Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of horticultural products, including in series at least a first station, configured for supplying a handling and processing line with an indiscriminate mass of horticultural products, a second station, arranged along the line and configured for the acquisition of information related to at least one parameter of interest of each horticultural product in transit and for the transmission of the information to an electronic control and management unit, and a third station, arranged along the line and configured for the selective conveyance of each horticultural product in transit toward one of at least two distinct collection stations. The apparatus includes an electronic vision device, arranged along a chosen point of the line that is between the first station and the second station and is configured to count the number of horticultural products in transit.

Abstract: A method for producing smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, each comprising a respective first tobacco rod portion; the method comprises the step of cutting a second rod portion, which is four times the length of the first rod portion, crosswise so as to obtain third rod portions, which are twice the length of the first rod portion; the third rod portions are offset and aligned so as to be fed in succession; the speed at which the third rod portions are conveyed before the offsetting procedure is smaller than the speed at which they are conveyed after the offsetting procedure.

Abstract: A lumber loading system for transferring lumber pieces. The lumber loading system comprises a driving shaft rotating about a longitudinal axis; at least one lumber piece grasping assembly operatively connected to the driving shaft and rotating about the longitudinal axis; and a longitudinal positioning system connected to the at least one lumber piece grasping assembly. The at least one lumber piece grasping assembly is displaceable along the longitudinal axis and is operative to initially grasp a section of a corresponding lumber piece extending longitudinally substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, temporarily maintain the section of the lumber piece and subsequently release the lumber piece. The longitudinal positioning system moves each one of the at least one lumber piece grasping assembly independently along the longitudinal axis, during rotation thereof about the longitudinal axis. A method for simultaneous loading and longitudinal displacement of successive lumber pieces is also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) for axial centering of a rod-like article (3) or a group of rod-like articles wherein the rod-like article (3) or the group of rod-like articles is conveyed in a flute (4) situated on the circumference of a drum conveyor (5), moreover, the rod-like article (3) or the group of rod-like articles in the successive flutes (4) have the same or varying length, with the apparatus (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) being provided with pusher elements (10, 13, 20, 23, 30, 33, 40, 43) of a shifting mechanism axially acting on the rod-like article (3) or the group of rod-like articles so as to change the position of the rod-like article (3) or the groups of articles in the flute (4), characterized in that the coupled pusher elements (10, 13, 20, 23, 30, 33, 40, 43) make swinging movements having opposite senses, moreover, the pusher elements (10, 13, 20, 23, 30, 33, 40, 43) have contact surfaces (10A, 13A, 20A, 23A, 30A, 33A, 40A, 43A) adapted to axially act on the rod-like article (3) o

Abstract: The inventions relate to an apparatus for aligning and positioning pieces of food dough with predetermined orientations and at predetermined intervals, and provide an aligning and positioning apparatus that can easily adjust positions of the pieces of food dough in a perpendicular direction to a moving direction of the pieces and that can process at high speed. An aligning and positioning apparatus of the inventions includes a holding unit having a plurality of holding mechanisms to hold a plurality of pieces of food dough carried by a first conveyor, a driving mechanism of the holding mechanisms, guide members to control the positions of the holding mechanisms in the perpendicular direction when the holding mechanisms are moved by the driving mechanism, and a positioning mechanism to adjust positions of the guide members in the perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A system for grasping and retaining dishware during a cleaning cycle. The system includes a grasping element and a receiving surface substantially adjacent to the grasping element. The grasping element grasps the dishware, and the receiving surface receives and retains the dishware during at least one stage of a cleaning cycle. The receiving surface rotates about an axis to convey the dishware to at least two unique locations. A corresponding method is also described herein.

