Abstract: The disclosure relates to a diversion device for a transport device for transporting products. The diversion device comprises a first element mounted to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second element mounted to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation, where the axes of rotation form an angle with one another and the first and the second elements overlap in a region so that the first and the second elements enclose a diversion region. A product supplied to the diversion region can be diverted in the diversion region by rotating the first and the second elements and can exit the diversion device after having passed the diversion region due to mass inertia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning individual pieces of a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray. The distributor apparatus comprises a plurality of distributor units configured to move between a loading position and an unloading position. Each distributor unit comprises an open-ended channel or cavity adapted for receiving a whole number of growth medium pieces. The distributor units, in a loading position, are positioned relatively to each other such that their open-ended channels or cavities are disposed in continuation to each other to form a receiving unit with an open-ended channel or cavity adapted for receiving a single length of growth medium pieces. The distributor units, when in an unloading position, are rotated, relative to their loading position, such that their open-ended channels or cavities are disposed parallel relative to each other.

Abstract: A packaging device for packaging products in batches, during which the products travel along a conveying direction in order to be packaged and related method. The batches include at least two products, arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The device includes a feeder for receiving products travelling in single file through an upstream pick-up area and conveying same to a set-down area for later packaging. The feeder includes: in the pick-up area, a transfer unit for transferring products arriving in single file to the unit; and at least one position-controlled movable collector for receiving and then moving at least one product in a controlled manner from the transfer unit to the set-down area. The device also includes a conveyor in the set-down area, on which the collector deposits the product collected from the pick-up area.

Abstract: A storage device for products includes parallel transport elements configured to convey product in opposite directions, and storage sections formed on corresponding transport elements and defining a transport plane. A transfer element includes a transfer section that extends over the transport elements. An actuating drive is arranged beneath the transport plane and coupled to the transfer element to change receiving capacities of the storage sections. The actuating drive is configured to adjust the transfer element by movement along the transport elements. At least one of the transport elements is controllable independently of adjustment of the transfer element.

Abstract: A divider dividing products into parallel lanes comprises a support frame; at least one guide channel for receiving the products, carried by the frame and extending parallel to a longitudinal direction; a fixed first guide connected to the frame and extending parallel to a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; second guide carried by the frame and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction; first actuator for moving the guide channel parallel to the transversal direction; and second actuator for moving one of two telescopically coupled channel portions of the guide channel relative to the other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction; the second guide connected to the frame in a fixed position; the first/second actuators comprising a first/second motorized cursor slidably coupled to the first/second guide and connected to the guide channel/one of the two channel portions to move it parallel to the transversal/longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having a product conveyor drivable in a conveying direction and a transverse drive by which the product conveyor is movable in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The product conveyor is coupled to a compensation mass by means of which forces can be compensated which occur by a transverse movement of the product conveyor.

Abstract: A device and a method for transferring printed products conveyed in a stream of individual products from a feed unit to a removal unit makes it possible to divert the printed products from a feed direction to a removal direction. The feed unit includes a first conveyor and a transfer region, and the removal unit includes a takeover region with a support surface for the printed products. The transfer region is located higher than the takeover region. The removal unit of the device includes at least a second conveyor which forms the support surface. A pressing element is arranged above the support surface which can be lowered toward the support surface or toward a printed product moving in the direction of the support surface. The pressing element can be lifted up from the support surface or a printed product positioned thereon.

Abstract: A transfer device including a main conveyor part having a first conveying surface and a subsidiary conveyor part having a second conveying surface and arranged at the same area as the main conveyor part, the main conveyor part being designed to convey an article placed on the first conveying surface in one conveying direction, the subsidiary conveyor part being designed to convey an article placed on the second conveying surface in another direction transverse to the conveying direction of the main conveyor part, the main conveyor part and/or the subsidiary conveyor part being a roller conveyor having rollers, at least one of the rollers being a braking roller equipped with a brake, and the brake being designed to prevent the article from proceeding at least to the direction transverse to the conveying direction of the roller conveyor by a frictional force acting between the article and the braking roller.

