Abstract: An information acquisition system includes a transmission device configured to transport a carrier carrying a number of products, an information acquisition device configured to obtain identification information of a corresponding one of the plurality of products when the carrier stops moving, a control device, and a positioning device. The positioning device includes a positioning member, a number of elastic members, a number of blocking members spaced apart and mounted on the positioning member, and a driving member fixedly coupled to the positioning member and configured to drive the positioning member to move telescopically between an extended position and a retracted position. When the positioning member is in the extended position, one of the blocking members blocks the carrier from moving. When the positioning member is in the retracted position, the blocking member that was blocking the carrier unblocks the carrier to allow the carrier to move.

Abstract: Device for delivery of sorted elements for feeding a downstream work station that includes a downward drop that brings the elements, a one-at-a-time processor that receives the elements from the drop, an upward conveyor branch that extends from the processor and that receives the elements therefrom, and an ejector that is located in the area of the upward conveyor branch. The device includes at least one viewing unit that is positioned to monitor the elements in the area of the processor, such as a camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling stacks of articles, such as cups or containers, includes a selectively extensible conveyor which can be indexed for moving the stacks of articles, and which can moved from an extended position to a retracted position. By movement from the extended position, the conveyor is moved from beneath one or more of the stacks for discharging stacks from the apparatus. The apparatus includes one or more movable stack gates for controlling, guiding, and stabilizing movement and discharge of the stacks, to thereby avoid problems associated with the instability of the stacked articles.

Abstract: A conveyor belt system for forming a predetermined arrangement of a plurality of products (provided to the conveyor individually or in respective groups) that are intended for an infeed process on a packaging machine. The plurality of products may be oriented in a row transversely to the conveying direction. The conveyor belt system may include a distributing belt module that takes up products from an upstream positioned product provider, a buffer belt module arranged downstream of the distributing belt module and configured to convey in a plurality of tracks extending side by side along the conveying direction a respective plurality of products one after the other, and an orienting belt module that can position the products in at least one row transversely oriented to the conveying direction according to the predetermined arrangement, the orienting belt module being positioned downstream of the buffer belt module in the conveying direction.

Abstract: Method for transferring injection moldings, in particular pipette tips (P), out of an injection-molding machine into packaging containers (V1 to V4), comprising the following steps: removing the injection moldings (P) in an annular arrangement from a mold (W) of the injection-molding machine by way of a removable gripper (100), converting the annular arrangement into a row arrangement of the injection moldings (P) in a transfer station (101), positioning the injection moldings (P) in the transfer station (101) in a manner corresponding to the positioning in a workpiece carrier (102), and transferring the injection moldings (P) into the workpiece carrier (102) by way of the transfer station (101), whereupon the injection moldings (P) are inserted into the packaging containers (V1 to V4) from the workpiece carrier (102).

Abstract: A conveyor or drive chain wear monitor includes two sensors spaced apart from one another a predetermined distance which is less than the distance between the two selected measuring points on a chain. Two timers are provided, one of which is a chain speed timer and the other of which is the chain wear timer. The two timers are both controlled by the spaced sensors. The problem of sensor beams being broken by irrelevant beam breaking obstacles located between the successive spaced measuring points is solved by providing an ignore obstacle software routine in the wear monitor computer. The ignore obstacle software routine allows a user to program the monitor to ignore any number of irrelevant obstacles which might occur between two spaced measuring points on a chain.

Abstract: A machine for forming insulating panels from pieces includes a moving device with pieces thereon, where every other piece is upside down from a position that is desired and a flipping zone comprising a flipping machine. The flipping machine rotates the upside down pieces 180 degrees and releases the now right side up pieces for further processing.

Abstract: A divider arrangement, guide device, for guiding packages between at least two conveyor belts, and method of controlling the same is provided.

