Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for electro-optically scanning (cigarette) packs. For an inspection of (cigarette) packs (10) as regards exterior appearance, electro-optical inspection means, particularly a camera (48) and a mirror (49) are used to produce images of the outer sides of the pack (10). In the region of an inspection station (20), the packs (10) are only engaged in the region of two diametrically opposite edges, particularly in the region of the short transverse edges (17, 18), in order to correctly and simultaneously detect all pack sides. As a result, the pack sides are exposed so that they can be scanned or photographed by appropriately positioned cameras or a camera and a mirror. The transverse edges (17, 18) bear on conveying strands (37, 38) of appropriately inclined conveyor belts (35, 36).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing bag-like packs including a continuous strand (17) which is formed from packaging material folded in a V-shape and having transverse seams (15). Prepared portions (21) of fibrous filling material are pushed into pockets (18), open at the side, during the continuous transporting of the strand (17) by the apparatus. Thereafter, the pockets (18) are closed at a longitudinal seam (16) formed during the continuous transporting. The packs are formed by being severed from the strand (17). The strand (17) and the portions (21) are transported by synchronously running endless conveyors, and specifically by a spreading ring (27) and a portion turret (35), respectively. The above-mentioned conveyors are mounted axially parallel to each other such that, with synchronous running, the portions (21) are pushed radially out of the portion turret (35) into the pockets (18).

Abstract: A drive for a pusher at the stack of a pack lifter for pushing off several layers of packs, especially paper tissue packs, at a time. A control member (cam shaft 40) adjustable via a handle (hand lever 41) presets the pushing-off movements of the pusher in accordance with the conveying movements of the pack lifter (14), the packs (11) being pushed off the stack (13) in groups consisting of a pre-chosen number of superposed layers in accordance with the setting of the control member.

Abstract: An apparatus has on each side of a conveyor (12) a rotating conveying segment (16, 17) for lifting packs from the conveyor (12) to form a stack (13) of packs (11). An oscillating holding segment (18, 19) oscillates about a common axis with each conveying segment (16, 17) but at a lesser radial distance from the axis then the conveying segment. The holding segments hold the stack (13), but separate to permit a new pack (11) to be added to the bottom of the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading individual reels from a carrier member on which a plurality of reels are stacked next to one another in several rows, and one on top of the other in several layers. An unloading mechanism is supported on a height-adjustable frame in such a way as to be movable relative to the frame. Linear drives are provided for moving the unloading mechanism, in a plane, in two directions that extend at an angle of 90.degree. relative to one another. Sensors are disposed on the frame for detecting reels in a given layer or plane, and for controlling the height adjustment of the frame. Further sensors are disposed on the unloading mechanism for alignment of the latter relative to a reel that is to be unloaded. With such an apparatus, the reels can be unloaded directly and fully automatically from a conventional transport device, such as a pallet, and can be supplied to a packaging machine, where they are also fully automatically secured and threaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging and loosening the beginning of a sheet of material, such as paper, fabric, thin plastic, and/or metal foil, that is wound onto a core to form a reel, so that the material can be used in a subsequent machine, such as a packaging machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the quality of rod-shaped, cylindrical objects, especially cigarettes, that are fed from a funnel-shaped storage container to a plurality of essentially parallel chutes, each of which has associated therewith at least one checking device and a subsequently disposed ejection mechanism for axially ejecting a defective object. In order to operate at high speeed with the least possible expense for construction and control, the essentially vertically disposed chutes, each of which has a width that is only slightly greater than the diameter of the rod-shaped objects, have at least their lower portion provided with a zig-zagged course that has at least one bend. A first slide mechanism is disposed below the chutes. This slide mechanism is provided with openings, each designed to receive a respective one of the rod-shaped objects, with the number of such openings corresponding to the number of chutes.