Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.

Abstract: System for feeding empty containers on a conveyor belt, namely for packaging installations, such as bottling plants. The system for feeding containers comprises a supporting surface having dimensions sufficient to accommodate a multitude of empty containers placed side by side. This supporting surface continuously moves the containers against an abutment wall. The movement of the supporting surface causes empty containers to agglomerate against the abutment wall. A pushing device is provided to selectively push out from the containers agglomeration a number of containers over a secondary conveyor belt that will lead those containers to successive processing stations, such as a filling station, capping station, labeling station etc. The pushing device is mounted relative to the supporting surface such that it moves generally parallel to the abutment wall.

Abstract: A container distribution apparatus having a frame surrounding a revolvable turret, the revolvable turret comprises intermediate transport members in the shape of slots adapted to receive containers from a feeding member such as a conveyor belt, to transport and to deliver containers to accumulator members located between the revolvable turret and the processing machines, to retrieve containers from accumulator members, and to transport containers to a exiting member such as a conveyor belt, each accumulator member is capable of carrying containers to and from a processing machine. A synchronization unit coordinates the transfer of containers to and from the accumulator members by activating a drive mechanism in a step-like manner to rotate the revolvable turret and by activating the opening and closing of gates located at the junction of the intermediate transport members and the accumulator members.

Abstract: A machine for filling fluid product into containers delivered in a row by a conveyor has a filling station with a walking nozzle bank. Containers are processed batchwise through the filling station, the nozzle bank including elongated gripper plates that are moved laterally to engage the containers while the nozzles are inserted therein. Once a batch of containers has been received in the filling station and engaged by the gripper plates, the container batch is allowed to move in the conveying direction together with the nozzle bank as the containers are being filled. Movement of the containers is controlled without the need for feed screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable guide rail mounted to the sides of a conveyor belt for guiding containers transported on the conveyor belt. The guide rail includes a quick adjustment system allowing ready alignment of the full length of the rail to a desired position. More specifically, the adjustment system comprises a rotatable gage block with a series of holes of variable depth capable of receiving a fixed pin to position the rail at a predetermined spacing on the conveyor belt determined by the depth of the selected hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system for transporting containers. The conveyor system is made of an endless belt to which are mounted pivotable flaps having abutments to limit their pivotal movement beyond a predetermined angle when the belt is travelling in a generally upward direction so as to form pockets for transporting containers to the top of the conveyor. When the flaps reach the top portion of the conveyor, they pivot under the effect of gravity to a retracted position where they lay flat against the belt thereby allowing the containers in the pockets to be discharged while providing sufficient clearance for the belt to be in close proximity with a chute which receives the containers. The conveyor of the present invention can thus function effectively in a generally vertical position and is thus more space efficient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying a heat-shrinkable band to the neck or to the body of a container. The apparatus comprises a feeding assembly for advancing a continuous sleeve of heat-shrinkable polymeric material along a predetermined path to slip the sleeve over the cap of the container. A cutting assembly then severs the sleeve to leave on the container cap a short band which can be heat-shrunk to form the tamper-proof seal. The cutting arrangement includes a blade carrier rotatable about the feed axis of the sleeve. An extendable cutting blade is mounted to the blade carrier. When the blade is extended to the cutting position, it pierces the sleeve. By rotating the blade carrier, the cutting blade is caused to slit the sleeve circumferentially until a complete cut is effected. The advantage of this arrangement is reduced blade wear, higher speed and possibility to apply the sleeve without any gating or timing of the containers.