Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42) including first and second supports (42A, 42B) each in the form of a thin piece of flexible material. The transfer device (42) is movable between retracted and extended positions extending over a sweep conveyor (22) by securing its trailing and leading ends to flexible belts (106, 206) on opposite longitudinal sides of the sweep conveyor (22). Product is transferred from the second support (42B) to the sweep conveyor (22) and from the first support (42A) to the second support (42B) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52B) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) and by a metering bar (52A) which prevents unmetered product from tipping downstream. A sweep bar (62a) which collects the product on the sweep conveyor (22).

Abstract: A conveyance device for accumulating and aligning a plurality of articles and conveying a batch of the articles includes a conveyance unit, first, second and third support members, and a drive unit. The conveyance unit is configured to convey the batch of the articles in a conveying direction. The first and second support members are configured to move along the conveyance unit so as to support an article disposed at a front end or a back end among the articles constituting the batch of the articles. The third support member is arranged on the conveyance unit and configured to move with respect to the conveyance unit so as to sandwich the batch of the articles between the third support member and at least one of the first support member and the second support member. The drive unit is configured to independently drive the first, second and third support members.

Abstract: Method of placing products on the floor of a grouping station (3), in aisles (5), to form a batch of products to be palletized, including withdrawing guide walls (6) forming the aisles (5) to an inactive position; moving the batch towards the palletization station (11); repositioning the guide walls (6) into an active position; and re-placing a mechanism (10) for moving the rows into their starting position by turning them about the guide walls (6). The station (3) for grouping products (2) is arranged between the selection station of the receiving line (1) and the table (12) of the palletization station (11) and includes: motorized conveyor (4); guide walls (6); thrust devices (40) for conveying the batch onto the table (12); a mechanism for withdrawing the guide walls (6); and a mechanism for imparting to the thrust devices (40) a turning movement about the guide walls (6).

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42) in the form of a thin piece of flexible material. The transfer device (42) is movable between retracted and extended positions extending over a sweep conveyor (22) by securing its trailing and leading ends to flexible belts (106) on opposite longitudinal sides of the sweep conveyor (22). 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) and by a sweep bar (62a) which collects the product on the sweep conveyor (22). The metering and sweep bars (52ba, 62a) move independently in the same direction along the same endless path.

Abstract: An article packaging machine includes a trailing article pusher assembly for pushing the trailing articles of a packaging production run down infeed conveyer lanes and through workstations of the packaging machine so that the trailing articles can be packaged. The pusher assembly comprises a pusher chain that is flexible in one direction to allow the chain to be coiled upon itself and generally inflexible in the other direction beyond a substantially straight configuration of the chain. A pusher block is attached to a free end of the pusher chain. The pusher chain is normally stowed on a take-up magazine beside its associated infeed lane during a packaging operation. When the trailing articles of a production run approach the workstations of the packaging machine, a gate opens to allow the pusher chain and its pusher block to be extended into the infeed lane behind the last trailing article.

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: A push device, for transferring glass articles from an intermediate supporting plate to an unloading conveyor, has at least one seat bounded by two flat supporting surfaces converging with each other and forming between them an angle of over 90°, and by at least one further supporting surface adjustable in position with respect to at least one of the two flat supporting surfaces; the article being retained close to a convergence area of the two flat supporting surfaces by a circuit for feeding compressed air between the two flat supporting surfaces.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for diverting product from a single lane to one of a plurality of lanes includes a wall having an upstream portion positioned proximate the single lane and a downstream portion positioned proximate the plurality of lanes. The upstream portion is stationary relative to the single lane and the downstream portion is configured to be movable relative to the plurality of lanes. A length of the wall is configured to vary in response to movement of the downstream portion.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes an article conveyor for transporting articles in a flow direction and a plunger assembly for displacing articles from the article conveyor. The plunger assembly is supported and positioned by a system that includes a frame assembly and a pressure sensitive coupling as means for releasably fixing the position of the plunger assembly. The frame assembly includes a first frame structure that is attached to the plunger assembly and a second frame structure. The first frame structure and the second frame structure are slidably coupled to one another such that a resistive force that overcomes the holding power of the pressure sensitive coupling will cause the first frame structure to slide and translate the plunger assembly out of its operating position in which it can displace the articles.

