Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for depositing pills into a series of containers is provided. A cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a first axis and comprises radially inward and outward portions, the radially outward portion defining pill apertures for receiving pills therein at a first angular position. A negative pressure system is configured to apply a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein. Two ejection devices are in communication with the pill apertures at a second angular position and a third angular position of the rotary slat to eject the respective pills outwardly from the pill apertures. A plurality of collection mechanisms is disposed adjacent to the radially outward portion about the second and third angular positions, and is configured to collect the pills ejected from the pill apertures and to direct the pills toward the respective series of containers for deposition therein.

Abstract: The present invention is a medication dispensing system and device comprising a multiple compartment dispensing cartridge made of rigid and flexible materials. The cartridge is preloaded with dispensable contents and inserted into the housing of the dispensing device. A flexible ribbon with an opening run through a plurality of slits in the vertical walls in a closed loop manner resulting in formation of compartments. The ribbon is moved, by a motor, such that the opening reaches a specific compartment at a specific time, thereby releasing the contents of that compartment at that time. Other features, such as a microcontroller is provided to control the dispensing date and time of the contents based on pre-determined conditions.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle including a frame forming a payload area, telescoping arms movably mounted to the frame, each telescoping arm being configured for extension and retraction relative to the frame along an extension axis to effect transfer of at least one pickface to and from the payload area, and traversal, relative to the frame, in at least one direction that is angled to the extension axis, and at least one tab extending from each telescoping arm where the at least one tab extends in a direction transverse to the direction of extension and retraction, and the at least one tab on one of the telescoping arms opposes the at least one tab on another of the telescoping arms.

Abstract: A warehouse management method using a pick platform may include identifying a platform profile map for a platform. A portion of the platform profile map may be displayed using the mobile computing device, the portion representing a location on the platform to which an item included in an order is to be put or from which the item is to be removed. A first portion of the platform profile map representing a location on the platform to which the item is to be put or from which the item is to be removed may be graphically distinguished from a second portion having reduced visibility or functionality.

Abstract: A method for supplying plate elements to a machine for processing the plate elements, from an initial pile of elements, the method includes: pushing a first batch of plate elements, from the top of the pile, downstream until the first batch comes at a storage capable of storing the first pushed batch, and simultaneously, displacing the storage downstream over a distance corresponding to the length of the first batch to separate the first batch from the pile; and thereafter transferring the elements of the first batch one after the other to the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus (1, 1?) for axial centring of a rod-like article (4, 4?) or a group (30) of rod-like articles wherein the rod-like article (4, 4?) or the group (30) of rod-like articles is conveyed in a flute (3) situated on the circumference of a drum conveyor (2), whereas the length of the article (4, 4?) or the total length of articles in the group (30) may vary, provided with pusher elements (5) acting on the rod-like article (4, 4?) or the group (30) of rod-like articles, characterized in that the pusher elements (5) of a shifting mechanism (13) are driven by a common driving unit (24, 24?) and are connected in such a way that the force exerted by the driving unit (24, 24?) is distributed to the pusher elements (5) acting axially on the rod-like article (4, 4?) or the group (30) of rod-like articles.

Abstract: Distributor unit for transferring tablets and putting them in order, from a loading zone to an unloading zone, and for distributing the tablets in an orderly and controlled manner in organized blisters present in a blister strip. The distributor unit comprises belt-type feed means in which a feed belt is provided, along at least part of its length, and along at least part of its width, with a plurality of open through seatings each having at different times sizes coordinated with those of the tablets to be distributed, said open through seatings having a transverse interaxis about equal to, and a longitudinal interaxis equal to or less than, that of the blisters in the blister strip.

Abstract: A rejector device for use within a system for sorting discrete objects, the divert device comprising at least one divert device arranged to change the trajectory of an object; and drive means arranged to drive the divert device between at least three discrete positions such that in use, at least one of said discrete objects passes along one of three paths.

