Abstract: A transfer apparatus has a first conveying device for holding and conveying a transferring-work to be transferred; a second conveying device for holding and conveying a carrier work on which the transferring-work is placed; and a transfer device to receive the transferring-work from the first conveying device and transfer the transferring-work to the carrier work of the second conveying device. The transfer device has two or more end-effectors that revolve along the same circumference to convey the transferring-work, and each of the end-effectors revolves independently of the other end-effectors. Each of the end-effectors has a holding surface that holds the transferring-work, and the holding surface is able to advance and retract along a revolution axis of each of the end-effectors.

Abstract: A driving assembly for driving panels and plate elements in general to be processed comprises a central framework for supporting a driving chain continuously entrained on a driving pulley and an idle pulley, a plurality of panel driving shoes being coupled to the chain. The main feature of the invention is that the driving assembly further comprises, on a portion of an active arm of the driving chain, actuator elements for removing the drive shoes from a panel sliding plane, to allow a processing tool to perform a lot of desired machining operations on the panels.

Abstract: An upstream side wheel includes grippers B which do not perform opening and closing operations for themselves, and a downstream side wheel includes grippers A each having an opening and closing mechanism, and in a delivery position in which both the wheels are adjacent to each other, a plastic bottle 1 is delivered from the gripper B to the gripper A. Here, if the upstream side wheel or the downstream side wheel abnormally stops, the grippers A are switched from a use state to a retreat state. Thereby, interference between plastic bottles gripped by the upstream side grippers and the grippers of the downstream side wheel is avoided. Even if one of the wheels abnormally stops, the other wheel can be continuously operated without increasing the equipment in size.

Abstract: A system and method for machining an elongate workpiece in a plurality of work cells are provided. The work cells are positioned along a substantially linear process flow path so that the work operations can be performed on different lengthwise portions of the workpiece simultaneously. A transport system advances the workpiece from an infeed system along the process flow path, thereby moving the lengthwise portions of the workpiece successively through the work cells. The transport system includes a plurality of pallets that can be engaged to the workpiece so that the workpiece is supported by the pallets throughout at least part of the machining system.

Abstract: An article transport device comprises an endless revolving body that is configured to move along a cyclic path in a substantially horizontal direction; a plurality of article supports each of which supports an article, wherein the article supports move together with the endless revolving body with the supports spaced apart from each other in a traveling direction; a support mechanism for supporting the article supports to the endless revolving body such that the article supports can move between a transport position adjacent the endless revolving body and an away position spaced apart from the transport position; and a guide mechanism for causing at least some of the article supports to move from the transport position to the away position and to move from the away position to the transport position, at an article delivering location or an article receiving location along the cyclic path of the endless revolving body.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier device for loose placement on friction or chain conveyors, comprising at least one motion element with a friction surface in contact with the friction conveyor or with a form-fit element cooperating with the chain conveyor for transmitting movement through friction forces or form-fit engagement, respectively, a carrier element for receiving a workpiece, said carrier element being connected with the motion element, and at least one supporting element for absorbing at least a part of the workpiece weight, said supporting element being connected with the carrier element and being independent of the motion element, wherein at least two motion elements are provided that are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Method for changing the pitch between discrete entities conveyed in succession between a device for feeding the entities at an initial spacing pitch provided between two entities fed in succession and a device for receiving the entities at a final pitch substantially greater than the initial pitch. The method including transporting the discrete entities by a variable pitch feed screw device configured to receive the entities downstream of the device for feeding the entities, the screw including a groove in which the entities are capable of being housed and displaced, so that the pitch between two entities received by the screw is increased downstream of the screw as far as an intermediate pitch; and transferring and gripping the entities at the intermediate pitch by a wheel for changing the pitch, configured to transfer the entities into the receiving device at the final pitch.

Abstract: Filter elements made up of least two axially aligned plugs are advanced in succession by a feed unit along a first path and in a first direction, with the plugs oriented along a second direction transverse to the first direction, toward a garniture section extending along a second horizontal path and in a third direction, on which they are formed into at least one continuous rod which is then divided up by a rotary cutter into single composite filters. A transfer unit linking the feed unit and the garniture section comprises a conveyor, rotatable about a first axis parallel to the second direction, equipped with carriers each presenting at least one slot designed to admit one filter element; the single carriers are pivotable independently relative to the conveyor about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and about a third axis transverse to the first axis, alternating between positions in which the slot extends parallel with the second direction and with the third direction.

