Abstract: Provided is a device for processing containers, in particular plastic containers, including at least one container-processing apparatus, which has at least one changeover access entry, at which at least one of format parts and tools can be exchanged during changeover operation, and including a transport system, by means of which the at least one of format parts and tools can be brought to the at least one container-processing apparatus. The transport system is a driverless transport system, by which the format parts and/or tools can be automatically brought to at least one container-processing apparatus.

Abstract: The wrapping machine includes a feed path of products to be wrapped in a wrapping sheet. An insertion station of products to be wrapped in a wrapping sheet, and folding members of the wrapping sheet are arranged along the feed path. A conveyor device receives the products in the insertion station and causes their feed through the folding members. The conveyor device includes a system of endless flexible members that define a closed trajectory along which carriages move. The machine also includes a magazine of carriages associated with the system of flexible members and manipulators adapted to pick up carriages from the magazine and attach them to the system of flexible members, and to pick up carriages from the system of flexible members and place them in the magazine.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting capsules within a machine for preparing capsules for producing capsules. Housings, wherein each housing is configured to house a capsule for producing beverages, and wherein the housings comprise at least a first housing for holding a first capsule and a second housing for holding a second capsule, wherein the second capsule is different in size and/or shape from the first capsule. Seats are configured to receive one of the housings with each seat configured to receive either the first housing or the second housing. An extractor extracts the first housing from a seat in which it is received. An insertor inserts the second housing into the seat. A machine for preparing capsules for producing beverages in which such a transport system is implemented is also presented.

Abstract: A load assembly includes a supply mechanism structured to supply a plurality of container closures, and a conveyance assembly comprising a star wheel including a number of load pockets structured to receive the container closures and move the container closures from the supply mechanism to a processing assembly. The star wheel has an outer perimeter. Each of the load pockets is structured to receive a corresponding one of the container closures inboard of the outer perimeter of the star wheel.

Abstract: A conveying equipment (50) includes a first conveyance line (60) having a first upper rotation conveyance unit (61a) and a first lower rotation conveyance unit (61b) and a second conveyance line (70) having a second upper rotation conveyance unit (71a) and a second lower rotation conveyance unit (71b). In the conveying equipment (50), between the first conveyance line (60) and the second conveyance line (70), an adjustment rotation conveyance unit (80) that rotates while gripping at least one of a flange upper portion (17a) and a flange lower portion (17b) of a bottle (10) is provided. The adjustment rotation conveyance unit (80) has an upper gripping part (81a) that is provided to be openable and closable and grips the flange upper portion (17a), and a lower gripping part (81b) that is provided to be openable and closable and grips the flange lower portion (17b).

Abstract: A device for transporting containers in a beverage filling plant is provided. The device has at least one first clamp, which can be pivoted between an open switching position and a closed switching position and is disposed in a pivoting plane, for holding a container of a first container size, and one second clamp, which can be pivoted between an open switching position and a closed switching position and is disposed in the pivoting plane, for holding a container of a second container size. A first control cam is provided for controlling the switching position of the first clamp and a second control cam is provided for controlling the switching position of the second clamp. The first control cam is disposed in a first control plane parallel to the pivoting plane, and the second control cam is disposed in a second control plane parallel to the pivoting plane. The first control plane and the second control plane are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: An adjustable container handling device for handling containers, such as beverage bottles, comprising at least a turntable, format parts, and a star wheel conveyor comprising pockets.

Abstract: A container handling arrangement for handling beverage containers, including glass beverage bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a rotating conveyor element with container holders arranged around a circumference thereof for moving containers between container positions, and a securing installation that suspends the conveyor element. The securing installation includes a structural element that forms an axis of rotation. A projecting portion of the structural element projects beyond the conveyor element's underside. A functional element, which is either a transfer installation or a guiding element is held at this projecting portion so that it can interact with the conveyor element.

Abstract: A container-handling installation includes an exchangeable format part for guiding containers, and a catch closure for connecting the format part in a releasable manner to a locking device. The catch closure has a catch on an upper format plane. The catch rotates between a first, in which it releases the format part, and a second position, in which it locks it. The catch closure fixes and braces the format part and locking device, which is oriented around the catch closure, has a vertical web with a locking tab corresponding to the catch. A connecting device arranged on a side of the locking device opposite the locking tab fixes the locking device to a body of the container-handling installation.

Abstract: A container transport device includes a drive driving a star wheel mounted on bearings within a hollow column that is part of the machine frame. The star wheel comprises two star wheel elements, one forming the leading flanks and the other forming trailing flanks. The two elements adjust to define an angular offset between them. During transport, the elements rotate synchronously while maintaining the angular offset. The hollow column encloses all function elements for setting or maintaining an angular offset, thus protecting them from exterior influence.