Abstract: A packaging dispenser, for dispensing stacks of nested trays to a packing device, has a frame, a first conveyor for conveying and supporting a first plurality of stacks of nested trays in a first level, and a second conveyor downstream of the first conveyor for receiving stacks of nested trays from the first conveyor. The packaging dispenser also includes a vertical chute underneath the second conveyor for dispensing stacks of nested trays to a packing device. The second conveyor has a pair of laterally spaced conveyor elements for supporting only lateral edge regions of a stack of nested trays. The laterally spaced conveyor elements are retractable to allow a stack of nested trays, supported thereon, to be released into the chute. The packaging dispenser can further be provided with a tray separator upstream of the chute for loosening individual trays of a stack, while keeping the trays in a stacked and nested arrangement.

Abstract: A warehouse management system can include pick platforms, each having an identifier associated therewith. A mobile computing device can be associated with a pick platform based on the identifier and may be associated with one of the pick platforms at a time. A director computing device can be in communication with the mobile computing device and can transmit pick instructions to the mobile computing device based on a currently associated pick platform.

Abstract: A conveying device for conveyed goods, comprising a conveying rake having at least one prong, and a first drive assembly which is operatively connected to the conveying rake. The conveying rake is drivable by the first drive assembly so as to perform a reciprocating movement in the conveying direction and to perform a reciprocating movement in a penetration direction. The conveying device furthermore has a mating rake having at least one prong, and a second drive assembly which is operatively connected to the mating rake. The mating rake is displaceable in the conveying direction in relation to the conveying rake, so as to clamp conveyed goods between the prong of the conveying rake and the assigned prong of the mating rake. A method for operating a conveying device for conveyed goods is also disclosed.

Abstract: A warehouse management method using a pick platform may include associating a mobile computing device with a pick platform based on an identifier associated with the pick platform. A platform profile for the pick platform may be identified based on the identifier. Portions of the platform profile may be displayed using a platform profile map of the pick platform on the mobile computing device representing locations on the pick platform to which an item included in a plurality of orders is to be put.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving, from a wide container stream upstream from the apparatus, single-lane container streams and creating package units of containers includes a separating and/or combining unit, application elements, and a linear transporter. The unit separates and/or combines containers to form partial packaged units that are then combined into a package unit. The application elements are disposed so that at least one container of a package unit has, on a contact surface thereof, adhesive or glue. The linear transporter comprises transport elements circulate along a guide element, and a controllable drive. Each transport element of the linear transporter comprises as many head guides as there are containers in the package unit, each of which is axially movable or rotatable relative to the transport element.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a stacker configured to stack planar workpieces into stacks, and a cutter configured to cut preforms out of planar workpieces. The cutter is located downstream of said stacker on a manufacturing line, and a conveyor exists between said stacker and cutter. The apparatus comprises a conveyor controller, which is configured to, after transferring a stack from said conveyor to a feeder section of said cutter; rewind the conveyor to place a foremost free location after existing stacks on the conveyor to a position where it is ready to receive a stack from said stacker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding device for feeding products (12a-k) and/or stacks of products (14a-k) to a packaging process of a packaging machine (16a, 16d-k), in particular of a horizontal tube packaging machine, comprising a guide unit (22a-k) which is disposed as a closed loop (18a, 18c-k) and on which a plurality of arranged conveyor elements (22a-k) are arranged so as to be drivable mutually independently in a speed- and/or position-controlled manner at least along at least one working section (24a, 24c-d, 24f-k) of the guide unit (20a-d, 20f-k). At least one conveyor element (22a-k) has a holder (26a-k), and at least one conveyor element (22a-k) that follows contrary to a conveying direction (28a, 28c-k) has a counter holder (30a-k).

Abstract: System and methods for providing a transfer of products with the ability to match speed and position, and to change the incoming products from a narrow-edge-leading orientation to broad-edge-leading orientation, and to convey the products to a location to be grouped and transferred.

Abstract: The external conveyor supplying the trays coming from the filling machine is connected to a conveyor (1) formed of parallel straps or belts (101), which has a greater length than the length of the group of trays of larger dimensions to be grouped together and which is provided in the end part with components inserted between the belts (101), a comb lifter (9) of a length correlated with the length of said tray group to be formed, connected to lifting and lowering means with suitable acceleration and deceleration ramps.