Abstract: Rotary device for transferring containers, with a base (21) rotating about an axis (23) and supporting a mobile assembly (25) comprising: a main arm (26) pivoting (27) on the base, a gripping pincer (30) at the free end of the main arm, and a rotary roller (32) which is solidly connected to the main arm and interacts with a fixed curvilinear cam (33) with a closed contour; the pivot shaft (27) and the free end of the main arm define a line (L) which extends approximately tangentially to the circular trajectory of the pivot axis, which precedes the free end of the arm in the direction (F) of rotation of the base; the cam is such that, when the base rotates, the end of the main arm is moved approximately radially; and the gripping pincer mounted on the free end of the main arm follows a predetermined circular path, having inverse convexity with respect to the trajectory of the rotary base, within a fixed angular range (?) of rotation of the base.

Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring elongated articles, wherein a uniform succession of articles is fed by an input drum to a first transfer station, where the articles are picked up successively by a number of pickup heads of a transfer drum for supply, through a second transfer station, to an output drum in a uniform succession of pairs of side by side articles; some of the pickup heads are fixed, and some oscillate with respect to the transfer drum; the fixed pickup heads alternate with the oscillating pickup heads; and each oscillating pickup head oscillates to and from a position contiguous to one of the two adjacent fixed pickup heads.

Abstract: A slide assembly for use on a forming turret in a machine line that forms articles, such as cans, comprises a fixed rail, a slide block configured to slide in the rail, and an adaptor that is mounted to the rail. The slide assembly is configured to provide at least a 4.0 inch or more stroke that is stable and minimizes shaking or other movement. The slide assembly is designed such that ends of at least one of the adaptor and rail remain rigid during the stroke operation.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer mechanism 76 transfers workpieces W to a workpiece boat 40 having ringlike tables 86. The transfer mechanism 76 includes a fork main body 78 being movable forward and rearward with the workpiece W placed thereon; stopper members 94 provided at the end portion of the fork main body 78; clamp means 96 provided on the proximal end side of the fork main body 78 and having a pressing portion 102 coming into contact with the circumferential edge of the workpiece W and pressing the workpiece W toward the stopper member 94 for clamping; and fork elevating means 80 for lifting and lowering the fork main body 78. When the workpieces W are transferred to a workpiece boat 40, the pressing portion 102 of the clamp means 96 is controlled so as not to be inserted into a gap between tables 86. Thus, although the pitch between the tables 86 is small, the pressing portion 102 of the clamp means 96 does not interfere with the workpiece boat 40.

Abstract: A reciprocating forward-feed device for the clocked linear forward-feed of stacks of goods over a transport path has a double-arm rotatable forward-feed lever with two pushers which operate in a clocked manner. Forward-feed lever and pusher are driven in a controlled manner by means of a four-arbor arrangement with a linear arbor, rotational arbor and pivot arbor for the pushers linked via guide rods and a return swivel arbor.

Abstract: A machine having a rotating table with multiple turntables for aligning and/or equipping containers, whereby each turntable is equipped with its own motor drive unit and the motor of the drive unit drives the turntable in an rpm ratio of approximately 1:1.

Abstract: Unit for automated container recovery machines, such as for receiving returnable bottles and cans, includes a conveyor device for transporting the returnable containers horizontally in the direction of their longitudinal axes and for rotating the containers about their longitudinal axes. The aim is to provide an additional unit of this type. To achieve this, the conveyor device includes one or more continuous conveyer chains which are adjacent to one another and include support elements and conveyor members which are situated on the support elements. The conveyor members can be rotated about an axis that extends in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device.

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 apparatus having several stations that receive, apply adhesive to, crowd, press and cure the wood pieces into a continuous wood panel. A singulation station engages an individual one of the wood pieces oriented in a cross-machine direction from an infeed station, presents the wood piece to an adhesive station for adhesive application and releases the wood piece for crowding at a crowding station into a batch of the wood pieces. A press station downwardly presses the batch with an upper platen and presses the batch in a downstream direction onto the continuous wood panel with a clamping device. A radio frequency device applies radio waves to cure the adhesive between the wood pieces of the batch so as to adhere the wood pieces together and so as to adhere the batch to the continuous wood panel. A cutting station cuts individual wood panels from the continuous wood panel.