Abstract: A product selection and grouping system for the metering, selection, grouping and accumulation of varying size and/or configuration products into packs for packing in a substantially continuous motion operation is provided. The product selection and grouping system includes a metering station that receives the products in a substantially continuous line of flow from a product infeed, and meters the line of products to selectively form a series of spaces therebetween. The metered products are formed and fed to a product grouping conveyor in groups of sets a selected number of products, and are engaged by laning flights of a laning unit, which transfer the product groups to selected ones of a series of lanes defined along the product grouping conveyor. The groups of products are accumulated for transfer to a downstream packing machine.

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: Repositionable extendable stops for material handling applications include top loading/unloading stops which engage with actuator through quick disconnects. Actuators are easily repositioned to a new stop location, and the stop reconnected to the actuator by loading the stop through the top of the conveyor.

Abstract: Pressware stacking systems and methods for using same. The system can include a conveyor for moving pressware in a first direction; a stop ramp at least partially disposed on the conveyor; and a lifter in communication with the stop ramp. The lifter is adapted to move at least a portion of the stop ramp to an inclined position above the conveyor.

Abstract: A system, method and an end effector may arrange into a group two articles within a stream of articles moving spaced apart and in a line in a conveying direction on a conveyor. The system, method, and end effector may contact and slow the more downstream of the two articles and then contact the more upstream of the two articles without substantially slowing the more upstream article to form the group. The end effector may include a downstream stop portion for contacting at least one of the articles.

Abstract: A conveyor carries products in a first lane so that first, second and third products are aligned with one another and arranged in series. Pushers move the second and third products laterally in opposite direction from the first lane to second and third lanes, respectively. The conveyor extends downstream from the pushers for carrying the first, second and third products in the first, second and third lanes, respectively. The first product may be temporarily held back in the first lane until the second product catches up to the first product, at which time the first product is released and the conveyor carries the first, second and third products in the first, second and third lanes. The third product catches up to the first and second products to least partially form a group of the products.

Abstract: A system with rotatable levers spaced and positioned to alternately retain or release components from a plurality of lanes simultaneously into slots of a component receiving mechanism. The levers may be differently sized and shaped to hold back certain components at different positions than others, or the levers may be attached to a rotatable member at varying angles to one another to accomplish such varying holdback patterns. Alternatively, a cam and pin arrangement may be utilized.

Abstract: A braking unit for selectively stopping one or more items advanced by a conveyor along a transferring path comprises: a first and a second braking element arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor and facing each other; an actuator which can be selectively activated for moving the first braking element towards the second braking element so as to clamp the item or items to be braked between the first and second braking element; and a lever connecting the actuator to the first braking element and extendible towards the second braking element as a result of the thrust exerted on the first braking element by the item or items to be braked.

Abstract: An accumulation-and-release conveyor using a roller belt with rollers arranged to rotate in the direction of belt travel. The rollers extend through the thickness of the belt. A movable stop is positioned along the carryway just downstream of a bearing surface that is movable into and out of contact with the rollers. When the bearing surface is out of contact with the rollers, they are freely rotatable; when the bearing surface contacts the rollers, they roll on the bearing surface to propel articles in the direction of belt travel. The stop is selectively moved between a blocking position preventing articles from passing and accumulating them with low back line pressure on the freely rotatable rollers and a release position allowing articles to pass to the accumulation zone where they are propelled forward and separated from each other by the rotation of the rollers rolling on the bearing surface.

Abstract: A device for grouping and/or separating of articles which are transported on a conveyor device (10) along a conveying plane in at least a row in an essentially closed stream and which are grouped by at least one separating finger (16) which is inserted into the stream from below, transverse to the conveying direction (t). The separating finger (16) is inserted in the stream in such a way that a targeted article and the articles following the targeted article are slightly delayed or accelerated during their forward movement in the conveying direction (t) whereby a gap is formed. The separating finger (16) engages with a lateral edge of an outer surface of the article includes a contact area (26) that at least partially contacts and/or at least partially encompasses the outer surface of the article.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided to convey and align sheets being fed to a processing machine. In the event of a machine “stop,” a sheet, which has been separated from an overlapping stream, is conveyed back into the overlapping stream by raising the rear sheet edge with a mechanical or pneumatic device.