Abstract: An inline product feeder for a packaging line and related methods are disclosed. In one example, an inline product feeder includes a product input line configured to receive a contiguous supply of products and configured to guide the products in continuous motion along a path of travel. The inline product feeder also includes a packaging line configured to receive separated groups of the products from the product input line. The inline feeder further includes a feeder unit configured to separate groups of products from the contiguous supply of products in the product input line and move the group of products into the packaging line, each of the separated groups of products including a predetermined number of products from the product input line.

Abstract: An automated grouping system of bakery products increases a quantity of bakery products that may be fed to equipment having a larger processing capacity. The automated grouping system includes a supporting structure laterally arranged adjacent to a conveyor of bakery products. The structure includes two longitudinally-arranged lateral rails. Sliding supports, along with first linear driving actuators of regulated stroke, are mounted on the lateral rails. Each sliding support includes a vertical post and a cross guide fixed at an upper portion thereof. The structure also includes a pair of second linear vertical actuators, which support and actuate a pair of pulling plates and positioning mechanisms of bakery products. The pulling plates are also actuatable by third linear actuators of regulated stroke, which are provided on a lower cross member, to position the pulling plates in a direction transverse to a conveying direction of the bakery products.

Abstract: The method consists in collecting products (2) that are arriving spaced and in line on a conveyor (1). This collection is carried out by means of a collector device (40), in the form of a comb, arranged transversally, forming an angle between 60 and 120° in relation to the product advancement direction (2). The collector (40) deposits and drops the collected products at a take-up station which is located on the side of said supply conveyor (1); it is capable of a loop movement that can be divided, for the collecting of said products, into a transversal movement combined with a longitudinal movement upwards of the vial queue. The installation for the implementation of the method comprises a table (3) arranged at the level of and along the conveyor (1), a collector (40) carried by an appropriate structure in order to be displaced longitudinally and transversally above said conveyor (1) and said table (3).

Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.

Abstract: A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading the chamber comprises a bar extending across the slot to engage vials to be inserted into the chamber. The bar is attached to a mechanism for moving the bar laterally into and out from the chamber. In a retracted position of the bar, at least part of the mechanism is wound around a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket unwinds the mechanism to move the bar into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device (15) for transferring an article (9) in a printing machine (2), the device comprising a hinged manipulator arm (20), a hinged gripper clamp (22), and drive means adapted to drive both the manipulator arm (20) and the gripper clamp (22) together in rotation. The drive means include synchronization means adapted to inhibit the rotary movement of the gripper clamp (22) relative to the rotary movement of the manipulator arm (20), temporarily as a function of the position of the manipulator arm (20). The invention also provides a printing machine (2) including such a transfer device (15), and to an associated method.

Abstract: A counter ejector has: a ledge that moves toward an inner side of a hopper to receive boxes S in the hopper when the boxes accumulated in the hopper reach the predetermined number; a press bar that is disposed so as to move vertically relative to the ledge, and presses the batch on the elevator by moving vertically downward relative to the ledge; and a relative movement servo motor that moves the press bar vertically relative to the ledge. The press bar is driven by the relative movement servo motor to vertically move relative to the ledge.

Abstract: A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading and/or unloading the chamber comprises a transfer bar extending across the slot. The bar is pivotally attached at each end to first and second flat springs, each spring being wound on a respective rotatably mounted spool located proximate the slot. Drive means are provided for synchronously rotating the spools to effect movement of the bar into or out from the chamber and for selectively rotating the spools to raise or lower the bar.