Abstract: A method for picking up a plastic product lying on a conveyor belt, especially a tacky plastic product, for transport and for deposit in a mold in a molding press. The plastic product is picked up by one or more resilient carrier plates setting themselves resiliently on the longitudinal margins of the conveyor belt, and slipping between the product and the belt surface. An the apparatus for the practice of the method includes transversely movable carrier plates with which the plastic product is lifted by sliding under its lateral margins and is thereby picked up.

Abstract: A system and method for machining an elongate workpiece in a plurality of work cells are provided. The work cells are positioned along a substantially linear process flow path so that the work operations can be performed on different lengthwise portions of the workpiece simultaneously. A transport system advances the workpiece from an infeed system along the process flow path, thereby moving the lengthwise portions of the workpiece successively through the work cells. The transport system includes a plurality of pallets that can be engaged to the workpiece so that the workpiece is supported by the pallets throughout at least part of the machining system.

Abstract: A first transfer mechanism of a biaxial stretch blow-forming apparatus has sliders that are transported along a circular transportation passage. The sliders slide along a circular guide rail installed on a turntable. Each of the sliders is swung to left and right by a swing arm as the turntable rotates, and a feed pitch of a preform holding groove formed in a holding plate installed at an end of each of the sliders is changed. The feed pitch can be changed by a simple mechanism. Because the holding groove always faces a radial direction, receiving and handing over actions of a preform sent along the circular transportation passage can be reliably performed.

Abstract: A drilling machine for drilling variable-thickness on-edge supported wood, plastics material, aluminum panels, comprises a bottom intermittent conveyor for abutting against a bottom edge of a panel and horizontally conveying a panel to be processed to a tool bearing a rotary turret, top horizontal axis vertically movable abutment and guide rollers for abutting against the top edge of the panel and rear vertical axis rollers. for abutting against and guiding the rear surface of the panel.

Abstract: A device for changing a direction of conveyance of flat postal items and a position of the postal items relative to their direction of conveyance includes a driven carousel tray to which one or more gripper arms whose lengths are modifiable in a controlled manner are fastened. At free ends of these arms controlled joint ends having two or three degrees of freedom are provided and grippers are attached thereto. The gripper arm lengths, the spatial orientations of the grippers during rotation and the rotation speed can be controlled in such a manner that the grippers carry out linear movements along the conveyor tracks of the conveyor means to be supplied and carried away at approximately the same speed of conveyance as the respective conveyor means. During the linear movements, the joint ends and the grippers are oriented in the same spatial orientation relative to the respective conveyor tracks.

Abstract: A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising a frame structure; a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; a first planetary member connected to the main shaft; at least one first planetary shaft rotatably connected to the first planetary member and rotating in relation to the main shaft; a secondary body connected to each first planetary shaft; a second planetary shaft rotatably connected to each secondary body and rotating in relation to the first planetary shaft; an article transfer mechanism connected to each second planetary shaft; and an offset cam mechanism. The article transfer mechanism is adapted for picking and placing articles, and has at least one stem connected to the second planetary shaft. Each stem has a distal end whose motion defines a product path about the main shaft. The product path has at least two apexes, with one apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in an in-line motion and another apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in a non-identical motion.

Abstract: A device is constructed for processing or customizing cards or flattened portable objects, for example memory cards, smart card, magnetic strip card, or badge. The device is characterized in that it comprises a flexible or rigid mobile transport structure (1) bearing at least transport means (2) for receiving at least a card (9) in at least a supply station (39) and carrying the cards to one or several processing stations (3). The transport device (2) is mobile relative to the transport structure (1) and enables the card to be displaced towards the processing station (3) or to be displaced inside said station, or a combination of both, without leaving said transport structure.