Abstract: A turnover mechanism is configured to receive and flip over parts delivered by an in-feed conveyor to an out-feed conveyor. The turnover mechanism includes a frame and a gripper assembly coupled to the frame. The gripper assembly is configured to secure and move a part having one surface treated from the in-feed conveyor. The turnover mechanism further includes a flipper assembly coupled to the frame, the flipper assembly being configured to rotate and deliver the part to the out-feed conveyor with an opposite surface of the part exposed for treatment.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a plurality of belt support assemblies each having a drive wheel assembly at one end and an idler wheel assembly at the other end. Each of the drive and idler wheel assemblies includes a motion converter for converting the rotational movement of a shaft into linear motion along the shaft and an actuator for selectively engaging the motion converter and the shaft. A controller controls the operation of the shafts and the actuators to selectively and individually control the location of each end of each belt assembly relative to one another and to a centerline of the conveyor.

Abstract: Workpieces are unloaded from a workpiece support of a sheet metal workpiece processing apparatus by positioning a blank sheet metal workpiece over a processed workpiece supported on a workpiece support, with the blank workpiece releasably held by a workpiece loader, activating a workpiece fixing device to engage an edge of the processed workpiece, and performing a relative sweeping movement between the workpiece fixing device and the workpiece support whereby the engaged processed workpiece is prevented from remaining on the workpiece support and is thereby unloaded. The workpiece fixing device is moved relative to the processed workpiece while the blank sheet metal workpiece is positioned over the processed workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating and stacking slices of food, in particular slices of cheese (2). In said method, a plurality of slices of food (2) is continuously conveyed by a feeding belt conveyor (3) such that the slices of food adjoin each other in rows. A rotating transfer roll (5) picks up the slices of food (2) from the feeding belt conveyor (3) and places same on top of each other in a stacking zone (4), the transfer roll (5) jointly accommodating a row of slices of food by means of a corresponding plurality of holding units (6). During rotation of the transfer roll, the individual slices of food (2) are separated from each other as a result of a relative movement of the holding units in the axial direction, and the separated individual slices (2) detach from the holding units (6) and are stacked on top of each other in the stacking zone (4).

Abstract: A turning mechanism for turning over workpieces includes a supporting bracket, a turning assembly, and a suction assembly. The turning assembly includes a first driving member mounted on the supporting bracket and a turning member connected to the first driving member. The suction assembly includes a plurality of suction members and a second driving member connected to the plurality of suction members. The plurality of suction members is separately mounted on the turning member. The second driving member is mounted on the supporting bracket and is capable of generating negative air pressure in the plurality of suction members to enable the plurality of suction members to suction adhere to the workpiece, thereby holding the workpiece on the turning member. The first driving member is capable of rotating the turning member to turn over the workpiece.

Abstract: Low-noise rollers in modular plastic conveyor belts. Energy-absorbing elements formed on belt rollers or in roller support structure is used to absorb the energy of impacts between rollers and the support structure. The energy-absorbing elements include resilient roller sections sandwiched between rigid sections, spring-like bent tabs on the end faces of rollers, hinged bumpers or flexible fingers between the end faces of the rollers and the roller support structure, and flexible structure protruding from the module into circumferential grooves in the outer cylindrical surface or circular grooves formed in the end faces of the rollers.

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 apparatus for separating articles susceptible to cohesive grouping includes a first collection area having an end. A first conveying device collects and conveys an array of articles in a plurality of rows toward a second collection area receiving at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area. A barrier positioned in close proximity to the end of the first collection area controls movement of the article rows between the end of the first collection area and the second collection area. A separator is positionable between the end of the first collection area and at least a portion of the second collection area. Upon the second collection area receiving the at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area, the separator maintains a spacing between the row of articles controllably positioned along the end of the first collection area by the barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating articles susceptible to cohesive grouping includes a first collection area having an end. A first conveying device collects and conveys an array of articles in a plurality of rows toward a second collection area receiving at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area. A barrier positioned in close proximity to the end of the first collection area controls movement of the article rows between the end of the first collection area and the second collection area. A separator is positionable between the end of the first collection area and at least a portion of the second collection area. Upon the second collection area receiving the at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area, the separator maintains a spacing between the row of articles controllably positioned along the end of the first collection area by the barrier.

