Abstract: An apparatus for extracting stick confections from a row of mold cups of a stick confection molding machine and for transferring the extracted confections to a multi-lane wrapping machine having a number of lanes that is a submultiple of the number of mold cups in a row. The transfer apparatus includes a plurality of transfer bar assemblies which are moved from an extraction location above and parallel to a row of mold cups to a discharge location above and transverse to the lanes of the multi-lane wrapping machine. Each transfer bar assembly includes a number of gripper heads mounted on the transfer bar assembly for turning movement about individual turning axes transverse to the transfer bar and spaced apart therealong and a number of individual gripper units mounted on each head.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers with a viscous product to a preselected fill level below the top of the container. The filling machine has a downwardly opening nozzle and a valve for controlling the flow of product through the nozzle. An elevator mechanism is arranged to elevate an empty container into telescoping relation with the nozzle and then allow the container to move downwardly as it is filled. A mechanism senses when the container support platform moves downwardly to a position in which the discharge end of the nozzle is adjacent the desired fill level on the container, and an elevator drive mechanism is operated to positively move the container downwardly off the nozzle to a position substantially below the lower end of the nozzle to draw product in the container from the product in the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding and sealing upper and lower end portions of a wrapper of heat sealable plastic film which has previously been positioned about the top, bottom and sides of the article. The wrapper end folding and sealing apparatus includes an endless type article conveyor arranged to advance the articles and wrapper along a path with the end portions of the wrapper extending laterally from opposite sides of the article conveyor; endless type upper and lower finger conveyors disposed at each side of the article conveyor and having film folding fingers arranged to engage the laterally extending end portions of the wrapper to fold the end portions of the wrapper into overlapping relation at the ends of the article as they are advanced by the article conveyor, and heat sealing members for sealing the overlapping portions of the wrapper at the ends of the articles as they are advanced.