Abstract: A conveyor which allows the formation and movement of at least one batch of products from a line of products in single file, in at least one passage at an upstream station. The conveyor includes, at an upstream station, a rug for moving said products, and a movement device for moving a predetermined quantity of products from said line of products, between the upstream station and a downstream station. The movement device has engaging elements able to be placed in contact with the products. The rug has a through hole. The movement device is arranged under said at least one passage. The engaging elements are mounted to be movable, relative to said movement device, between a retracted position and an engaged position.

Abstract: An apparatus for completing a format set of products which are conveyed line-wise on a plurality of conveyor tracks along a conveying direction comprises a first stop conveyor and a second stop conveyor which are arranged after one another in the conveying direction and which are configured to convey products along the conveying direction on all conveyor tracks, with the first stop conveyor and the second stop conveyor furthermore being able to stop a conveyed product as required on at least one conveyor track, while a product is conveyed onward on at least one other conveyor track. A distributor conveyor is arranged between the first stop conveyor and the second stop conveyor and is configured to convey at least one product along the conveying direction, with the distributor conveyor being displaceable transversely to the conveying direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) by means of which pharmaceutical products (1) in the form of tablets, hard gelatin capsules or the like are retained, and positioned, in a packaging installation (100), having a carrier element (11) which has a multiplicity of format-dependent holders (27) for the products (1), wherein the carrier element (11) can be fastened, preferably in an interchangeable manner, on a conveying apparatus (12) of the packaging installation (100).

Abstract: An apparatus and method to efficiently and accurately count, group and discharge individual products from a production line. The apparatus and methods are suitable for a variety of products, including products with irregular shapes, and/or products that travel down production lines at irregular intervals. In one embodiment the apparatus can have a delivery conveyor having a product sensor; a grouping conveyor adjacent to the delivery conveyor having a plurality of containment areas to receive a plurality of products; and a controller communicatively connected to the delivery conveyor, the grouping conveyor, and the product sensor, the controller configured to count product traveling on the delivery conveyor during a grouping sequence and to discharge a product group from the grouping conveyor during a discharge sequence at a predetermined product count. The grouping conveyor can be at substantially right angles to the delivery conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling under gravity from a hopper (9), a storage device (2) for articles that has the form of a columnar cavity between opposed side walls with a mass flow of mutually parallel rod-shaped articles descending from the hopper, a cavity-filling device (12) that alternates in use between a closed configuration that blocks a downward flow of the said articles through the device and an open configuration that allows flow of the articles through the device, the device being movable in translation, in alternate upward and downward strokes within the cavity, being in the closed configuration on the downward stroke and in the open configuration on the upward stroke.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a method of transporting products. The method comprises providing a V-shaped conveying mechanism and positioning a plurality of the products on the V-shaped conveying mechanism such that a first portion of the plurality of the products engages a first side of the V-shaped conveying mechanism, and such that a second portion of the plurality of the products engages a second side of the V-shaped conveying mechanism.

Abstract: A bouquet making apparatus comprises a plurality of bouquet forms movably supported at spaced locations along a conveying device. Each bouquet form includes upper and lower stem supports that hold bouquet elements, such as flowers, at an angle with respect to vertical. As each bouquet maker travels along the conveying device, workers spaced along the conveying device sequentially insert sets of flowers into upper and lower stem supports until each bouquet maker hold a final bouquet set. Each of the final bouquet sets are removed from the bouquet form and secured with a fastener, thereby forming a plurality of twisted stem-type bouquets having a substantially identical design appearance.

Abstract: Apparatus, flight bar assemblies, and methods are disclosed for nesting objects into a substantially staggered arrangement. Such nesting may be done in a nesting zone of a machine, for example, just upstream of a shrink wrapping machine. The nested arrangement allows the grouping of nested objects to be shrink-wrapped without use of trays or cardboard blanks if desired. The flight bar assemblies may include movable spacers for orienting rows of objects before, during, and after nesting. Lane dividers may be provided having lengths corresponding to a contour of an outer guide and cam surface, cooperating with the lane dividers to selectively urging the rows of objects inward in an organized fashion to allow efficient and reliable nesting.

