Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a track extending along a conveying path, and one or more carriages having a mounting section slidably engaging the track, with a vacuum connection being formed in the mounting section. A driving mechanism moves the carriages along the conveying path. A plurality of vacuum valves connected to the track along the conveying path, and a vacuum source is connected to the plurality of vacuum valves to supply vacuum thereto. The conveyor system is configured to selectively supply vacuum to the vacuum connection of the least one carriage via the plurality of vacuum valves based on a proximity of the at least one carriage thereto.

Abstract: A packaging machine has at least one carriage including a carriage body defining an internal passage dimensioned to receive a packaging sleeve, the internal passage extending along a passage axis with a passage sidewall extending therearound. A retention mechanism is configured to retain the packaging sleeve against the passage sidewall, one or more packaging subsystems are configured to perform an operation on the packaging sleeve, and a drive mechanism is configured to move the carriage to and from the packaging subsystem. Opposite ends of the internal passage along the passage axis can both be completely open from the passage axis to the passage sidewall. The retention mechanism can be configured to retain the packaging sleeve with vacuum. The packaging subsystem can include one or more of a sleeve infeed device, a sleeve spreader device, an indexing device, and a sealing device.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a track extending along a conveying path, and one or more carriages having a mounting section slidably engaging the track, with a vacuum connection being formed in the mounting section. A driving mechanism moves the carriages along the conveying path. A plurality of vacuum valves connected to the track along the conveying path, and a vacuum source is connected to the plurality of vacuum valves to supply vacuum thereto. The conveyor system is configured to selectively supply vacuum to the vacuum connection of the least one carriage via the plurality of vacuum valves based on a proximity of the at least one carriage thereto.

Abstract: A conveyor for a pouch-filling machine has an endless track with a working stretch and a return stretch extending from a downstream end of the working stretch to an upstream end of the working stretch. A plurality of carriages each carrying at least one permanent magnet and a clamp ride on the track for movement through the stations on the working stretch and for movement from the downstream end of the working stretch along the return stretch back to the upstream end of the working stretch. An array of electromagnets on the track only along the working stretch and an electronic controller connected to the electromagnets together constitute a frequency-controlled linear direct drive that advances the carriages downstream through the working stretch while varying the travel speeds of at least half of the carriages in the working stretch. A mechanical or frequency-driven conveyor is provided in the return stretch.