Abstract: Groups, separated by periodic spaces and each containing n articles gathered together, are formed from a regular flow of articles. This result is achieved by means of a thrust element which periodically penetrates the input flow of articles, bringing about the desired accumulation as a result of a forward acceleration or thrust performed beginning with the articles which are to be in the upstream position, in the direction of advance of the articles, within each group. The preferred application is for automatic packaging plants.

Abstract: The articles to be turned round are advanced on conveyor means having a downstream portion which is intended to support one end of each article and is located in a generally raised position projecting over a successive conveyor portion. In the region of the downstream portion, the articles are held in an inclined position, supported at their ends. This allows a turning movement to be brought about as a result of the speed difference between the downstream end and the successive conveyor portion.

Abstract: A device for regulating the advancing movement of articles in a given direction comprises a plurality of conveyors, such as for example belt conveyors, between an input supply conveyor and a positive drive output conveyor operating to supply, for example, a packaging machine. In order to adapt automatically to the handling of articles with different lengths, at least some of the aforesaid conveyors, intended to perform a phasing action of the advancing movement of the articles, are chosen with different lengths so as to form a set which is able to deal with the possible range of variation in the length of the articles dealt with, by coupling several conveyors in cascade. Preferably, the conveyor at the downstream end has a selectively controllable length varied in dependence on the length of the articles being handled.

Abstract: The supporting structure of an automatic packaging machine preferably a continuous-flow horizontal packaging machine, comprises a generally flat, load-bearing frame which extends transverse the direction of advance of the articles being packaged, at least two operative units of the machine being mounted on said frame in a generally bracket-like configuration on opposite sides of the frame itself.

Abstract: A device for transporting products in packages with flaps includes a conveyor, for example, of the belt type, which is divided into several sections in cascade in which, as well as base or central portions, there are also side-wall portions for cooperating with and supporting the end flaps of the packages to prevent any undesirable rotation or piling-up of the products, particularly when they are supported on the main conveyor surface in unstable positions.

Abstract: In a packaging machine in which products to be packaged are inserted in a tubular wrapper which is then closed by two closure units in cascade, a dimensional characteristic of the products, such as their heights, variations of which can cause corresponding variations in the overall lengths of the packages formed by the tubular wrappers, is monitored in order to bring about corresponding variations in the phase difference in the operation of the closure units.

Abstract: In a device for forming piles of articles, particularly for articles in an input flow which are diverted onto a certain number of superposed sliding planes. This is achieved by means of one or more wheels, the peripheries of which have segments which are spaced from the axis of rotation of the wheels by distances corresponding to the distances of the sliding planes from the axis of rotation. Each article is thus transferred towards a respective sliding plane by a gradual movement. An alignment conveyor located further downstream vertically aligns groups of articles on the superposed sliding planes to define the piles. The piles are formed as a result of the articles which are on the upper sliding planes falling onto the article below. The piles are preferably formed immediately before they are inserted in their packages.

Abstract: The unit includes two stations, arranged in cascade, for supplying pieces of sheet material such as corrugated cardboard or card, one station being upstream of the other relative to an output conveyor line. The line is preferably horizontal with the stations arranged above it. The two stations operate alternately according to a predetermined sequence which takes account of the length of the portion of the output line between the two stations.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles includes a carousel structure which picks up individual articles from an input conveyor and then entrains them along a generally arcuate path towards an output conveyor. The output conveyor is formed so as to advance the articles in groups each including a predetermined number of adjacent articles. The entrainment members of the carousel structure preferably relinquish the articles before they reach the output conveyor so that the articles accumulate immediately upstream of the output conveyor.