Abstract: Provided is a means for stably accumulating the bills to be paid out to a customer. A bill press (26) has a dog-leg shape composed of a supporting face (26a) facing bills and an inclined face (26b) inclined in a direction away from the bills above the supporting face (26a), has two sliding pins (30) lined up along a movement direction on a side face thereof, and has a sliding groove (35) at the side of the bill press (26). A bent portion (35a) is provided at one end of the sliding groove (35) on the side of an accumulating tongue piece roller (28). When the bills to be paid out to a customer are accumulated in a bill deposit/withdrawal unit (10), the bill press (26) turns so that the sliding pins (30) on the side of the accumulating tongue piece roller (28) enter the bent portion (35a), and thereby the supporting face (26a) is inclined toward the accumulating tongue piece roller (28).

Abstract: A transfer wheel for grouping rod-shaped or tubular objects is disclosed, consisting of at least two segments (1), (2) that can be controlled independently of each other. The segments are filled in a cyclic operation by way of a toothed belt (5) filled with the objects, wherein missing objects (gaps) on the toothed belt (5) are skipped, so that each segment (1) is completely filled with the objects. The filled segment (2) is rotated with fast advancement to the dispensing wheel (4), to which the grouped objects are dispensed again. The segments (1), (2) alternately pick up and dispense the objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for shelling boiled eggs is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart shelling rollers which are axially parallel to one another, are arranged in a circulating belt guided over end deflecting rollers in a conveying direction, and are driven in the same rotational direction. A plurality of longitudinal guides are arranged above a top strand of the circulating belt. Pairs of the longitudinal guides form a roof-like channel extending in the conveying direction and are moveable transversely to the conveying direction. A region of the top strand a first operating region breaking open eggshells, and a second operating region for shelling the boiled eggs.

Abstract: In the manufacture of segment filters, appropriately prepared segments (1) are transferred through a delivery zone (2) to a separation zone (4) equipped with a separating unit (5), and then transferred between the drivers (8) of a rotating disk (9) mounted on axis (10), which constitutes a transferring unit (11), and intercepted by the said unit (11.) in an interception zone (T), they are transferred individually through a transfer zone (12) to a placement zone (14), where they are positioned on the horizontal track of the grouping belt (13), and in the case of incorrect flow of filter segments (1) in any zone (2, 4, 7, 12, 14) and/or between the zones, the process of the transfer of the filter segments in at least one zone is interrupted, which causes the interruption of the filters production process.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a first conveyor apparatus and a second conveyor apparatus. The first conveyor apparatus is positionable adjacent to a feed conveying device. The first conveyor apparatus is configured to pivot about a position adjacent to the feed conveyor device or move laterally adjacent to the feed conveyor. The second conveyor apparatus is configured to move such that the second conveyor apparatus maintains a position substantially parallel to the first conveyor apparatus when the first conveyor apparatus moves or pivots. In some embodiments, the second conveyor apparatus may also be configured to move along a path so that the second conveyor apparatus is extendable beyond an end of the first conveyor apparatus. The path may be a linear path and may be substantially parallel to the length of the first conveyor apparatus such as a path that extends in a direction that is a few degrees off of being perfectly parallel.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a food processing chamber for processing a food product, such as meat products such as hot dogs, sausages, poultry, fish, and other food items. A high speed serial to parallel loading station delivery system is provided. The food product is loaded onto a conveyor in the processing chamber having a plurality of two-piece food product cradles having openings receiving the food product at the loading station and discharging the food product at the unloading station and having gaps between food product carriers distally oppositely spaced from the openings and defining food product cavities therebetween, the width of the openings varying during traversal of the conveyor through the chamber from the loading to the unloading stations.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a food processing chamber for processing a food product, such as meat products such as hot dogs, sausages, poultry, fish, and other food items. A high speed serial to parallel loading station delivery system is provided. The food product is loaded onto a conveyor in the processing chamber having a plurality of two-piece food product cradles having openings receiving the food product at the loading station and discharging the food product at the unloading station and having gaps between food product carriers distally oppositely spaced from the openings and defining food product cavities therebetween, the width of the openings varying during traversal of the conveyor through the chamber from the loading to the unloading stations.