Abstract: Elongate packs (3) of circular biscuits are fed at high speed from a wrapping output conveyor (1) to a transverse indexing conveyor (2). The indexing conveyor (2) has a series of compartments (12) with inclined sides, each compartment (12) receiving a pair of packs (3) end to end. The conveyor (2) indexes each time that it receives a pair of packs (3), the compartments (12) holding the packs (3) against movement longitudinally of the conveyor (2). The packs (3) are removed in groups from the indexing conveyor (2) and urged together on a tray (19) of adjustable dimension. Orientation of the packs (3) is maintained, for consistent presentation of printing ABCD.

Abstract: Provided is a positioning fence for use in lumber sawmills and method of using the positioning fence that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting and a method of positioning lumber for cutting. Also provided is a retrofit position fence table and a method of using the retrofit position fence table. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. A track moving device is used to adjust the final locked position of the paddles if the paddles are not locked in the desired position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing pellets from plastic material or from material to be pelletized. Said device comprises a continuous casting device (1) from which at least one strand (2) of the material to be pelletized is issued, and a belt conveyor (3) comprising at least one conveying belt (4) on which the strand (2) can be fed to a pelletizer (5), said pelletizer breaking the strand up into pellets (6). The invention is characterized in that the belt conveyor (3) has a switchable direction of conveyance of the conveying belt (4), a direction of feed conveyance towards the pelletizer (5) and a direction of discharge conveyance away from the pelletizer (5). The invention also relates to a method for operating said device.

Abstract: A machine for forming a stream of articles into spaced groups of articles, which machine has a working reach and a metering element for being brought into contact with an article passing in a stream, into the working reach, which metering element is driven by a drive means, wherein a speed at which the metering element is driven, is retarded as the metering element enters the working reach without retarding the drive means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting flat products having at least one feeder feeding the flat products in a first transport direction, and having at least two conveying units for forwarding the flat products in a second transport direction. The conveying units are configured symmetrically and in each case have a plurality of guiding elements which can be set against the flat sides of the products. It is possible for the flat products to be received between in each case two adjacent guiding-element pairs and to be gripped by them and, as a result, to be transported upright in the second transport direction. During the movement in the second transport direction, the guiding elements are moved gradually out of holding engagement with the flat products.

Abstract: Provided is a positioning fence for use in lumber sawmills that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting and a method of positioning lumber for cutting. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. Electromagnets are used to control the position of the paddles and, thus, the position of lumber being transported by the paddles. Also provided are uses of the positioning fence to position lumber for cutting.

Abstract: A conveyor includes at least one workpiece carrier, a drive provided for the workpiece carrier and defining a plane of conveyance; an inner guide and an outer guide having a curved outer guide section and defining a conveyor track for the workpiece carrier; the inner guide includes a curved inner guide section that is assigned to the curved outer guide section. The convexly curved inner guide section is situated such that it is offset radially inwardly relative to the curved outer guide section and opposite an imagined tangential extension of a first and a second straight inner guide section.

Abstract: A bench-supported container handling system includes a bottom panel and a container manipulating device. A container conveying assembly is configured for transporting containers along a first direction while a container part conveying assembly is configured for transporting a part of the container along a second direction that intersects with the first direction. The first direction and the second direction are configured so as to create an area where the container manipulating device can be disposed. Additional aspects include a capping assembly and a labeling assembly.

Abstract: A conveyor which can be used to route oriented objects, such as caps, covers, lids, etc. from a finishing machine of the type including a belt, a vibrating bowl or other. The conveyor includes a module having a vertical conveyor in the form of a column with an adjustable height and an intermediate conveyor in the form of a casing which is disposed between the finishing machine and the column. In addition, the module includes channel-type devices for guiding the objects and devices for propelling the objects, in the form of jets of air pulsed through eyes. The channel and the eyes form a continuous assembly between the finishing machine and the upper end of the column. The conveyor also includes devices enabling the automatic ejection of objects from grooves provided in the belt of the machine.