Abstract: In a device for diverting a moving flow of products, the products advance on a flexible belt conveyor which turns downwardly in the region where it converges with a second conveyor line so as to form an output edge which is aligned substantially in the direction in which the flow of products is to be diverted. A receiving element on the side opposite the belt conveyor is constituted, for example, by a disc which is almost in contact with the output edge. The disc moves at an angular velocity such that its outer edge, which is substantially coplanar with the transportation plane of the flexible belt conveyor, moves substantially in synchronism with the products. The preferred application of the device is to automatic packaging devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for conveying The products, for example confectionery products such as bars of chocolate, etc., possibly already contained in individual wrappers, are advanced with one of their principal axes substantially perpendicular to the direction in which they are transported. The apparatus comprises a pair of conveyor formations, such as endless belts, which can be made to travel at different speeds so as to achieve a condition in which the principal axes of the products are exactly perpendicular to the direction of advance at the output of the device.

Abstract: In a conveyor system including a main conveyor line and a plurality of branch lines, when there is a stoppage in one of the branch lines, the operating speeds of the branch lines which are still active are increased so as to ensure that the entire flow of articles is disposed of. Each branch line which is still active changes to the faster operating speed only after it has been found that articles have actually accumulated on that branch line.

Abstract: The invention is preferably used for detecting the positions of articles made to advance on a belt conveyor or the like. The device comprises a radiation emitter located so that its radiation is propagated through the conveyor belt. The detection is preferably effected by a pair of detectors arranged adjacent each other so as to generate a signal which indicates that two articles are spaced apart only when both of the detectors are struck simultaneously by the radiation generated by the emitter.

Abstract: A device for conveying articles comprises a carousel structure with entrainment elements which can make the articles follow a generally arcuate path between an angular input position and at least one angular output position. The entrainment elements are raised above the plane of sliding of the articles at the latter position, leaving the articles free to be conveyed towards at least one output conveyor.

Abstract: The positions of reference marks reproduced at given intervals on a wrapping film are detected by two optical units arranged in cascade. The supply of the film is controlled by the substantially continuous monitoring of its advance.

Abstract: A line for the positive conveyance of packaged articles (for example food products) extends in correspondence with a removal station at which groups of a predetermined number of the articles must be brought to a substantially stationary condition for a predetermined time interval. The duration of this interval is such as to enable the operation of a removal unit, such as a manipulator, a robot, etc. The conveyor line operated intermittently with a condition in which it is substantially stationary during the removal period and a condition of movement in which the line advances by a number of positions equal to the number of articles in each group. The articles, which are supplied in a substantially but not necessarily continuous flow, are accumulated, using a spacer conveyor upstream of the batching conveyor which supplies the conveyor line. The conveyors in question also move intermittently in synchronism with the movement of the conveyor line.

Abstract: The device is constituted essentially by a channel-shaped guide which is intended to be arranged in an inclined position and has a break in its base wall to enable the expulsion of the products which are travelling flat against that wall. In correspondence with the break, the guide has an S-shaped curve and is bent downwardly to facilitate the expulsion.

Abstract: Conveyors are interposed between a product-supply station and a product handling station and are divided into several sections in cascade on which products accumulate when the handling station stops. When the handling station stops, the sections also stop in turn as the accumulating products gradually fill each section. The handling station is then restarted at a speed higher than its normal operating speed so as to use up the products accumulated previously. The handling station has an associated conveyor for metering the products and an associated conveyor for spreading out the products, arranged in cascade. The movements of the metering conveyor and of the accumulation sections are regulated in a coordinated manner so as to minimize the pressures applied to the products.

Abstract: Products to be formed into multiple packs are advanced, evenly spaced, towards a wrapper-forming zone and the flow of products is stopped cyclically within the zone so as to cause the formation of groups of products which are substantially packed together for insertion in respective packages.

Abstract: In order to enable a packaging machine for producing packages of the flow-pack type to be adapted automatically to different sizes of package and different operating conditions, instead of the use of separate electronically-synchronized drive motors for the various movable elements, at least some of the movable elements, whose precise synchronization is essential for the correct functioning of the machine, are controlled by a single motor through a mechanism which is adapted selectively to the various shapes and different operating conditions by means of electronically-controlled positioning members.