Abstract: A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device (1) having at least one inlet conveyor belt (3) for loose, un-grouped articles (5), and at least one grouping device (7) for the loose, un-grouped articles (5) for the orderly composing of articles. An outlet conveyor belt (9) is associated with the grouping device (7), said outlet conveyor belt (9) feeding the articles thereon grouped without containers to a packaging device (10). The invention also provides a method for composing packages for a packaging machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to efficiently and accurately count, group and discharge individual products from a production line. The apparatus and methods are suitable for a variety of products, including products with irregular shapes, and/or products that travel down production lines at irregular intervals. In one embodiment the apparatus can have a delivery conveyor having a product sensor; a grouping conveyor adjacent to the delivery conveyor having a plurality of containment areas to receive a plurality of products; and a controller communicatively connected to the delivery conveyor, the grouping conveyor, and the product sensor, the controller configured to count product traveling on the delivery conveyor during a grouping sequence and to discharge a product group from the grouping conveyor during a discharge sequence at a predetermined product count. The grouping conveyor can be at substantially right angles to the delivery conveyor.

Abstract: A stackable carrier assembly, carrier stacking system, and method of storing carrier assemblies is disclosed. The carrier assembly includes a base member presenting a load surface and opposite facing transfer surface. A plurality of carrier trolleys extend transversely from the load surface to engage conveyor tracks. A plurality of track sections are coupled to the load surface for receiving the carrier trolleys of another carrier assembly. The track sections are vertically aligned with the carrier trolleys. In a power and free or friction drive conveyor system, a lift device and telescoping arm can lift and stack the carrier assemblies so that track sections of one carrier assembly receive the carrier trolleys of another carrier assembly. In an overhead conveyor system, one carrier assembly can hang from the track sections of another carrier assembly.

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt (100) has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth (106) at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a pulley (102) with circumferentially spaced sheaves (104) at a pulley pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the pulley can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. Means (132, 136, 138) are provided to minimize friction between the belt and the drive pulley. Also, a position limiter (200) ensures that the driven tooth stays engaged optimally with the drive sheave.

Abstract: A mailpiece inserter includes a feed conveyor adapted to feed a shingled stack of mailpiece envelopes along a feed path to an insert module and a chassis module adapted to produce content material for insertion into the mailpiece envelopes processed by the insert module. An envelope position detector is operative to sense a discontinuity in the shingled stack and issues a first position signal indicative thereof, and an input conveyor module is adapted to convey mailpiece envelopes into shingled engagement with an aft end of the shingled stack of mailpiece envelopes on the feed conveyor. The input conveyor module has an input end proximal to a single workstation of the chassis module which enables an operator to (i) feed mailpiece envelopes to the input module and (ii) supply content material to the chassis module.

Abstract: The invention is related to radar system characterization. In one embodiment, a radar module characterization system comprises a target, a conveyor comprising at least one connector configured to removably couple a radar module to the conveyor and to linearly displace the radar module relative to the target, and a control system communicatively coupled to the conveyor. In another embodiment, a method comprises linearly displacing a radar module relative to a target, transmitting a signal from the radar module toward the target, and determining a characteristic of the radar module based on a reflection of the signal from the target.

