip so as to form a grid strip having an non-expanded central portion and two longitudinal grid portions adjacent the central portion, and forming, in the non-expanded central band, a plurality of openings or windows separated by transverse bridges which are to form the connection appendages or lugs of the plates. These openings or windows are formed, in the expansion machine, by punches operated in phase with the operation of the expansion punching tool.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: moving a strip through an expansion machine having at least one expansion punching tool and an associated complementary tool or matrix, causing the expansion machine to operate in synchronism with the movement of the strip so as to form a grid strip having an non-expanded central band or portion and two longitudinal grid portions adjacent the central band or portion, and forming, in the non-expanded central band, a plurality of openings or windows separated by transverse bridges which are to form the connection appendages or lugs of the plates. These openings or windows are formed, in the expansion machine, by punches operated in phase with the operation of the expansion punching tool.