Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a switch device for a transfer point between a first and a second rotatable star wheel, at which transfer point objects can be transferred selectively from the first star wheel to the second star wheel. The switch device includes a base in the region of the transfer point for supporting the objects transported by the star wheels; a first and a second wall portion that extend in the region of the transfer point; a drive mechanism for driving the movement of the wall portions; and a control means for actuating the drive mechanism. The first and the second wall portions are individually vertically movable by the at least one drive mechanism.

Abstract: A unit dose container production system (10) is disclosed where a unit dose container (130) is evacuated and thereafter loaded with a radioactive fluid while remaining at a single location. In this regard, the production system (10) uses a first conveyor (12) to sequentially load unit dose containers (130) into an empty container receptacle (24) of a second conveyor (20) at a first location (90). The second conveyor (20) may be operated to dispose a container receptacle (24) at each of the first location (90), a second location (100), and a third location (110). A unit dose container (130) at the second location (100) is evacuated and thereafter loaded with a radioactive fluid, and is thereafter moved to a third location (110) by the second conveyor (20). The unit dose container (130) is removed from the second conveyor (20) at the third location (110), and thereafter the radioactivity content of a unit dose container (130) may be determined, such as at an ionization chamber or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting rotation-free transport of containers along an arcuate path includes a belt that presses against containers carried by a transport star along that path.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a carton containing a group of articles and a method of forming a carton. The apparatus comprises an article positioning system for positioning articles into a plurality of groups of articles and moving the groups of articles along a processing path, a blank handling apparatus for conveying a plurality of carton blanks towards the plurality of groups of articles, and a folding mechanism that is downstream of the blank handling apparatus for folding a portion of the ends of each respective carton blank downwardly around the respective group of articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an object feeder system configured for arrangement in a three dimensional scanner, the system comprising: an object feeder scanning plate assembly comprising a number of tracks, wherein each track adapted to hold at least one object holder, wherein said tracks are configured to extend within the plate assembly from a parking area towards a scanning area, and where each object holder is configured for retaining an object to be scanned in the scanner for obtaining a three dimensional representation of the object, and wherein the object feeder system further comprises means for moving the at least one object holder in the at least one track.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a container disposed in a transfer area of a container-processing machine from a first component to a second component includes a first gripper for holding the container in a neck area thereof, the first gripper being associated with the first component; a second gripper for receiving the container from the first gripper by holding the container in a neck area thereof, the second gripper being associated with the second component; and a diverting element for sliding or transferring the container from the first gripper to the second gripper when the first and second grippers are in the transfer area. When disposed in the transfer area, the first and second grippers are coplanar with each other and positioned facing each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a star wheel having a drive, for installation in bottle filling system or the like, in particular in the wet area for empty PET bottles, having as hygienic a design as possible and having the corresponding machine components being used here. The aim is achieved in that the star (1) comprises a centric, cone-shaped, plate (4) attached by means of a screw (5).

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: 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: An adjustable guide rail assembly for a conveyor system includes an adjustable guide member having a face extending between opposite sides, a large radius face segment and a small radius face segment. The large radius face segment and the small radius face segment extend widthwise between the opposite sides of the adjustable guide member and each define an arcuate guide path for a three dimensional article. A radius of the arcuate guide path changes by rotating the adjustable guide member from a large article configuration where the large radius face segment having a larger radius defines the arcuate guide path to a small article configuration where the small radius face segment having a smaller radius defines the arcuate guide path.

Abstract: Device (10) for transferring containers (2) from a feed rail (9) to a rotary star wheel (3). The device (10) has a transfer wheel (11) provided, on its periphery, with a plurality of recesses (12) for engaging containers (2) under their neck (7) and moving the containers (2) along a transfer path (15) extending from a loading point (13) at an end of the feed rail (9) to an unloading point (16) at the periphery of the rotary star wheel (3). Also included is a guiding member (18) having a flat lower surface (19) extending at least partly above the transfer path (15) at a distance from the transfer wheel (11) substantially equal to the height of the container neck (7).

Abstract: A system for supplying articles to a platform rotating about a vertical axis, the platform exhibiting seatings (K) conformed for receiving corresponding articles (10), vertical axes (B) of which are situated on a circumference (C1) which is coaxial to an axis of the platform (60), the vertical axes (B) being angularly equidistanced such as to define a predetermined operating step (Po).

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 conveying system for plastic material container preforms for conveying the preforms to a blow molding machine, comprising angular orientation systems for the containers with respect to a predetermined reference system, capable of orienting the preforms from the step of loading onto a conveying line to the step of blowing the containers in a blowing machine. A corresponding method of orienting the containers is further described, which may be implemented in this system.

Abstract: The unit (1) A unit (1) for conveying products (2), in particular blister packs (2), comprises includes a first conveyor (4), and a second conveyor (5). The unit (1) comprises a disc (6) has a disc (6) located between the first conveyor (4) and the second conveyor (5), activatable in rotation about an axis (K) for performing transfer of the products (2) from the first conveyor (4) to the second conveyor (5) and for effecting a change in direction from a change in direction thereof from the first advancement direction (A1) to the to a second advancement direction (A2), and further comprises guide means (8, 80) of the products (2) which guide means. Guides for the products (8,80) are positionable on the disc (6) such as to identify at least so as to define a linear guide advancement tract (L1) of the for the products (2), thereby aligning for aligning and guiding the products (2) in transfer as they transfer onto the rotating disc (6) and move towards the second conveyor (5).

Abstract: A system for transferring cans from a first rotary cooker or cooler to a second rotary cooker or cooler is provided. A smooth path is provided for transferring the cans to reduce denting and other damage to the cans. The cans can be transferred at higher speeds or with thinner walls. Acceleration imparted to the cans being transferred is minimized by using a slightly inclined discharge ramp, an upwardly concave tongue and a portion of the periphery of a support wheel between the discharge ramp and tongue.