Abstract: A conveyor device having a rotor and container carriers that suspend containers around the rotor includes a container support to support the sides of the suspended containers. The container support has an outer container guide with a height-adjustable outer container support surface that defines a tapered surface surrounding a machine axis about which the rotor rotates. The outer container support surface supports the containers on a radially outward portion of their surface and an inner container support surface supports the containers on a radially inward position of their lateral surface. The two support surfaces define a receptacle that receives the container's base. The receptacles width decreases as a function of distance from the container carriers. The inner container support surface is height-adjustable for adapting the container support device to different container base diameters.

Abstract: A handling device for handling workpieces including a rotor mounted for rotation about a rotor axis, a rotary drive for introducing a rotary motion into the rotor and at least one workholder assembly, the workholder assembly including at least two workholders, which are mounted on the rotor and designed for an at least paired picking up of workpieces at a pickup position and for an at least paired delivery of workpieces at a delivery position during the rotary motion of the rotor, and further including adjusting system, which is coupled to at least one workholder of the workholder assembly, and which is designed for a cyclical adjustment of a spacing of workholders of the workholder assembly as a function of the rotary motion of the rotor.

Abstract: An elevation change mechanism is disclosed for adjusting the elevation of a rotatable element of a rotary device in a direction parallel to the axis about which the rotatable element rotates. The rotary device can be: a filler, capper, labeler, a star wheel conveyor, or other rotary device. In some cases, the same motor that rotates the rotary device about the axis is used to move the elevation change mechanism in a direction parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A container handling machine includes transport stars and a container transfer station between adjacent stars. The container transfer station has a drive element arranged between two adjacent stars for moving them relative to each other in a way that results in centers of the adjacent stars being moved relative to each other according to an ascertainable and operationally-induced deviation during operation of the container handling machine.

Abstract: Handling arrangement for handling individual containers or groups of containers having movable container handling structures for handling containers being moved thereby. Each of the container handling structures is adjustable using one or more positioning devices. Upon changing container types and/or container groupings, the container handling structures can be adjusted in their positions so as to handle the different containers.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspection of containers including a circular star wheel conveyor having a plurality of intermediate annular inspection pockets and at least one non-inspection position. The method includes the steps of providing an outfeed stripper configured to engage a container disposed in the non-inspection position aligning the outfeed stripper inside the circumference of the star wheel conveyor and aligning the outfeed stripper with the conveyor and with the rotational path of the star wheel. Positioning an outfeed mechanism adjacent to the star wheel conveyor and operating the outfeed mechanism at a desired conveyor speed. Controlling the movement of the star wheel conveyor to align the container with the outfeed stripper and the outfeed mechanism only at the non-inspection position regardless of the number of angular inspection positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable star wheel provided with at least one interchangeable pocket for receiving a container to be conveyed. The star wheel comprises a larger pocket of fixed shape and size, moveable jaws defining a smaller pocket having a fixed shape and size, an actuator disc rotatable about the central axis, and a cam mechanism linking the jaws to the actuator disc to cause radial movement of the jaws. In an extended position, the jaws move the smaller pocket into coincidence with the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the smaller pocket. In the retracted position, the jaws are clear of the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the larger pocket.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus with a first conveyor and a second conveyor is used a the welding apparatus and a welding method for container bodies and in particular can bodies between which conveyors the object to be welded is handed over. A control unit determines the take over position and/or the conveying travel of the second conveyor and controls the conveyors accordingly, so that the take over occurs at the determined position and/or with the determined conveying travel of the second conveyor. This allows an easy and swift changing of the welding apparatus to different sizes of the objects to be welded.