Abstract: The plant comprises: —an upstream conveyor (2), —a downstream conveyor (4), —a regulating device (7) comprising a system of retractable stops (13) which are inserted temporarily between two consecutive products in a single column, —and means for adjusting the speed of the different conveyors (2, 4), said plant additionally comprising means for adjusting the width of the passages of said adjusting device (7) in order to adapt the width of these passages to the dimensions of said products, and also comprising means for longitudinally adjusting the space between the consecutive rows of stops (13) which move along with the products.

Abstract: A method for forming a number of side by side lying rows of objects such as for producing sandwich biscuits. Firstly the products being supplied to the even channels are turned over and, as well as the not turned over products are brought on a conveyor belt. In a second step by means of a continuous rotatable first roller positioned above the conveyor belt and being provided with pins a product can be released from each channel and the next product can be stopped for the formation of rows of turned over and not turned over products running in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Thereupon by means of rollers at least one of which is movable in axial direction, the turned over and not turned over products are moved in longitudinal and transverse direction to obtain alternate transverse rows of turned over and not turned over products.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for marshalling objects into groups on a single, driven conveyor. The conveyor has two end rollers and at least one deflector roller positioned at the lower part of the conveyor. The apparatus also includes an end stop positioned at the one end roller of the conveyor as well as a stop plate disposed to move up and down, at 90° in relation to the conveyor. The conveyor further has a deflection point placed at the upper part of the conveyor. The conveyor is disposed to be slanted downwards from this deflection point in that the end roller is moved downwards.

Abstract: A food product alignment device for a conveyor includes a plurality of upright pins that act in pin pairs to align respective food products that approach the pin pairs on a moving conveyor. Particularly for round food products or food product stacks, a misaligned round food product will slightly pivot on the moving conveyor when contacting a first pin to be evenly positioned between the two pins of the respective pin pair. The pins are retractable to a position beneath the conveyor after the food products are aligned to allow the aligned food products to continue proceeding on the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for grouping boxes, after stopping the head box of a train line, includes transversally displacing a last box of the train line with respect to the first box of the upstream line waiting for grouping and introducing a stop motion unit for holding the upstream line into the space cleared by the last box. The conveyor device includes an endless lateral rail which is used for guiding boxes and is laterally shifted at a length corresponding to at least the box longitudinal dimension and forms something like a funnel at the location of the last box of the train and a device, which is used for transversally displacing the last box by pushing it into the funnel and includes the stop motion unit holding the first box of the upstream line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for marshalling objects into groups on a single, driven conveyor. The conveyor has two end rollers and at least one deflector roller positioned at the lower part of the conveyor. The apparatus also includes an end stop positioned at the one end roller of the conveyor as well as a stop plate disposed to move up and down, at 90° in relation to the conveyor. The conveyor further has a deflection point placed at the upper part of the conveyor. The conveyor is disposed to be slanted downwards from this deflection point in that the end roller is moved downwards.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for assembling into batches (Ln), via a phasing device (23), a plurality of products (Pn) traveling on a conveyor belt (16) from an intake zone upstream to an exit zone downstream. The phasing device (23) is placed between the intake zone and the exit zone. The arrangement has at least one retractable catch (60, 62, 64), and the catch (60, 62, 64) is moved successively into an engaged position, causing a first product (Pn) to be slowed down until a second product (Pn) located immediately upstream moves up to it, so as to form a batch (Ln), and into a retracted position which enables the previously formed batch (Ln) to continue its downstream movement at the running speed of the belt.