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 system and a method for feeding articles of at least two different types to a downstream processing unit are disclosed. The conveyor system comprises an infeed unit for the articles, an arrangement zone downstream from the infeed unit, and a lane zone downstream from the arrangement zone. In the lane zone the articles are transported to the downstream processing unit in an ordered state. The infeed unit comprises at least two conveyor belts, to each of which there corresponds a direction of transport for the articles in a section of the arrangement zone, wherein the directions of transport enclose an angle between them.

Abstract: In an apparatus for separating parts arranged for example in at least two adjacent rows and including a transfer device, which is provided with at least two holding elements which pick up the parts in a first position and deposit them in a second position 5b, guide tracks are provided by which the distance at which the holding elements are disposed adjacent one another is changeable during the transport of the parts from the first position to the second position.

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: 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 invention relates to an apparatus for the conveying of homogenized products having an n-track conveying section and a single-track conveying section adjoining it, wherein at least n+1 individual conveyors extending parallel to one another in a conveying plane adjoin the end of the n-track conveying section.

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 system and a method are for lengthwise positioning of transversally-oriented elongated articles as they are being longitudinally conveyed, the system and method comprising sliding a laterally extending end of the elongated article against a fence oriented in a converging angle relative to the conveyor, to thereby displace the elongated article lengthwisely. The fence is comprised of a plurality of adjacent gates which can be individually moved out of interference with the elongated article once the elongated article has been lengthwisely displaced to the desired transversal position. The fence can be provided as a fence assembly having the plurality of gates mounted to a common base, and having a plurality of actuators each connected between the base and a respective gate for moving the gate.

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: Conveyor drum for receiving axially aligned articles that are conveyed in a cross-axial direction toward the conveyor drum. Conveyor drum includes a separation device for changing a longitudinal axial spacing of the articles by a predetermined longitudinal axial separation, and an adjustment device structured and arranged to adjust the predetermined longitudinal axial separation. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

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 unit (1) for transferring articles (1a) from a machine (MI) for producing the articles to a packaging machine (MA) includes a plurality of hoppers (4a) for receiving the articles (1a). The hoppers (4a) are situated between an outlet station (3) of the producing machine (MI) and an inlet station (6) of the packaging machine (MA). The hoppers (4a) are arranged at a variable distance from one another and move alternatively between a first working configuration (A), in which the hoppers (4a) are moved closer to each other, in order to be situated in the region of, and in registry with, an outlet station (3) of the producing machine (MI), so as to receive the articles (1a), and a second working configuration (B), in which the hoppers (4a) are moved far from each other, in order to be situated in the region of, and in registry with, an inlet station (6) of the packaging machine (MA), so as to transfer the articles (1a) to the inlet station (6).

Abstract: An adjustable lane guide system comprising: 1) first and second generally parallel and spaced apart support bars; 2) a plurality of lane guides generally perpendicular to the support bars; and 3) a plurality of adjustable attachment mechanisms joining the lane guides to the first and second support bars. Each of the adjustable attachment mechanisms comprises a bearing block that engages the support bars; a pair of opposing wings on either side of the bearing block also engaging the support bars and each having first and second ends, the first ends hingeably attached to the bearing block and the second ends flared by a spring located between the pair of opposed wings such that pressure applied to each of the second ends causes the wings to be drawn toward each other against the pressure of the spring thereby allowing the adjustment mechanisms to move laterally along the support bar so that the distance between adjacent lane guides can be changed along the first and second support bars.