Abstract: An loading apparatus (100) for use in a packaging machine includes a grouping conveyor (300) for conveying groups of articles (16) in a flow direction (10). The grouping conveyor (300) includes a plurality of conveyor plates (320) and grouping lugs (310) that are slidably attached to one of the plurality of conveyor plates (320) so as to be individually moveable in a transverse direction (90) to selectively extend to span the space between the grouping conveyor and a carton conveyor as needed to facilitate loading groups of the articles into cartons and to selectively retract to avoid impeding operation of the packaging machine. The grouping conveyor (300) also includes a multi-position locking mechanism (82) that releasably locks the grouping lug (310) in two transverse positions. A system of proximity sensors (530, 540) monitors the grouping conveyor (300) to ensure that the grouping lugs (310) are properly transversely positioned.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and a unit for the formation of groups of products in a machine for continuous packaging of products, according to which at least two continuous rows of products are fed via two conveyor devices set in series with respect to one another along a first given path and in contact with at least one alignment element, which is set transverse to the first path and in front of the rows of products to align the rows themselves with respect to one another, and is displaced along a second, loop-like, path defined by two portions, along which the alignment element is set on the inside and on the outside, respectively, of the first path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating the web rolls (2) of a roll set (1) traveling on a conveyor (3) from each other. The conveyor (3) comprises a conveyor belt or chain (12) adapted to run about driving and tail pulleys (7). In the method, the set (1) of web rolls is transported on the leg of the conveyor belt or chain (12). According to the method, onto the top surface of the conveyor belt or chain (12) is formed an elevation capable of separating the web rolls (2) apart from each other with the help of an elevating roll assembly (5) adapted to operate below the top surface of the conveyor belt or chain (12) and comprising at least one rotary elevating roll (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a series of cuvettes (C) forming a strip (2) fixed by means of a film (3) in an automatic analytical device (1), comprising at least one toothed belt (12), the teeth of which engage with the corresponding forms of the cuvettes. The above finds application in an automatic analytical device, particularly for the determination of the rate of change of the physical state of a medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to divert articles on the conveyor belt, and a drive mechanism that engages the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being configured to drive the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being adjustable such that the conveyor belt rollers can be selectively driven in a first angular direction and, optionally, a second, opposite angular direction so that articles can be selectively diverted to either side of the conveyor belt at a desired diverting angle. One version of the drive mechanism has drive rollers mounted in cartridges and rack gears engaging pinion gears on the cartridges to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers to drive them in selectively opposite angular directions.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a product to a conveyor and/or carton includes a wheel and a plurality of carriers arranged in rows. A distance between each carrier in the plurality of carriers is adjustable as the product is transferred around a circumference of the wheel. Optionally, a height of each product relative to an adjacent product is likewise adjustable.

Abstract: In a machine for filling box-like containers with articles arranged side by side and vertically, a station (1) forms a row (11) of articles (10), overlapped at least partially. An article feeding apparatus (2), functionally interposed between the outlet section of the forming station (1) and a filling station (3), operates between a rest configuration (I) and a work configuration (A). When in the work configuration, the apparatus transfers the articles (10) from the outlet section into a box-like container (4), placed in the filling station (3), and directs the articles in a vertical orientation, to define a prefixed filling condition of the first container (4). A conveyor (5) supports the series of box-like containers and is operated, in step relation with the speed of feeding of the articles (10), fed by the articles feeding apparatus (2), so as to move the box-like containers in a container feeding direction (G).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for grasping, retaining, inverting, coating and transporting a plurality of frangible conical confection shells. The present invention also relates to a modular and reconfigurable manufacturing system for producing frozen cone confections and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for aligning food products in a plurality of rows for feeding a subsequent processing operation in a production process. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belt conveyors adjacent to each other, a dispensing plate operable to delay movement of the plurality of food products and cluster the food products together. The food products are then periodically distributed onto the second continuous belt conveyor, improving dispersion of the food products thereon. Guide fingers that extend and retract over the second continuous belt conveyor contact and displace the food products into rows within channels formed by longitudinal members extending over at least a portion of the second continuous belt conveyor. The rows of food products are then conveyed to the next processing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a food processing chamber for processing a food product, such as meat products such as hot dogs, sausages, poultry, fish, and other food items. A high speed serial to parallel loading station delivery system is provided. The food product is loaded onto a conveyor in the processing chamber having a plurality of two-piece food product cradles having openings receiving the food product at the loading station and discharging the food product at the unloading station and having gaps between food product carriers distally oppositely spaced from the openings and defining food product cavities therebetween, the width of the openings varying during traversal of the conveyor through the chamber from the loading to the unloading stations.