Abstract: Method of discharging objects from holders transporting the objects at a first velocity from a first station where the holders successively take up the objects to a second station at which the objects are to be placed, wherein as the objects approach the second station, they are given a second velocity having a direction the angle of which relative to the first velocity gradually increases within a predetermined angular range thereby to decrease the first velocity, and when the first velocity has been substantially offset by the second velocity, the objects are successively discharged from the holders so as to be placed at the second station. A holder suitable for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: A device for causing holders transporting objects to release the objects so as to place them at predetermined positions. The holders comprise a rotatable shaft, and a driving arm and an object-gripping arm both connected to the rotatable shaft and are carried by an endless conveyor so that the holders pick up an object at a first station and release the object at a second station. As the holders are conveyed from the first to the second station, the object-gripping arm gripping an object is kept parallel with the running direction of the conveyor. At the second station the driving arms of the holders are selectively moved into engagement with a device to turn the object gripping arm from the parallel position to a position perpendicular to the running direction of the conveyor and the object is released.