Abstract: A self-clearing conveyor transfer system for transferring articles between two mutually perpendicular conveyor belts. One version of the transfer system includes a finger transfer plate with fingers at one end extending into the end of a raised-rib belt and powered rollers at the opposite end rotating about axes perpendicular to the fingers. A second conveyor belt perpendicular to the raised-rib belt advances parallel to the roller axes. Articles transfer from one belt to the other across the finger transfer plate. Because the rollers are powered, straggling articles are not stranded on the transfer plate.

Abstract: A system for dividing a flow of objects into two or more lanes of object flow, the system comprising a first conveyor configured to transport a plurality of objects, the conveyor having a transportation plane and plurality of substantially planar regions elevated above and substantially parallel to the transportation plane, the plurality of substantially planar regions each being configured to hold at least one of the plurality of objects being transported; a second conveyor substantially adjacent to the first conveyor; and a guide mounted above the transportation plane and the planar regions of the first conveyor, the guide configured to divert an object positioned on one of the substantially planar regions elevated above the transportation plane onto the second conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving objects along a path is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart rollers that define the path of the conveyor. The upper edges of the rollers are aligned to define the surface of the path. Two spaced-apart side rails having inward-facing surfaces define two side boundaries of the path. A barrier assembly is disposed within a gap in one of the side rails for facilitating loading and unloading of objects onto the conveyor from one side of the conveyor. The barrier assembly is comprised of a mounting plate mounted to the conveyor and a barrier pivotally mounted to the mounting plate. The barrier has a wall section generally aligned with the inward-facing surface on one of the side rails. The barrier is movable between a first position wherein the wall section is elevated relative to the upper edges of the roller and a second position wherein the wall section is disposed below the upper edge of the rollers.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method or a device for a cartoning machine for transferring a leaflet from a first transportation device to a leaflet holder in a second transportation device. Embodiments include a transferring device which is arranged to straighten up and position the leaflets in such a way that the leaflet holders can take hold of the leaflets. The transferring device has a base surface with one or more carriers placed in a line at right angels to the direction of transportation, so that the leaflet, as a result of being able to slide against the base surface, is pressed back against the carriers as a result of air resistance friction against an adjacent cover plate and/or centripetal forces. The base surface of the transferring device is preferably provided with several lines of carriers which are adjusted to match the distance between the leaflet holders on the second transportation device.

Abstract: An improvement to finishing machines that are used to orient objects. The finishing machine includes a hopper for receiving loose objects, such as lids, and an endless belt for extracting the lids from the hopper. The belt moves vertically upwards with the lids and sorts the lids automatically, such that only correctly-oriented lids are retained.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transport of food products, in particular of product slices produced with a cutting machine, comprising at least one deflection station for the deflection of at least one incoming product stream running in on an incoming conveyor into at least one outgoing product stream outgoing on an outgoing conveyor in a different direction to the incoming product stream, wherein the deflection station includes at least one transfer device movable between a discharge end of the incoming conveyor and a receiving end of the outgoing conveyor, with a support surface for the products always facing in at least approximately the same direction.

Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product operations is disclosed. Such conveyor assembly includes a pair of spaced apart side frames that support the conveyor belt and between which the conveyor belt rotates. The side frames are formed from an upstanding member and a inwardly extending horizontal member. Both the frame upstanding member and the frame horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. One or more L-shaped brackets are formed from a generally upstanding member and an inwardly extending member. Both the bracket upstanding member and the bracket horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. The bracket horizontal member slots are configured to overlay the frame elongate horizontal member slots, and the bracket upstanding member slots are configured to overlay the frame upstanding member slots for attaching components to the frames.