Abstract: Commercial production transport systems, mechanisms, and guides for food processing are configured so as to automate food transport. The system can direct food to travel serially over side-by-side predetermined travel lanes using one or more of a pick-up mechanism and/or router guide channels to pick-up and/or laterally translate the food product form the first travel lane to the second travel lane so that it travels greater than one, and typically a plurality, of revolutions about a tier or level in a vertically stacked food processing unit before moving to the next tier. Associated methods redirect and/or laterally translate food being transported in an automated food processing system.

Abstract: A board process unit includes end supports, pulleys rotatably mounted on the end supports, a carrying belt extending around the pulleys for holding a process board, two parallel screw shafts mounted at opposite sides of the carrying belt, a servomotor for rotating the screw shafts, two moving members each having a boss engaging a screw shaft, first cylinders mounted on the moving members, grasping members mounted relative to the moving members by the cylinders for movement toward and away from the moving members, such that both ends of the carrying belt are adapted to be grasped by the grasping members by moving the cylinders respectively mounted on the moving members, pushing rollers for pushing a process board positioned on the carrying belt, second cylinders for moving the pushing rollers into engagement with the process board, and a processing unit for processing the process board.

Abstract: Commercial production transport systems, mechanisms, and guides for food processing are configured so as to automate food transport. The system can direct food to travel serially over side-by-side predetermined travel lanes using one or more of a pick-up mechanism and/or router guide channels to pick-up and/or laterally translate the food product form the first travel lane to the second travel lane so that it travels greater than one, and typically a plurality, of revolutions about a tier or level in a vertically stacked food processing unit before moving to the next tier. Associated methods redirect and/or laterally translate food being transported in an automated food processing system.

Abstract: For transforming a supply stream (2), in which stream elements (1) each comprising one flat object or a group of flat objects lying on top of one another, are conveyed overlapping one another, and in which the stream elements are essentially oriented parallel to the conveying direction (F), during unchanged onward conveyance, every stream element (1) is gripped in a same location which in the conveying direction (F) is situated in the centre of the element and in which location the element is not overlapped by adjacent elements (1) and every stream element is then displaced transverse to the conveying direction (F), the spatial element orientation remaining essentially unchanged. The displacement is different for successive stream elements (1) in a predefined sequence. For gripping the stream elements (1) in a clamping manner, in particular clamping elements (5.1) are used, which are capable of being displaced transverse to the conveying direction (F) along guide links (6).

Abstract: Conveyor drum for receiving axially aligned articles that are conveyed in a cross-axial direction toward the conveyor drum. Conveyor drum includes a separation device for changing a longitudinal axial spacing of the articles by a predetermined longitudinal axial separation, and an adjustment device structured and arranged to adjust the predetermined longitudinal axial separation. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A paper sorting device for an image forming apparatus is capable of sorting printed paper in a zigzag pattern. The paper sorting device for the image forming apparatus has a rotating shaft which is rotated by a driving force from a driving force source, a hollow shaft into which the rotating shaft is slidably inserted so that the hollow shaft rotates with, and is reciprocated on, the rotating shaft, and reciprocating means for reciprocating the hollow shaft. Since printed paper is ejected by the reciprocating movement, the paper is automatically sorted in a zigzag pattern.

Abstract: A multi-row type internal quality inspection device is arranged to adjust spacing intervals between the columns of receiving trays arranged in rows on a conveyer to the column spacing intervals of a supply conveyor at the start part on the entrance side of a transport path; to have the spacing intervals between the receiving trays become wider at an inspection area provided at an intermediate part of the transport path to allow light projecting means and light receiving means to be arranged there in the lateral direction with respect to inspection objects on the receiving trays for adequate inspection of internal quality of the objects through transmission light obtained through them; and, at the end point on the exit side of the transport path, to have the spacing intervals narrowed and adjusted to the column spacing internals of a conveyor of a next process of sorting on the exit side of the transport path.