Abstract: A device for machining a glass plate (5) is provided with a lifting element (10,11) which is used to lift the glass plate (5) from a transport device (3) located on a lower edge of a supporting wall (1), during the machining process. The lifting element (10,11) includes lifting fingers (10) provided with clips (15) which can be applied to the lower horizontal edge (7) of the glass plate (5), in order to positively connect the lifting element (10,11) to the glass plate (5). Both a drive for lifting and lowering the lifting element and a drive for horizontally displacing the same are associated with the lifting element (10,11), such that the glass plate (5) can be displaced during the machining process, without slipping and without any time delay.

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 transfer device for transferring stacks (4, 4a, 4b, 5, 5a, 5b), which have a cylindrical external shape, of products resting on one of their edges between a conveyor (1) set upstream for advance of the stacks (4, 4a, 4b, 5, 5a, 5b) in a direction (a) transverse to the generatrices of the aforesaid cylindrical shape, and a conveyor (2) set downstream for advance of the stacks In a direction parallel to said generatrices, or vice versa, the said transfer device being operatively set between said conveyor (1) set upstream and said conveyor (2) set downstream. The transfer device comprises at least one gripping assembly (3) for picking up and conveying a stack. Said gripping assembly (3) moreover turns, according to a motion of revolution. (C) about a first axis (X), between a position in which it engages a stack (4, 4a, 4b, 5, 5a, 5b), in a position (A) corresponding to an output end of the conveyor (1) set upstream, and a position (B) in which it releases the stack onto the conveyor (2) set downstream.

Abstract: Various shuttle conveyor designs are disclosed. The conveyors are suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The shuttle conveyors may include a track extending along a conveying path, the track defining a length, and a plurality of shuttle elements independently movable along the track. Each shuttle element may define mating structure for following the track along the conveying path. Each shuttle element may include at least one movable gripping member for selectively gripping conveyed objects. The shuttle elements may define a collective length less than the length of the track. A drive mechanism moves the shuttle elements along the track. The shuttle elements may include a plurality of links. The shuttle elements may be driven faster on at least a portion of a return portion of the track than on the conveying portion of the track, and the shuttle element flow along the track may be modulated in various ways.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring rod-like articles from a longitudinal conveyor that longitudinal-axially conveys the articles onto a transverse conveyor that transverse-axially conveys the articles. Moreover, the apparatus includes a conveyor that receives the articles from the longitudinal conveyor and delivers the articles to the transverse conveyor, the conveyor comprising at least a first conveying element and a separate second conveying element which are configured to be in functional connection with one another. Additionally, the first conveying element being structured and arranged to rotate the articles by a predetermined angle. Furthermore, the second conveying element being structured and arranged to reduce the transport speed of the articles. 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: An apparatus for transporting articles of the tobacco-processing industry including a rotationally driven conveying element, a support and, a clamping device. The clamping device has at least one drive element and at least two holding elements. The rotationally driven conveying element is detachably connected by the clamping device to the support so that a movement of the at least one drive element of the clamping device causes the at least two holding elements to change their position relative to each other, in a direction crosswise to the direction of movement the drive element. Depending on the direction of movement of the at least one drive element, the movement causes the at least two holding elements to either hold or release the rotationally driven conveying element and the support.

Abstract: An article turning-round apparatus includes a rotary table rotated by a first shaft, load-carrying tables mounted on the rotary table along a peripheral zone thereof, a first conveyor serving to convey articles to a first station and a second conveyor serving to convey the articles away from a second station. Each load-carrying table is either a first load-carrying table adapted to rotate counterclockwise or a second load-carrying table adapted to rotate clockwise around its own axis as it moves along with the peripheral zone of the rotary table. The articles are successively loaded, at the first station, on these load-carrying tables. The first load-carrying table is turned counterclockwise approximately by 90° and the second load-carrying table is turned clockwise approximately by 90° in the course of traveling from the first station to the second station.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring a workpiece from a moving anvil to a moving carrier. The apparatus comprises: a support structure comprising a support member rotatable about a first axis, and a workpiece gripping structure mounted to the support structure comprising at least one workpiece gripping member having a workpiece-receiving surface. The gripping member is rotatable about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis such that the gripping member is capable of being rotated about the second axis during transfer of a workpiece from the moving anvil to the workpiece-receiving surface. The workpiece gripping member is also rotatable about a third axis substantially transverse to the first and second axes so as to be capable of rotating the workpiece from a first angular position at the anvil to a second angular position.