Abstract: A packaging device for grouping product items, especially semi-soft tissue paper packs (7), to a bundle of layered rows (L1, L2, L3) of said product items (7) having a supply line (1) including a main conveyor belt (5) constituently carrying and supplying a stream of product items (7) in a defined orientation along an infeed main path (6) to a transfer position (18), an elevator means (2) having a plurality of stack-forming receptacles (23) each receiving a grouped row (L1, L2, L3) of a specified number of said product items (7) in a chopped manner from the transfer position of said supply line (1) at an input end of the elevator means (2), wherein the elevator means (2) is adapted to successively displace the stacked grouped rows of product items (7) in a side-by-side relationship orthogonally to the infeed main path (6) to an output end of the elevator means (2), and an outfeed unit (3) engaging with the elevator means (2), commonly removing a specified number stacked grouped rows (L1, L2, L3) of said pr

Abstract: An apparatus for buffering objects having at least one first conveyor and at least one second conveyor, where objects enter the apparatus via the first conveyor and leave the apparatus via the second conveyor. Along a linear guide, a transfer device can be moved parallel to first and second conveyor to transfer objects from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A control means unfolds and/or retracts a rail extending on at least one side of the first and/or second conveyor, dependent on the position of the transfer device.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying at least one product comprises at least one first conveyor, which is adjacent to at least one second conveyor via a junction. The conveying direction of the first conveyor near the junction is different from the conveying direction of the second conveyor near the junction. The first conveyor has a first conveying surface and the second conveyor has a second conveying surface for supporting the product thereon. The orientation of the normal of the part of the first conveying surface adjacent to junction is substantially different from that of the normal of the part of the second conveying surface adjacent to the junction. A moving assembly is configured to move the product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor The first conveyor describes an arcuate path at least near the junction.

Abstract: A positioning element for positioning advancing food products includes an engaging member with a contact side for engaging on the products for positioning, and a displacing assembly connecting to the engaging member for intermittently displacing the engaging member in a direction which encloses an angle with the contact side of the engaging member. The engaging member of the positioning element is also provided with at least two engaging sides remote from each other to exert a positioning effect in two directions. Also disclosed is a method for positioning food products.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus and method includes providing a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes are provided, each moving along at least one of the plurality of slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. Each of the pusher shoes includes a diverting portion extending above the conveying surface. The diverting portion includes a diverting surface and a stop surface. The diverting surface contacts an article and laterally displaces that article. A lifting force is applied by the diverting surface to a portion of the article being diverted. The stop surface limits movement of the article relative to the pusher shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to deliver packets (1) comprising a pouring spout (2) to a rotating star-shaped element (3). A guiding rail (4), which co-operates with a pouring spout (2) and which is used to receive the bag in a displaceable manner, is provided with a removal end (8). The aim of the invention is to produce a device wherein delivery is simplified and high clock frequencies are ensured. As a result, an upper slider (7) engages with the bags (1) at the pouring spout (2) in the region of the removal end (8) of the guiding rail (4), and a drive unit (9) displaces the upper slider (7) between a removal position (10) on the removal end (8) of the guiding rail (4) and a delivery position (11) of the orbit of the receiving elements (12) of the star-shaped element (3).

Abstract: Provided is an angle change device for an automatic conveyor system. The angle change device includes: a slate conveyor having guiding grooves formed to cross the slate conveyor; lift units disposed to vertically cross the slate conveyer to lift a loaded material up from the guiding grooves of the slate conveyor; a forward/backward driving unit including driving sprockets between rails arranged to cross the slate conveyor between the lift units and a driving motor; a rotation guiding shaft pin; and a turntable carrier unit including a moving plate for dynamically approaching to or retreating from the slate conveyor and a rotating plate for repeatedly rotating about the rotation shaft in a clockwise and a counter clockwise at predetermined angle when the rotating guiding shaft pin catches the rotating plate while moving in a forward direction or in a backward direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the handover of bags (1) to a linear transport system (2). With a view to precise handover at high cycle frequency, such a device is advantageously designed in that a feed station (5) for individually feeding the bags (1) onto a lower transport belt (7) of the linear transport system (2), and a raisable press-on element (8) above the lower transport belt (7) are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjustment of tracks, comprising a mechanism for moving the walls in order to simultaneously adjust the width of different tracks. The device also comprises means for transverse displacement of the tracks with relation to the medial longitudinal axis of said conveyor. The means comprise a carriage arranged between the support structure for the walls and the means for moving said walls, the carriage being transversely movable using appropriate means and guided by a system of slides arranged at the level of each support structure in order to carry out said transverse displacement of the set of tracks without altering the width thereof. The above arrangement permits the guiding as necessary of lines of bottles or other things, the number of which can vary going from an even number to an odd number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer mechanism (12) for separating conveyed objects (4) out to the side from a first conveyor system (1) onto another conveyor system (14), with a pushing unit and two parallel flexible drives (15a, b) at a distance apart extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor system (1), each of which has an endless traction means (23) which can be driven, and the pushing unit has oppositely lying drivers secured to the traction means (23) and a profiled pushing element (29) which is able to slide out of an initial position at the side, adjacent to a conveyor path (6), into an operating position in the conveyor path (6).