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 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 linear stream of articles is conveyed to a processing station, a first one of said articles positioned in front of and in physical contact with a second one of said articles and the second one of said articles positioned in front of and in physical contact with a third one of said articles. A motor-driven rotary star wheel moves one-by-one said articles from a conveyor to a downstream processing station and is assisted in separating adjacent articles by a passive star wheel with a plurality of contoured arms separated by concave pockets. The passive star wheel receives one-by-one said articles in adjacent pockets and the contoured arms of the passive star wheel separate each article from the next following article. A guide section causes each article being separated to more along a generally tangential path relative to both star wheels as they rotate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-table system (V) for container handling machines, comprising at least in-feed and out-feed starwheels (A, Z), arranged such as to be driven on support housings (1), defining a starwheel configuration (K) in the pre-table system (V), within which the support housing (1) is fixed to a floor-standing support structure (S) whereby the support structure (S) has a tube and/or profile section frame (6) of sections (7) directly or indirectly detachably connected to each other at points (N) by means of the support housing and floor support feet (8), within which the support housings are arranged in a free-standing manner such that free areas (15) are formed around the support housings and at least some sections (7) may be combined together and with support housings such that the starwheel configurations (K) may be optionally altered.

Abstract: A rotary conveyor has a supporting shaft rotating about a respective longitudinal axis and having a top attachment end having a radial projection; a bottom platform fitted to the supporting shaft; and a circular top plate having a central opening for fitment to the top attachment end. The circular top plate also has, on its peripheral edge, a number of seats, each for receiving a container to be conveyed resting on the bottom platform. The conveyor also has fastening means for fastening the circular top plate to the supporting shaft. The fastening means include at least one clamp movable between an idle position permitting engagement of the top attachment end by the circular top plate or removal of the circular top plate from the top attachment end of the supporting shaft, and a work position to grip the circular top plate between the radial projection and the clamp. And an actuating member moves the clamp between the work position and the idle position.

Abstract: A device for feeding packages from a packaging machine has first, second, third and fourth package drivers. The drivers are arranged to transport packages in a transportation direction from an infeed station to an outfeed station. The drivers are arranged diametrically in relation to each other in pairs and rotatably about a common centre axis. A method of feeding packages from a packaging machine includes receiving at the infeed station packages between the first and second drivers, transporting the packages by rotation of the drivers to the outfeed station, and when the packages have reached the outfeed station, returning the first driver to the infeed station and advancing the second driver so that the fourth driver advances to the infeed station, the first and fourth drivers being ready to receive subsequent packages.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for spouts or bags with spouts thereon, including: a circular rotating body which is driven rotationally, a guide rail disposed around the circumference of the rotating body with a predetermined spacing in between, and a plurality of grippers disposed on the rotating body and rotated with the rotating body. The rotating body has an outer circumferential edge that supports the flanges of the spouts, and the guide rail has on its inner edge an arc-shaped guide portion that also supports the flanges of the spouts. During the rotation of the rotating body, the grippers close to hold the spouts at the flanges and then opens to release the spouts. A rotational force is imparted by the rotating body to the spouts while spouts are held at the flanges by the grippers.

Abstract: Various conveyor designs are disclosed, along with related link designs, suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor may include a plurality of connected links. Each link may have a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link may have a body, a slider, at least one gripping member, and a gear drive mechanism interconnecting the slider and gripping member. The slider is slidable along the length of the body to selectively move the gripping member between a first position and a second position via the gear drive mechanism. The gripping member when in first position is disposed in an open position, and the gripping member when in the second position is disposed in a gripping position for contacting one of the objects to hold the object during transport.

Abstract: A movable transport member used in an article conveying system is disposed across and movable along a space between oppositely running conveyors. The transport member has a drive member that continuously rotates as either conveyor moves. An article transfer member carried by the transport member includes an endless drive belt disposed along a transfer path so as to contact and move articles therealong. The article transfer member further comprises a driven rotatable member having an article contacting surface, the transfer path defined between the drive belt and a circumferential portion of the driven rotatable member.

Abstract: An article transfer member including a resiliently mounted guide for aligning articles being transferred onto an outfeed conveyor from an infeed conveyor. The resiliently mounted guide includes an arcuate guide plate that is spring biased so as to flex responsive to variations in the dimensions of the packages being transferred normally as a result of a damaged package and maintaining the packages in alignment on the outfeed conveyor.

Abstract: The conveyor system for clinical test apparatus includes a main transport conveyor and a plurality of auxiliary conveyors located alongside the main transport conveyor. The auxiliary conveyors define straight line paths of travel parallel to the straight line paths of travel of the main conveyor. Each of the auxiliary conveyors is operated by drive means separate from the main transport conveyor. Two crossover points are provided between the main transport conveyor and the auxiliary conveyor. One crossover point is an entrance from the main transport conveyor to the auxiliary conveyor and the other crossover point is an exit from the auxiliary conveyor to the main transport conveyor. Each crossover point is controlled by a gate. One of the gates is a divert gate which can be actuated to block the main transport path thereby diverting puck traffic onto the auxiliary conveyor.

Abstract: An adjustable rotor machine having a plurality of adjustable spoke assemblies radially spaced apart for holding bottles or other objects therebetween as the machine is rotated in a circular path, wherein the separation distance of the spoke assemblies can be varied to hold objects therebetween of different diameters. One spoke of each spoke assembly is rigidly affixed to the axle of the rotor. A second spoke of each spoke assembly is arcuately movable relative to the fixed spoke.