Abstract: The method consists in: placing the products directly on the floor of the grouping station (3), in the aisles (5), in order to form the batch of products to be palletized; withdrawing the guide walls (6) that form said aisles (5) to an inactive position; moving the batch towards the palletization station (11); repositioning said guide walls (6) into an active position; and re-placing the means (10) for moving said rows into their starting position by turning them about said guide walls (6) in a kind of enveloping movement. The station (3) for grouping products (2) is arranged between the selection station of the receiving line (1) and the table (12) of the palletization station (11) proper.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus for forming a stable arrangement of bottles so they can be moved on an inline conveyor system. This is accomplished by an apparatus for nesting bottles comprising a first conveyor having lanes of bottles, and a second conveyor, wherein a fixed number of bottles from each lane is released from each lane in a staggered arrangement to facilitate nesting of the released bottles and then pushing and guiding the released bottles from the first conveyor onto a second conveyor so that the bottles form a nested bundle.

Abstract: A package temporary storage control mechanism is located between a feeding end and a discharge end of a cuboidal package conveying apparatus, and includes a temporary storage trough, which has two upright plates defining an upper supporting zone and a lower waiting zone therebetween. Two supporting mechanisms are driven to ascend and descend vertically in the supporting zone and each includes a plurality of supporting fingers that can be extended into the supporting zone to locate at a supporting position for receiving and supporting a plurality of cuboidal packages fed from the feeding end to the supporting zone. Two carrying mechanisms are driven to ascend and descend vertically in the waiting zone and each includes a plurality of carrier seats that can be extended into the waiting zone to locate at a carrying position for carrying the cuboidal packages moved downward from the supporting zone.

Abstract: A push device, for transferring glass articles from an intermediate supporting plate to an unloading conveyor, has at least one seat for housing an article and which is bounded by at least two flat supporting surfaces converging with each other and forming between them an angle of over 90°; the article being retained close to a convergence area of the flat supporting surfaces by a circuit for feeding compressed air between the flat supporting surfaces.

Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.

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, 52ca) which controls the product on the sweep conveyor (22) until the product group leaves the transfer device (42). With nested product, the leading edge of the transfer device (42) is scalloped to represent the product bottom leading edge.

Abstract: Products (6) are fed in an ordered succession by a unit (100) comprising a conveyor unit (1) equipped with pockets (43, 53), an outfeed conveyor (3) on which products (6) advance in succession at a given pitch (p2), also a transfer unit (2) operating between the conveyor unit (1) and the outfeed conveyor (3). The conveyor unit (1) presents a first belt (4) and a second belt (5) placed one beside the other and equipped with independent motors (M1, M2), whilst the pockets (43, 53) are arranged in first and second groups, each comprising a given number (n) of pockets ordered at constant pitch (p1) and associated respectively with the first belt (4) and the second belt (5), so that the groups are alternated one with another along a predetermined path (P).

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: A pusher mechanism for pushing bottles formed in an I.S. machine from a dead plate to a conveyor. The pusher mechanism includes a pusher finger assembly which is supported by a housing and is movable about an axis of support and about the parallel axis of rotation of the housing. The axis of the two drive gears for effecting these rotations are coaxial.

Abstract: A machine for transferring in successive rows objects initially aligned on a first conveyor. A second conveyor comprises a tray lateral to the first conveyor and a device for displacing objects with at least one push-member mobile transversely to the first conveyor such that it is urged into lateral contact with n objects on the first conveyor to push them back together in a row onto the tray along a direction forming an angle ? ranging between 0 and 90° exclusively relative to the first conveyor. Thus, the objects have speed components which are never null along the directions of movement the conveyors.

Abstract: A transferring apparatus carries out the method proposed by the invention, for transferring articles from a first conveying line to a second article conveying line by two manipulating members, operated independently from each other to pick up a corresponding pair of articles moving on the first conveying line, and to release them onto the second conveying line arranged at an angle with respect to a picking up configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling units within a flow from at least one incoming feeder track into at least one outgoing feeder track is provided, including at least one shifting unit for controlled shifting of the flow into one or more selectable paths of the outgoing feeder track, wherein the shifting unit is provided with a speed controller for controlling the speeds of the respective units and separation of the units in the longitudinal direction of flow, the separation enabling the controlled shifting.