Abstract: Discloses a positioning fence for use in lumber saw mills that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. Each paddle has a brake to hold the paddle in position. A positioning cam releases the brake to align each successive paddle to a desired lateral offset and a zeroing cam resets each paddle to a zero position.

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 distributor apparatus for products having an infeed belt and an outfeed belt which are aligned with each other in a conveying direction. A distributor belt is arranged in the conveying direction between the infeed belt and the outfeed belt and this conveyor belt is movable transversely with respect to the conveying direction. The distributor belt includes at least two belt parts which are transversely positioned with respect to each other and movable transversely in unison with each other as a unit. Two independent operable dives mechanically drive the parts of the distributor belt so that products may be outfeed from the infeed belt and to the outfeed belt in transversely arranged groups of product. By controlling the operation of the belt parts of the distributor belt, the number of transverse groups of product on the outfeed belt may be varied.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes an electrical extension and contraction drive device which is connected to a distribution guide body, so that the switching action of the distribution guide body can be performed at a high speed, with shortened response time. Hence, the apparatus can respond suitably to increase in speed of the conveyance and branching operations. Further, since only electrical power supply wires and signal wires are required as peripheral elements, distributing means can be constituted in a compact fashion.

Abstract: A loader for loading flat carton sleeves into a magazine of a carton filling machine includes a conveyor having a loading section at a height that is easily accessible to an operator standing on the floor. The loader has queuing positions in which stacks of carton sleeves are accumulated before being delivered to the magazine from a delivery section of the conveyor.

Abstract: Cigarette sticks are transferred from a cigarette maker to a filter tip attachment by a unit that includes a conveying roller made to rotate in a first feed direction and furnished with channels aligned on a second direction transverse to the first direction. Each channel accommodates a single stick, directed onto the conveying roller by way of an impeller device, and presents two longitudinal areas designed to make contact progressively with corresponding longitudinal areas of the stick as it advances into the channel, the effect being to create a chamber between the stick and the part of the channel lying between the two longitudinal areas of contact, which is connected to a source of negative pressure.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus and method includes providing a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes are provided, each moving along at least one of the plurality of slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. Each of the pusher shoes includes a diverting portion extending above the conveying surface. The diverting portion includes a diverting surface and a stop surface. The diverting surface contacts an article and laterally displaces that article. A lifting force is applied by the diverting surface to a portion of the article being diverted. The stop surface limits movement of the article relative to the pusher shoe.

Abstract: A conveyor using a roller belt with rollers arranged to rotate on oblique axes to urge articles toward a side guide. The conveyor includes an oblique-roller belt supported on a carryway for running in a direction of belt travel. Rollers extend above an outer conveying surface of the belt without contact with the carryway. Each roller rotates on an axis oblique to the direction of belt travel and intersects the side guide downstream of the roller's position. A retractable stop is movable to and from a blocking position along the carryway. In the blocking position, the stop blocks the conveyed articles from advancing in the direction of belt travel. The rollers underlying the blocked articles rotate as the belt runs by contact with the articles. The rotating rollers provide a component of force to the blocked articles directed toward the side guide to push the articles against the side guide or other articles as they accumulate under low pressure upstream of the stop.

Abstract: A unit for feeding filters to a filter assembly machine, wherein at least one deflecting device receives a respective succession of filter portions in an axial direction, and feeds the filter portions to the filter assembly machine in a transverse direction crosswise to the filter portions; the deflecting device being defined by a fixed frame supporting an input and an output, and by an extractable box fitted movably to the fixed frame and supporting a first conveying device for conveying the filter portions in the axial direction, a second conveying device for conveying the filter portions in the transverse direction, and a deflecting member for diverting the filter portions to the transverse direction.