Abstract: Containers are transferred from a first conveyor operating at a first height to a second conveyor operating at a second height by a rotary unit equipped with a plurality of grippers designed to take up and support each successive container by the neck. The grippers are carried by respective slides mounted to corresponding vertical guide elements making up the main frame of the unit, on which they are made to move up and down cyclically by a first roller following a first track that extends around a fixed C-shaped tubular element, and by a second roller running on a second track presented by the top surface of a sector rail placed with the concave side directed toward the lateral opening in the C-shaped tubular element. The tubular element is easily replaced in the event of a size changeover.

Abstract: A hold down assembly for use in a tubular container transport apparatus comprises upper and lower pieces movably mounted relative to one another. Preferably the lower piece is removably seated on a mounting plate of the transport apparatus and the upper piece is adapted to magnetically interact with a tube holder carrying a filled tube product, such that the tube holder may be retained in registered alignment relative to an ejector rod during ejection of the filled tube product. A tubular container transport apparatus and a methodology for ejecting a filled tube product with a reduced risk of dislodgement are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the spacing between discrete articles having at least one linear motor disposed radially from a central axis, and a pick-up disposed proximate to the linear motor. The at least one linear motor is capable of adjusting the radial position of the pick-up with respect to the central axis so that an article is transferable from a first surface to the pick-up, the at least one linear motor adjusts the pick-up radially from the central axis, and the article is transferable from the pick-up to a second surface.

Abstract: A rotary unloader (10) removes articles (26) from a magazine (24) and includes a carriage (12) rotating about a primary axis and a carrier (14), attached to the carriage (12), rotating about a secondary axis. The secondary axis is separated from the primary axis by a first radial spacing. The carrier (14) may have one or more handlers (16) attached at a second radial spacing. Where the carrier (14) includes multiple handlers (16), they may advantageously be equidistantly spaced and circumferentially located around the carrier (14). The first radial spacing is smaller than the second radial spacing to ensure an outward disposition of the handler (16) with regard to the primary axis. Rotation of the carriage (12) about the primary axis may be coupled to the rotation of the carrier (14) about the secondary axis by a gear system. The simultaneous rotation of the carriage (12) and the carrier (14) cooperates to produce a reciprocal motion of the handler (16).

Abstract: A device for conveying discrete entities, including a rotary support bearing a telescopic transfer arm having a multi-directional head. The extension of the arm and the orientation of the gripper head are controlled by cams according to the angular position of the arm around the axis of rotation (A0) of the support. The extension of the arm and the orientation of the gripper head are controlled by a single tipper which is hinged on the outer radial part of the arm and which includes two cam followers which cooperate with an independent cam path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying flat objects (46), especially products of a printing works, which comprises successively arranged conveying elements that are moved along a continuous track (16) in a direction of conveyance (F). Individually controllable conveying clamps (22) are mounted on each conveying element (12) and are configured for laterally holding, with the clamp jaw thereof that is arranged in the plane of conveyance extending in the direction of conveyance (F), at least two objects (46), which are arranged in the plane of conveyance and in the direction of conveyance (F) while overlapping one another in an offset manner. The conveying clamps are mounted on the conveying elements in the plane of conveyance and in a direction of displacement (30), which is perpendicular to the continuous track (16), in a manner that permits them to be displaced to and fro between two positions (50, 50′).

Abstract: An operating arm (12) supported on a movable body (3) is operated to move downwards, and a supporting body (14) located on the front end section of the operating arm (12) is rotated about an axis in the lateral direction of a processing line (L), whereby a conveyance object (M) supported on the supporting body (14) is immersed in a processing liquid in a processing liquid tank (1) and processed by the same. Furthermore, the conveyance object (M) is removed from the processing liquid, during which operation the supporting member (14) is rotated in accordance with the shape of the conveyance object (M), thereby controlling the angle of the conveyance object (M) upon introduction into the processing liquid, the angle of the conveyance object (M) during immersion in the processing liquid, and the angle of the conveyance object (M) upon removal from the processing liquid.