Abstract: For transporting bottles with a carrying ring in the neck region, particularly PET bottles, along a specified path of motion through processing stations (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), of a processing installation particularly a bottle-filling installation, in each case a number of bottles (8), grouped in a row (9) transversely to the direction of transport (20), is transported by a carrier (13) and positioned relative to the latter. The carriers (13) can be moved by conveying chains (11) or similar driving means at uniform intervals consecutively from a bottle feeding station (1) past at least one processing station, especially a filling station, to a bottle delivery station (7) and, from there, empty back to the bottle feeding station. As carrier for a row (9) of bottles (8), a cellular board-like flat carrying strip (13) is provided.

Abstract: The furnace comprises a tubular inner chamber for the treatment of the raw material, mounted inside the enveloping body of the furnace which is insulated from the exterior and is provided with internal resistor systems for heating the chamber of the furnace by radiation, comprising means for feeding raw material at one end and means for controlling the output of completed product at the other end of the treatment chamber of the furnace, inside which a worm screw, driven in rotation from the exterior, is mounted rotatably, respective percussion devices being incorporated in the ends of the screw to prevent compaction of the mass on the screw.

Abstract: A plurality of packages and/or products disposed next to each other transverse to the transport direction can be transported together by a transport device in a packaging machine. A guiding device facilitates a change in the mutual sideward separations of the packages and/or products transverse to the transport direction. In order to prevent a retardation of the products in the guiding device, the guiding device has a plurality of conveyor belts disposed next to each other and extending in the transport direction, each for the acceptance of one package and/or one product which are slanted with respect to each other in such a manner that their mutual separation transverse to the transport direction increases in the transport direction. The conveyor belts are substantially of equal lengths and are driven by a common drive device.

Abstract: In an apparatus for connecting two workpieces (1) together by a welded seam, the workpieces are held in a welding station between opposed tracks consisting of a plurality of members. The tracks run around guide rollers in a conveying direction. A clearance (a) between the guide rollers which come first in the conveying direction can be changed upon insertion of the workpieces between the tracks.

Abstract: The spacing between the neighboring ends of successive pairs of coaxial plain cigarettes of unit length is changed during sidewise transport by two endless belt conveyors which diverge or converge relative to the direction of advancement of the pairs of cigarettes, namely at right angles to the common longitudinal axes of the pairs of cigarettes. If the spacing is to be increased, for example to provide room for filter plugs of double unit length in a filter tipping machine, the extent of axial movement of the cigarettes of each pair can be limited by lateral conveyors which flank, and are driven at the same speed as and at right angles to the axes of, the pairs of cigarettes approaching the station where the cigarettes are removed from the conveyors.

Abstract: A spacing device for spreading stamped material, especially soap bars, during transfer from a stamping process to a packaging process comprises a train of at least a first and last coupled carriages mounted for movement along an axis and coupled together to allow spacing therebetween upon movement of one of the carriages. A single driving mechanism is provided to move the first carriage along the axis. An actuating mechanism, such as a rack and pinion or a crank lever, is operably connected to the first carriage such that when the driving mechanism moves the first carriage along the axis, the actuating mechanism moves the last carriage along the axis in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first carriage, thereby spacing the train of carriages apart.

Abstract: In a baking oven comprising at least one hearth, a baking conveyor belt, which is guided over a deflection roller, is allocated to each hearth. The deflection roller is extended out of the baking oven through openings where it is lodged for displacement in the direction of the oven. A sealing arrangement is provided for this opening to be sealed, comprising a base plate and a sealing disk resting tightly thereon. The sealing disk is pivotally supported on the deflection roller and simultaneously lodged in a guiding groove in the base plate by means of a guide pin. The edge of the sealing disk is shaped such that on the one hand it covers the opening in all the positions of displacement and on the other hand is displaced in the direction of displacement only by a length which is considerably shorter than the length of displacement of the deflection roller.

Abstract: A pair of parts formed in a first stamping operation is removed from a first die press and placed on a separator assembly carried by a shuttle. As the parts are carried by the shuttle to a pair of secondary die presses, they are transversely separated by a stationary cam and a pair of cam followers carried by the shuttle. Once separated, the parts are automatically transferred into the secondary die presses.