Abstract: A method and device for transferring glass articles from an intermediate supporting plate to an unloading conveyor, wherein the article to be transferred is positioned and retained inside a seat on a movable member by feeding compressed air through the movable member; the compressed air being fed in close to an edge of a dihedron formed by two plates of the movable member, and being oriented upwards towards the article to divide the incoming compressed air into two lateral streams laterally and at least partly surrounding the article, and into an upward-directed rear stream.

Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring glass articles from a supporting surface to a carry-off conveyor, the transfer unit includes a pickup member for engaging the articles for transfer and is hinged to one end of an actuating arm to rotate with respect to the actuating arm about a movable hinge axis under the control of a control unit for adjusting the position of the pickup member independently of the position of the actuating arm.

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 for forming groups composed by a variable number of products including a path of advance along which, in use, a continuous array of products advances along a direction of advance with the products in mutual contact. An arresting member is included against which, in use, the continuous array of products comes in arresting contact at the end of the path of advance. A conveyor device removes from the continuous array successive groups of products from a terminal part of the array in contact with the arresting member. A regulator device varies selectively the position of the arresting member along said direction of advance. An accompanying device supports the array of products and control the velocity of displacement towards the arresting member.

Abstract: A device for processing packets of cigarettes has a transportation unit for conveying a line of packets from an input station to an output station in a direction perpendicular to the line; a conveyor unit for feeding the line to the input station in a direction parallel to the line; and a transfer unit for transferring the line from the conveyor unit to the transportation unit; the transfer unit has a first pusher for transferring the line from the conveyor unit to an intermediate conveyor which reduces the longitudinal speed of the line to zero, and a second pusher for transferring the line from the intermediate conveyor to the transportation unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for collating and cartonning product units comprising: product infeed means adapted to dispense a succession of discrete product units; one or more servo-trains, the or each servo-train comprising a plurality of buckets in which each bucket is adapted to receive a predetermined number of product units from the product infeed means to form a product group; first conveying means for conveying said one or more servo-trains between a loading station juxtaposed said product infeed means and a dispensing station; cartonning means comprising second conveying means adapted for transporting a succession of cartons juxtaposed said dispensing station; driving means associated with said first conveying means; controlling means for controlling operation of the driving means such that when a servo-train is positioned at the loading station, said servo-train is moved intermittently in synchronisation with the product infeed means for collating product units into the buckets, and after loading of the servo-train is

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: An apparatus and method for forming batches in predetermined count or length of laminar articles standing on edge for transfer from multiple supply lines/chutes to a common delivery line is disclosed. The common delivery line is located operatively below the supply lines/chutes. The axis of movement of the common delivery line is perpendicular to the axes of movement of the supply lines/chutes. The apparatus includes a horizontal platform on which the laminar articles, such as biscuits are led from the supply lines/chutes, pusher bars operating simultaneously for each of the arrays of laminar articles emanating from the supply lines/chutes on to the platform. The batch of articles displaced from the arrays are pushed towards striker plates adjacent to hatches in the platform. The batch of laminar articles strike the striker plate, align themselves and rebound from the striker plate without deformation and drop through the hatches in the platform to pockets in the common delivery line below.

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 applicabiilty. 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 method and an apparatus for transferring film bags which are supplied in a plurality of parallel rows to a transfer station, to a conveying means which further transports the film bags in a continuous row substantially in a direction transverse to the direction of supply, the film bags to be handed over being preaccelerated in the direction of movement of the conveying means.