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

Abstract: A conveyor chain has lower pins and is displaced in steps through a station. Respective pairs of plates have holes fitted to the pins and confronting cutouts together forming seats shaped to fit complementarily around necks of bottles. Horizontally displaceable supports in the station above the chain carry downwardly projecting upper pins. An actuator raises the plates in the station and thereby slides the holes of the plates in the station from the lower pins onto the upper pins. The arms and upper pins are moved apart when the plates are on the upper pins to open up the seat so that a bottle can be fitted to or taken out of the seat. The arms and upper pins are moved together when the plates are on the upper pins to close the cutouts around a bottle positioned between them, and then lowered back down onto the lower pins.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring articles from a first conveying device to a second conveying device. The device has a central body and a plurality of transfer element sets attached to the central body. Each transfer element set comprises a plurality of pivoting transfer elements, and each transfer element has a receptacle for receiving an article. The plurality of transfer element sets are arranged around a perimeter of the central body. A first pivoting transfer element and a second pivoting transfer element within one of the transfer element sets are axially offset relative to each other along a common axis.

Abstract: A system and methods for conveying linked chains of food product in a production cycle. In one implementation, a system comprises a first and second conveyors each traveling from a loading station proximate a linker to an unloading station and back, each conveyor having link support members for receiving linked chains discharged from the linker and conveying them to the unloading station. Preferably, the conveyors are independently driven such that while the link support members of one conveyor are at the loading station, the link supports members of the other conveyor are conveyed to the unloading station and/or are unloaded at the unloading station. Thus, the receiving of one linked chain at a conveyor is not affected by interruptions in movement of the other conveyor. Similarly, the unloading of one linked chain is not affected by interruptions in movement of the other conveyor.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus 10 includes crank arms 22 each of which is pivotally attached to a driving wheel 21, link levers 23 each of which has its one end pin-linked to the tip of the crank arm 22, and revolving sections 30 each of which is pin-linked to the other end of the link lever 23 and held at a distance from the rotation axis 210 of the driving wheel 21, wherein: the crank arm 22 is provided with a velocity-changing cam roller 223 protruding therefrom at a position spaced apart from the pivot center thereof; the velocity-changing cam roller 223 is guided while being engaged with the velocity-changing cam groove 44 which is formed to be eccentric to the rotation axis 210 of the driving wheel 21, whereby the tip of the crank arm 22 swings during one complete rotation of the driving wheel 21; and, as a result, the angular velocity of the link lever 23 linked to the tip of the crank arm 22 and the revolving section 30 periodically increases/decreases with respect to the angular velocity of the driving wheel 2

Abstract: A unit and method for transferring cigarette portions whereby the cigarette portions are transferred from a manufacturing machine to a filter assembly machine by means of a first conveyor having first seats movable along a first annular path to pick up respective cigarette portions at a pickup point, and by means of a second conveyor having second seats movable along a respective second annular path; the cigarette portions are transferred from a first seat to a second seat at a transfer point along the first path, and the speed of the second seats is corrected at the transfer point to substantially reach or approximate the speed of the first seats at the transfer point.

Abstract: In a paper-leaves conveying means for conveying a plurality of paper leaves, set together in a bundle in a depositing section, toward a paper-leaves feeding position where a separating/supplying belt exists, an arm is provided which is designed to be moved toward the paper-leaves feeding position in a protruding condition into the interior of the depositing section for supporting side surfaces of the paper leaves, and further to be retreated instantaneously from the interior of the depositing section immediately before the last paper leaf existing between the arm and the separating/supplying belt is handed over to the separating/supplying belt side. Thus, the arm can support the paper leaves until immediately before they are handed over to the separating/supplying belt, which eliminates the occurrence of the falling-down of the paper leaves at the paper-leaves feeding position.

Abstract: A system for transporting articles along a treatment path in a treatment area. The conveyor system includes a conveyor and a plurality of pendulums. The conveyor includes first and second drive segments laterally spaced from and parallel to one another. The pendulums include first pendulums moving along the first drive segment and second pendulums moving along the second drive segments in aligned and opposed pairs. Further features of the invention include a guide assembly having a first element coupled to move with a carrier assembly and a second element engaging the first element to stabilize the rotational orientation of the carrier assembly. Other features of the present invention include a conveyor system configuration that facilitates transportation of articles about horizontal curves as well as a unique pendulum configuration particularly suited for use with the invention.