Abstract: A partition control assembly within a continuous-motion automatic packaging machine receives and controls the motion of partitions which are ejected at high speeds from a partition ejection mechanism for insertion between preconfigured groups of articles disposed on a flight conveyor in the machine. The partition control assembly includes a first member having a contoured guiding surface for receiving a leading edge of the partition and for guiding the partition into a lateral, downward direction in relation to the partition ejector. Disposed opposite the first member is a second member which includes a control surface disposed opposite the contoured guiding surface, creating an interior control space between the control and contoured guiding surfaces.

Abstract: A filter tipped cigarette making machine and method in which spaced apart generally cylindrical components are supplied to flutes in processing drums. Gaps between the components are partially closed in a motion limiting spreader drum.

Abstract: Process and device for conveying objects on transport pallets along a circuit by altering the spacing (e, E) between the objects in order to pass through at least one work station (2, 3). The spacing is altered by longitudinally separating the pallets (4) in order to pass from a first interval, which can be non-existent, to a second interval (X) which can be adjusted. For this purpose, a station (7) is provided which laterally transfers groups of pallets (29, 39, 31, 32) between two sections of parallel tracks (5, 6). The groups are transversally separated stepwise by a ram (17), the pallets of a group (30) are then separated by engaging elements (22, 23) and driven together by a comb mechanism (26). Application in manufacturing, assembly or processing plants using pallet conveying mechanism, especially for the manufacture of containers blow-moulded from preforms.

Abstract: A process and device for conveying articles, such as boxes of confectionery products. The articles, which initially advance on a plurality of parallel paths, are firstly ordered into rows such that they slide on a surface of a plate under the action of motor-driven entrainment strips or blades. When they pass onto a conveyor which acts transversely relative to the general direction of advance of the articles on the plate, the rows are made compact and the articles are urged against a side restraint plate. The articles can then be withdrawn from the compact rows in a predetermined number when the rows themselves pass in correspondence with further motor-driven conveyors which act transverse the general entrainment line of the articles. The withdrawal operation can be repeated several times, the rows having been made compact in the interim urging the articles against the side plate again.

Abstract: A compacting unit for groups of flat products arranged side by side on edge, wherein the groups are transported on a conveyor, with the products in each group housed axially separate inside a transverse pocket moving with the conveyor, and are successively engaged by a compacting device featuring a pair of opposed compacting arms. Each compacting arm presents an operating end, and is operated cyclically so that, for each cycle, the operating end is aligned with a pocket of a group, travels with and penetrates inside the pocket, and moves along the pocket towards the operating end of the other arm so as to move the products in the respective group transversely into contact with one another.

Abstract: A loader for an automatic brick placing machine consisting of a frame (14) attached to a receptacle (10) of the machine to move with it. The loader having a plurality of stations for the reception of bricks for loading into the receptacle and an arrangement of rollers, stops and conveyors (16, 17, 20, 22) to space the bricks apart at an appropriate distance and to move them towards the receptacle while arranging the bricks in such a manner that bricks in the correct positions and quantities are fed to the receptacle (10) to form a brick panel of a predetermined configuration. The whole being controlled by a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the distance between successive pairs of coaxial plain or filter cigarettes has a first rotary conveyor with axially parallel peripheral flutes which deliver pairs of cigarettes to a transfer station, a second rotary conveyor which receives one cigarette of each pair from the first conveyor by way of a third rotary conveyor and which receives the other cigarette of each pair from a delivering unit positioned to simultaneously move each other cigarette axially of and away from the one cigarette. The delivery unit has two parallel discs which are coupled to each other by cranks having pins provided with flutes for the transfer of other cigarettes from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. The discs rotate about a common axis or about parallel axes inclined relative to the axes of rotation of the first, second and third conveyors.