Abstract: An input device delivers objects one at a time to a transfer station next to a conveyor extending in a transport direction. A cassette defines an upwardly open stack well shaped to receive the objects and has a floor. The cassette is held in an upstream stack-forming position underneath the input device while the input device drops the objects one at a time into the well, and the floor of the cassette is stepped downward each time an object is dropped into the well by a distance generally equal to a vertical height of the object. When a predetermined number of the objects has been dropped into the well, the cassette is displaced downstream out of the upstream stack-forming position synchronously with the conveyor at the transport speed while the stack of objects in the well is pushed transversely of the direction out of the well into the conveyor.

Abstract: The integrated conveyor system has a number of independent powered modules (11), each having a pair of rails (2, 3), and powered belt (4) stretched in the transverse space defined between the pair of rails and forming a continuous support and guide structure and along which run a number of trucks are moved by the belt of each module along the rails. The conveyor system also includes a number of modules having no powered belt, a push module (116) having a powered belt and a brake module (11c) having a nonpowered belt; the trucks having stop means for forming, a train of mutually contacting trucks between the push module and the brake module, and pushed by the powered belt of the push module.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, having a separating and compacting device for packing articles of all types with at least one circulating pair of drive elements, with at least one crossbar that is located on each pair of drive elements, with one controlled drive motor for each pair of drive elements, whereby the device is designed and constructed so that the separation and compacting of the articles are performed by the at least one pair of drive elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating stacks of sheets. In some embodiments, the sheets separated are those in or issuing from a starwheel assembly. The present invention includes a first separator finger that is inserted between two adjacent sheets to separate first and second sheets. The first separator finger retains the first sheet upstream to begin a first stack upstream of the first separator finger and allows the second sheet to complete another stack downstream of the first separator finger. In some embodiments, the first separator finger is inserted between the two adjacent sheets in a closed position and, after the first separator finger is inserted, the first separator finger moves to an open position to create a gap between the first and second stacks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer method and an apparatus (1) for transferring articles (2) between a line conveyor (25), on which the articles (2) are transported continuously in one or more lines (21), and a stationary or movable tray (7) for accommodating one or more rows (10) of articles. The transfer apparatus (1) has a row-transfer mechanism (11) with a gripping device (12) for one or more rows (10) of articles, and with a manipulator (15). The transfer apparatus (1) also has an accumulating device (27) for temporarily forming and delimiting accumulated groups (28) of articles and gaps (29) in the continuous line (21) on the line conveyor (25) and for independently transporting the group (28) of articles along the line conveyor (25).

Abstract: A unit for grouping packages along a transfer path includes an input station receiving the packages arranged in longitudinal lines parallel to the transfer path; an output station for groups defined by a given number of packages from respective longitudinal lines and aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path; a movable conveying surface, which is fed at predetermined time intervals with a number of packages equal to that of each group, and feeds the packages along the transfer path; and at least one movable member, which is fed cyclically along an operating path having at least one portion parallel to the transfer path, and has an aligning surface, against which, at each cycle, the packages in each group upstream from the movable member come to rest and are aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path; the movable member also has a push surface which, at each cycle, acts on each group of packages downstream from the movable member to push the group out of the unit.

Abstract: A metering system for handling product through a packaging operation comprising: a mechanism for transporting individual product units in discrete lanes to a staging area ahead of a subsequent processing operation; a stop for restraining the flow of product before it enters the subsequent processing operation; a mechanism for detecting when a predetermined quantity of product has accumulated in each lane of the staging area against the stop; and a mechanism for restraining by individual lane further quantities of product before they enter the staging area.

Abstract: The feed station for articles in automatic palletizing systems or the like, comprising a supporting frame for article feeding means and temporary retention means of at least one of the articles which can be associated in terms of operation with the feeding means for the simultaneous feeding of a preset number of articles towards at least one pickup station.

Abstract: A machining system and unit, especially a welding cell, is provided for use for the machining of workpieces (2), especially body parts of vehicles. The machining system has one or more machining stations (15, 16) with robots (18, 19, 20) and at least one rotation or turning station (5), which has at least two work stations (6, 7) for carrying out different operations simultaneously. The turning station (5) has at least two multiaxially movable turning units (8, 9) arranged next to one another with said gripping tools (11, 12, 13). The working areas (10) intersect each other at the work stations (6, 7).