Abstract: An installation for slicing whole loaves and packaging each sliced loaf in its entirety or in halves after splitting of the loaf that has been sliced in its entirety. The installation comprises a slicing device for slicing whole loaves, and a packaging device which is disposed downstream of the slicing device and is suitable both for packaging a sliced loaf in its entirety and for packaging sliced half loaves. Splitting means are disposed downstream of the slicing device, for splitting a sliced whole loaf into a first and a second half. Adjacent and separate first and second conveyor paths are provided between the slicing device and the packaging device, for conveying the first half and the second half respectively of a sliced loaf.

Abstract: A drop pocket system and method reorients flat articles in a serial stream, by horizontally receiving a horizontally moving, serial input stream of substantially vertically oriented flat articles, sensing reception of each flat article, engaging each sensed flat article, accelerating each engaged flat article into substantially downward movement, and conveying each flat article with the downward movement into a substantially horizontal orientation and movement.

Abstract: The thrust bars (11), which are placed behind the product in the transfer phase from a first transport line (L1) to a downstream line (L2), have an adjustable stop (12) resting against the one side of the product in the direction of travel of this product. Articulated joints (10, 10?), connect the ends of the bars to corresponding points of the upper branch or the lower branch of a parallel pair of toothed belt conveyors (T, T?) fed on pulleys with horizontal axles, which are inclined at a right angle to the conveyors (T,T?) which bridge the area between the two transport lines and which with their one branch, work in the direction running from the upstream line to the downstream line at an identical speed to each other such as to be able to effect, with the above-mentioned bars, the transfer of products from one conveyor belt to the other by rear and side thrust.

Abstract: A method and machine for transferring packets, whereby, as a continuous line of packets is fed in a first direction, the first packet in the line is transferred in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while the line and the first packet continue travelling in the first direction; the first packet is subsequently conveyed in the second direction along an output path.

Abstract: A side dump compatible material conveyor system operable to function with a material placer and spreader unit includes a conveyor support frame and a first conveyor belt mounted on the conveyor support frame. A second conveyor belt includes outer and inner ends, the second conveyor belt mounted on the conveyor support frame and extending generally perpendicular to the first conveyor belt with the outer end of the second conveyor belt positioned adjacent one end of the first conveyor belt such that material moved on the first conveyor belt is transferred to the second conveyor belt. Finally, the inner end of the second conveyor belt is positionable in front of a material placer and spreader unit such that material moved on the second conveyor belt towards the inner end thereof is deposited in front of the material placer and spreader unit for placing and spreading of the material.

Abstract: A side dump compatible material conveyor system operable to function with a material placer and spreader unit includes a conveyor support frame and a first conveyor belt mounted on the conveyor support frame. A second conveyor belt includes outer and inner ends, the second conveyor belt mounted on the conveyor support frame and extending generally perpendicular to the first conveyor belt with the outer end of the second conveyor belt positioned adjacent one end of the first conveyor belt such that material moved on the first conveyor belt is transferred to the second conveyor belt. Finally, the inner end of the second conveyor belt is positionable in front of a material placer and spreader unit such that material moved on the second conveyor belt towards the inner end thereof is deposited in front of the material placer and spreader unit for placing and spreading of the material.

Abstract: According to a method for transferring articles from a first line to a second line, situated downstream of the first one, the articles, arranged in row along the first line, are moved to a picking up pad, situated at the end of the first line and then the leading article of the row is picked up by picking up suction cups fastened to a transferring device. The transferring device transfers the article to the second conveying line, situated below, with three subsequent movements. A first movement has an almost horizontal and straight first trajectory, the second movement has a curved, descendent second trajectory, and the third movement has a straight, vertical and descendent third trajectory. The movements are performed without changing the arrangement of the article. Finally, the article is placed and released either directly above the second line, or onto previously released articles to form a pile of articles, with a corresponding series of transferring operations.