Abstract: A conveyor device, in particular for an automatic packaging machine for paper rolls, having a horizontal plane of advance, at least one pair of motorized flexible transmission members extending along a closed loop and bearing a plurality of transverse bars fastened to said flexible transmission members, a plurality of thruster elements borne by said bars, and a stationary adjustment station provided with at least one adjustment assembly having a grip organ movable in transverse direction and arranged in such a way as to displace in the transverse direction along the respective bar a thruster element positioned at the grip organ.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: A guide element for containers includes partial guide elements that can be interconnected by a connecting element having first and second partial connecting elements that can be force-locked together. One of the partial connecting elements includes a lockable receptacle into which the other partial connecting element can be inserted by its insertion end, the insertion end corresponding to the receptacle, such that the first partial connecting element, when in an unlocked condition, is held securely in position and supported by the second partial connecting element, and one partial connecting element is held securely in position on the other partial connecting element by form-fit when the lockable receptacle is locked.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus with a first conveyor and a second conveyor is used a the welding apparatus and a welding method for container bodies and in particular can bodies between which conveyors the object to be welded is handed over. A control unit determines the take over position and/or the conveying travel of the second conveyor and controls the conveyors accordingly, so that the take over occurs at the determined position and/or with the determined conveying travel of the second conveyor. This allows an easy and swift changing of the welding apparatus to different sizes of the objects to be welded.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly for receiving and holding in place flexible containers in the upright position while the flexible containers are being transported on a conveyor. The receptacle assembly includes a guide supporting two supports, an adjustment mechanism, and a plurality of transport receptacles. Each transport receptacle includes two side supports, each of which are mounted on one of the supports. The supports are capable of being selectively displaced with respect to each other by operation of the adjustment mechanism, which allows the transport receptacle to be adjusted to receive and hold flexible containers of various sizes and configurations.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable star wheel and guide rail assembly for use with containers being processed on an automated handling line between machines such as rotary packaging machines. Star wheels derive their name from their general shape. The star wheels of this invention have fingers that support containers, such that they convey the containers as the star wheel rotates. Conveniently, the fingers of the present invention may be set in any position within their range of movement. In addition, a supporting guide rail may be adjusted, for example by rotation on cams. Thus, the fingers and the guide rail may be set to convey containers of varying sizes while keeping the container's centers travelling along the centerline of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting containers may include a transport body having at least two segments. The transport body is arranged such that it can rotate about a predefined geometric axis of rotation. The transport body has a plurality of openings and, on its outer circumference, a plurality of recesses for receiving at least one region of the containers to be transported. The apparatus comprises a plurality of holding bodies for holding the transport body. An extension direction of the holding bodies extends at an angle other than 0° relative to a plane of the transport body. At least one engagement region of each of the holding bodies is arranged in each case in one of the openings.

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: A method of transporting containers, each comprising a body having a bottom and, at its opposite end, a mouth, the method comprising the steps of: supporting each container over a portion only of its bottom by means of a support that is movable with the container, and centering the mouth of the container on a container travel path, the centering being provided by clamping a portion of the container in the neighborhood of its mouth; and moving the containers as supported in this way.

Abstract: A star wheel for a bottle-processing machine, such as a filling machine, labeling machine or the like, includes a support fixed to a motor shaft and a wheel that is removably fixed to the support. The wheel has a base and a handling ring for the bottles, the handling ring being removably fixed to the base. The handling ring includes a primary sector and a removable sector which can be assembled with the primary sector.

Abstract: A conveyor device, in particular for an automatic packaging machine for paper rolls, having a horizontal plane of advance, at least one pair of motorized flexible transmission members extending along a closed loop and bearing a plurality of transverse bars fastened to said flexible transmission members, a plurality of thruster elements borne by said bars, and a stationary adjustment station provided with at least one adjustment assembly having a grip organ movable in transverse direction and arranged in such a way as to displace in the transverse direction along the respective bar a thruster element positioned at the grip organ.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable star wheel provided with at least one interchangeable pocket for receiving a container to be conveyed. The star wheel comprises a larger pocket of fixed shape and size, moveable jaws defining a smaller pocket having a fixed shape and size, an actuator disc rotatable about the central axis, and a cam mechanism linking the jaws to the actuator disc to cause radial movement of the jaws. In an extended position, the jaws move the smaller pocket into coincidence with the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the smaller pocket. In the retracted position, the jaws are clear of the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the larger pocket.

Abstract: A device for receiving and transporting articles, in particular syringes and the like, of a type comprising a transfer carousel destined to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis peripherally bearing a series of seatings for receiving single articles from a supply station and for transferring the articles to a receiving station. The seatings are fashioned from respective shaped and recessed surfaces realized on respective appendages peripherally associated to the carousel and elastically deformable such as to absorb any variations in size of the articles.

Abstract: A rotary conveyor (1) utilized in equipment (Ia) for filling containers (2) with liquid or powder products comprises a supporting shaft (8) aligned on a longitudinal axis (X) and coupled to relative drive components (10) associated with the shaft (8), by which the shaft is set in rotation about the axis (X), also a support element (11) keyed to the shaft (8), presenting a peripheral rim (12) with a plurality of slots (13) each designed to accommodate a container (2) transferred from a transport and/or processing device (3) forming part of the equipment (1a). The slots (13) incorporate restraining components (14) consisting in grippers (15) capable of movement between a position of engagement, in which the containers (2) are locked to the support element (11), and a position of disengagement in which no restraining force is applied to the containers (2).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish.

Abstract: The invention finds application in the field of machines for orienting and aligning empty plastic bottles or containers and particularly relates to a star wheel conveyor for unloading the bottles or containers from such a machine. The conveyor (1) is of the type having a plurality of box-like pockets which have a slit through which negative pressure is generated in the pocket to hold the container. Particularly, each pocket (7) is interchangeable and may be quick-connected to the star wheel structure to allow replacement thereof when changing the container format.