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously grouping or marshalling objects together on a conveyor includes the conveyor being divided into a first and a second conveyor section, where the second conveyor section has a higher speed than the first conveyor section. The conveyor sections have a common plane on which the objects are advanced. The conveyor sections each have two bending rollers in the common plane, each of which have a bending roller lying closely adjacent one another. Between the rollers placed adjacent one another is disposed an arrest member. The arrest member is movable through 90 degrees in relation to the common plane. The arrest member is moreover, together with the bending rollers, displaceable along the common plane.

Abstract: Holding elements (1) equipped for transporting individual articles (2) in a held manner and being movable along a stretch of rail (5) independently of one another at least to a limited extent and having in pushed operation a regular minimum distance between one another, are banked-up during transportation at a banking-up point by a banking-up device (16) to form an accumulation store (12) upstream of the banking-up point. The holding elements are released in groups from the accumulation store (12) in a controlled manner and are conveyed away from the accumulation store. The holding elements (1) in the groups (15) advantageously are spaced the minimum distance from one another. For pre-forming the groups to be released (12) there is a further banking-up device (16) provided in the accumulation store (12). The further banking-up device acts at a further banking-up point upstream of the first banking-up point.

Abstract: A placing apparatus having first and second rear end holding members is provided between a loading apparatus that loads items in an upright position and a conveyance apparatus downstream. These rear end holding members move making a box motion when seen from the side. As a result, while the first rear end holding member holds the rearmost end of a group of items, the second rear end holding member stands by to receive a new item. The invention provides a conveyance apparatus and a boxing apparatus comprising the same that have widespread applicability. The conveyance apparatus and boxing apparatus while achieving high-speed processing, are able to convey items of varying thickness and grouped in varying numbers in a stable manner and maintained in a prescribed position.

Abstract: A device for grouping articles to be loaded into a carton and delivered to the device from an infeed stream at an infeed end of a packaging machine. The device comprises a leading and trailing spacer elements arranged to move along a first path, each spacer element being adapted to engage at least one article from the infeed stream and to convey the articles through a working reach of the device. The device further comprises adjustment means to adjust the device between a first mode in which each spacer element follows the first path to successively engage an article group; and a second mode in which the trailing spacer element follows the first path and the leading spacer element becomes transferred from the first path to follow a second path connected to the first path before rejoining the first path, whereby the leading and trailing spacer elements engage an article group simultaneously.

Abstract: A transporting and escapement device includes an internal guide member extending along the conveying path and extending through an aperture in each conveyed article. The guide member will serve to guide the article along the conveying path. The guide member is supported by at least one escapement assembly. Each escapement assembly includes at least two independently operated guide member engaging supports which can selectively engage the guide member at spaced locations along the guide member. At least one support of at least one escapement assembly will be engaged with the guide member at any given time.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing flat objects, such as sheet-like printed products. The apparatus has a rail system which defines a closed path of travel, and a plurality of conveyor elements are supported by the rail system for free and independent movement along the path of travel. The conveyor elements in turn mount product carrier elements. A plurality of stations, including a product feed station, a product processing station, and a product output station, are disposed along the path of travel, and the stations each include a dedicated drive arrangement for the conveyor elements and thus the product carrier elements along the path of travel at a spacing and speed required by the associated station.

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42). The transfer device (42) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position extending over a sweep conveyor (22). In a preferred form, the transfer device (42) is in the form of a thin piece of flexible material and is moved in the conveying direction from the retracted position to the extended position by engaging with the sweep conveyor (22) and is moved to the retracted position by being wrapped around a rotated roller (46). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) to match the meter conveyor (12) until the product group leaves the transfer device (42).