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: The present invention comprises a cart loading machine that provides for improved operating efficiencies, and includes a cart loading station, an infeed conveyor, a pattern forming area, a carrier sheet and wiping mechanism, and a fork loading apparatus. The cart loading station includes a framework defining a cart loading position and a cart waiting position. With the carrier in its extended position having carried a fully formed pattern to the cart loading position, a wiping mechanism is extended from beneath the carrier plate to contact the bundles as they sit on the carrier so that when the carrier moves back to its retracted position, the bundles are blocked and stripped therefrom. The wiping mechanism is then retracted below the carrier to permit the loading of a subsequent pattern of bundles thereon. This wiping mechanism eliminates the need for an overhanging blocking mechanism thereby permitting more efficient loader design and easier access to the pattern forming and bundle stripping areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for depositing products in a defined manner, from a compartment-containing chain (3), onto a receiving means or into a shaft (9), the compartment-containing chain (3) having laterally open compartments (7) which are formed by parallel intermediate walls (5) and are intended for accommodating laterally projecting products (1).

Abstract: A unit for transferring groups of cigarettes has a conveyor having pockets for housing the groups and for feeding the groups in a first direction; a guide for guiding each group into a respective pocket along a path in a second direction crosswise to the first direction; and a safety device having a guide member adjacent to the conveyor and movable between a work position defining part of the path, and an emergency position remote from the path; the unit also having a spring for setting the guide member to the emergency position when a group of cigarettes transmits to the guide member a force over and above a given threshold value.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus of the present invention holds and conveys a group of items, and includes conveyors and driving devices. The conveyors include first and second conveyance belts, items-group holders, and detaching/attaching devices. The first and second conveyance belts operate around a circulating path. The detaching/attaching devices support the items-group holders, which include a plurality of partition members that partitions and holds the group of items. The plurality of partition members is connected to one another. The detaching/attaching devices render the items-group holders detachable from and attachable to the first and second conveyor belts. In this manner, replacement of the plurality of partition members can be performed easily and quickly.

Abstract: A feeder system for incrementally feeding a tube along a linear tube path to a point of use. The feeder system includes a frame, and first and second belts on the frame. The first and second belts are capable of moving incrementally in respective first and second belt paths and thereby incrementally moving a tube engaged by the first and second belts in the linear tube path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing lumpy, essentially spherical material such as pellets, so that the lumpy material can be applied on a surface that is set in an essentially continuous motion, as an advantageous layer for the further processing of said material, said apparatus comprising means (1) for conveying the material and for feeding the material onto a surface (15) that is set in an essentially continuous motion. According to the invention, the conveyor (1) is installed movably in an alternating motion between two positions (3, 4) in order to feed the material conveyed by the conveyor (1) as a layer (16) that is advantageous both in thickness and in cross-section onto a surface (15) set in an essentially continuous motion.

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 and apparatus of buffering sheets of cut stock in block-shaped stacks ranged in rows between stock-cutting machinery and further processing machinery, whereby each row is also block-shaped. Each row produced by the cutting process is forwarded to a buffer's intake and thence to a marshaling area where it is combined with previously forwarded rows into a group. Each group is forwarded to the buffer's outtake and combined with any other rows already there. The most downstream row of the group is forwarded to the further-processing machinery.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for conveying conveyance objects along a conveyance direction without positional slippage includes a conveyance line, a plurality of guide pins which move in the conveyance direction along the conveyance line and which are capable of reciprocal movement in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and a mechanism for moving prescribed guide pins selected from the plurality of guide pins in the orthogonal direction, wherein the guide pins are reciprocally movable between an operating position protruding over the conveyance line to enable the tips of the guide pins to come in contact with the conveyance objects, and a base position which does not protrude above the conveyance line.

Abstract: A device for handling objects or articles capable of receiving at its input a substantially continuous flow of single or multiple articles to be assorted into groups intended to be discharged from the output side in a phased or intermittent manner. The device includes a conveyor for transferring the articles that is provided with appropriate reception seatings for the said articles. The transfer conveyor has an associated expulsion unit capable of acting simultaneously on a group of the said articles contained in the appropriate seatings of the said transfer conveyor maintained in a condition of standstill or substantial standstill. The device also includes an input conveyor that receives a flow of the articles at its upstream end and distributes them into the reception seatings of the said transfer conveyor.