Abstract: A support structure for a receiver (18) which is provided on a hanger arm for supporting an object to be conveyed and the position of which can be switched is simplified. A suspension conveyance apparatus has a long hole (31) provided at a shaft support section for a parallel link (24) that laterally movably supports a receiver (18) and permitting vertical movement of the receiver (18), a spring (28a) for urging the receiver (18) to a direction to pull down the receiver (18) on to a receiver support member (21a), an engagement member (33) provided on the receiver supporting member (21a) side, and two inner and outer engagement recesses (32a, 32b) arranged on the receiver (18) side so as to engage with the engagement member (33) when the receiver (18) is at both inner and outer positions (P1, P2), at a level at which the receiver (18) is supported by the receiver support member (21a).

Abstract: An adjustable star wheel device for the indexing of items of differing sizes for use in a manufacturing process such as the attaching of outserters to containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device of the transport device of a soldering apparatus for the conveying of printed-circuit boards with at least two revolving, endless transport chains, said transport chains running in guide rails in the transport zone and each passing through two guide elements at the ends of the transport zone, wherein, for adaptation to the width of the respective printed-circuit boards, the guide elements are mounted on a carrier such as to be displaccable transverse to the conveying direction. The guide elements, each associated with a respective conveying chain, are interconnected by flexible tension elements, said tension elements being adjustable with regard to their tensile stress and running parallel to the respective conveying chain in the transport zone, the value of the tensile stress being so highly adjusted that the tension elements prevent the guide rails from deviating from a straight line.

Abstract: A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.

Abstract: Replaceable component carriers (40) are adapted to be freely floating in belt apertures (74) and have alignment features (160), such as conical holes (170), mated to features (162), such as tapered pins (184), in processing stations to temporarily hold a carrier (40) and its components (10), such as resistors, in a fixed position during various processes, such as termination. The carriers (40) include a rigid substructure (50) and a more elastic coating (60) to provide receiving holes (46) that can be adapted to hold particular components (10). The carriers (40) can be replaced without removing the belt (72), whenever differently shaped holes (46) are desired or become too worn to reliably handle components (10), thereby reducing damage risk, replacement cost, and operational down time of the belt (72).

Abstract: A device for transferring containers wherein the containers (12) are transferred on an arc-shaped path about a central axis (A1) of the transfer device (10), which device includes at least a support wheel (20) and a guide wheel (24) driven with the same rotational movement about the axis (A1) of the device, and wherein the guide wheel (24) has a periphery, cells whereof the dimensions are adapted to the dimension of the containers (12) to be transferred. The guide wheel (24) includes a device for varying the dimension of the cells so as to adapt them to the dimensions of the containers (12) to be transferred.

Abstract: A turntable for the treatment of container for fillable goods with receiving places (1) for the container and with at least one treatment unit for the container received in the receiving places (1). In such a generic turntable the arrangement of several treatment units is enabled in that the receiving places (1) are arranged in interior carrousels (2) arranged on the turntable, the interior carrousels (2) are provided with rotary drives for rotating the receiving places (1) on at least two predetermined radii (3, 4, 5) of the turntable and at least one treatment unit each for the container is arranged on the predetermined radii (3, 4, 5).

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 conveyor (1) for containers (2) includes a first and second endless metallic belt (5a, 5b), which are arranged side by side and parallel, and which are mounted on respective driving pulleys having parallel axes. The metallic belts are operated to move with the same velocity in a predetermined forward movement direction (W). Operating means adjust the mutual angular positioning of the driving pulleys. A plurality of retaining elements, first (6a) and second (6b), are removably fastened to the respective metallic belts (5a, 5b) to define corresponding seats (7) for receiving and. housing the containers (2), The longitudinal dimension of each of the seats (7) can be changed by acting on the operating means. With a maximum width (200) of the longitudinal dimension of each seat (7), the first and second retaining elements (6a, 6b) defining the seat (7) are situated one beside the other and partially overlapped.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a back-up plate up/down apparatus in which a back-up plate is ascended or descended without rocking, maintaining a parallel state. The back-up plate up/down apparatus includes a base plate; guide blocks installed with a constant distance to the base plate; a first driving cylinder installed between the guide blocks; fixed blocks installed with a constant distance to both ends of the base plate and having rotating shafts inserted to both ends thereof; rotating links, in which the rotating shaft is inserted to an end thereof and a connecting member is connected to the other end thereof; a second driving cylinder connected to the connecting members by means of a rod; holders fixed at rods of other connecting members slidably and for fixing the back-up plate; and sensors installed to the holders with a constant distance.