Abstract: A device allowing concrete products sorted on a traveling conveyor to be formed in a predetermined pattern of products for subsequent feeding onto a concrete product stacking cuber. A set of pneumatic wheels located downstream of the conveyor and vertically distanced from the conveyor cooperate with a rubber lined shaft located under the wheels to contact the concrete product to act as a gate to the predetermined pattern. The wheels and the shaft are driven in synchronization to rotate in a direction as to cause the pattern of concrete products to be forwarded therebetween to the stacking cuber.

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42). The transfer device (42) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position extending over a sweep conveyor (22). In a preferred form, the transfer device (42) is in the form of a thin piece of flexible material and is moved in the conveying direction from the retracted position to the extended position by engaging with the sweep conveyor (22) and is moved to the retracted position by being wrapped around a rotated roller (46). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) to match the meter conveyor (12) until the product group leaves the transfer device (42).

Abstract: A sortation system and method includes providing a sorter assembly and a slug-building assembly. Product is received by the sorter assembly and sorted to a series of sortation lanes. The slug-building assembly includes a plurality of supply lines supplying product for sorting by the sorter assembly. At least one of the supply lines includes an accumulation conveyor and a slug conveyor. Product is accumulated in slug portions at the accumulation conveyor. Slug portions are combined into product slugs at the slug conveyor. Product slugs are discharged from the slug conveyor for sorting by the sorter assembly.

Abstract: The stack of flat mail pieces that are arranged adjacent to one another on a support can be portioned with the aid of at least one displaceable holding support containing a conveyor belt because the support is divided into a horizontally oriented, stationary section and an adjacent section that can be pivoted about a pivoting axis positioned at the end of the pivotable section in the stacking direction. During the portioning process, the pivotable section extending downward at an angle from the stationary section is pivoted downward into a horizontal position. A holding support with a conveyor belt that is driven downward during the pivoting process is arranged underneath the stationary section at its border with the pivotable section. An additional support is arranged on the frame of the pivotable section of the support above the mail pieces. This additional support holds the stack remaining on the stationary section of the support.

Abstract: A product diverting mechanism used in a packaging system, which is effective to increase the speed at which the products are successively diverted, includes a force applicator 20 for applying a force, containing a force component acting in a horizontal direction, to the products M transported from a preceding station, in a direction transverse to a direction of transport of the products, a suppressor 10 disposed above a transport means 30 for suppressing an upward shift of the products M which occurs when the force applicator 29 applies the force to the products M, and an elevator 15 for moving the suppressor 10 up and down. The suppressor 10 is lowered during an operation to divert the products M so as to contact an upper surface of the products M.

Abstract: The articles advance along a conveyor line in which there is drop in level of a height correlated with the height of the stacks of articles to be formed. Downstream of the drop in level a stopper member is provided which can selectively interrupt the advancing movement of the articles along the conveyor line. For each stack of articles formed, the stopper member prevents the advancing movement of at least a first article downstream of the drop in level so as to allow at least a second article to fall and to be stacked on the first article. Upon completion of the stack, the stacked articles are allowed to advance along the conveyor line again.

Abstract: A device for grouping or isolating articles which are transported on a conveyor belt in one or more closed rows and are separated from each other individually or in groups for subsequent processing. At least two elements are provided which can be moved back and forth independently of each other and parallel to the direction of transport, and which can be made to engage with or disengage from the articles in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A method for processing containers involves: detection of the conveying, speed of the containers so as to synchronize cushioned stoppage and accompanying device with said speed; detection of an interstice between consecutive containers and insertion of said device in said interstice; gradual, controlled and programmable, stoppage of the some of the containers in a predetermined space and simultaneous accompanying of the containers downstream of the stoppage zone, at the conveying speed of the conveying line. The cushioned stoppage device comprise a linear motor (1a) movable in a direction parallel to that of conveying of the containers (2) and provided with a stopping member (8) which is displaced in a direction perpendicular to that of the containers (2) so as to be inserted between two consecutive containers (2).