Abstract: A system for transporting and evaluating flexible bags filled with product includes a running rail and a plurality of conveying elements mounted for movement along the running rail. A control system is configured such that each conveying element is independently movable along running rail, wherein the control system is further configured such that a first conveying element of the plurality of conveying elements and a second conveying element of the plurality of conveying elements are controlled such that a flexible bag is squeezed between the first conveying element and the second conveying element, and the control system is further configured to evaluate a squeeze force on the flexible bag and/or a dimensional spacing between the first conveying element and the second conveying element in order to identify the flexible bag as having a satisfactory seal or an unsatisfactory seal.

Abstract: A clamping unit for containers at container treatment machines where, apart from a vertically movable lifting arm with a centering support for clamping a container from above, a motor for driving the lifting arm and a pneumatic spring against the resistance of which the centering support is mounted at the lifting arm so as to be movable to the top are provided. The lifting arms may be set to a desired vertical position independently of the movement or the rotational position of an associated rotary machine, and a clamping force of the centering supports may be easily and flexibly adjusted by applying a suited pressure to the pneumatic spring.

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 means which are coupled to at least one workholder of the workholder assembly and which are 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: The invention relates to a method for operating a transport device (10) which has a number of identical transport means arranged one after another in a transport direction, which are able to transport product along an intrinsically closed transport path (33) between stations (28) arranged on the transport path (33). To identify the individual transport means, use is made of selected transport means (RK) which can be detected by means of first sensors (24) arranged or on the transport path (33) as the said transport means pass the first sensors (24), which are distributed over the transport path (33) and subdivide the transport path (33) into individual segments. The transport means may be assigned individually consecutive fixed serial numbers, which are counted from a single starting point (34), and in that the starting point (34) is defined by a specific arrangement of a plurality of detectable transport means (DRK).

Abstract: A transfer star-wheel includes a takeover point, a handover point, transmission elements, and a transport path. The star-wheel receives containers from a first container treatment device at the takeover point transfers them to the handover point, and passes them to the second container treatment device. The transport path has inner and outer guide rails between which containers are guided and transported in a suspended and sliding manner. A first linear transport path section is provided at the takeover point. Each transmission element is associated with a corresponding container. Each of the containers is radially displaceable relative to a transmission element to which it corresponds as it is transported on the transport path.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring an item includes a rail (3) forming an endless track (4) along which the item (100) is transferred, a transporter (41, 42) which is movable along the rail and includes at least one gripper (10) for gripping the item, a driver (7) for moving the transporter along the rail, wherein the transporter includes at least two carriers (8) engaging the rail and located at a distance from each other, neighboring carriers are coupled to each other by a coupler (9), at least one coupler is carrying at least one gripper, the rail includes a first face (12) and a second face (13), each carrier includes a first engage member (14) and a second engage (15) member (15) engaging the first face (12) and a third engage member (16) engaging the second face (13), the engage members of each carrier are positioned relative to each other such that the engage members form a triangle.

Abstract: A guide device for hard workpiece transfer is provided, comprising a buffer belt for carrying the hard workpiece, a pilot wheel for driving the buffer belt to move, and a drive device for controlling the pilot wheel to rotate, with the buffer belt being made of elastic materials. With the buffer belt made of elastic materials carrying such hard workpieces as glass to be transferred, when the guide device is in contact with the hard workpiece to be transferred, the buffer belt is pressed to deform, which can reduce the pressure produced during the contact of the guide device with the hard workpiece, and prevent the contact portion from being broken or worn because of the pressure, not only preventing loss of the hard workpiece to be transferred, but also reducing use consumption of the guide device, thereby reducing the material cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for sterilizing plastic parisons (1), with a sterilization chamber (3) and a transport device (2) disposed at least partially inside the sterilization chamber (3) for moving the plastic parisons (1) within the sterilization chamber (3), wherein the transport device (2) has at least one gripping system (4) for engaging round and supporting the plastic parisons (1) by means of a gripping clamp (41), wherein the gripping system (4) has a displacement means (5) for displacement during sterilization within the sterilization chamber of contact surfaces (1A) of the plastic parisons (1) which are shielded by the gripping system (4) from a sterilizing medium and/or sterilizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a star conveyor (1) and to a gripper device (2) for such a star conveyor or similar conveying unit, comprising gripper arms (4) arranged in a corresponding manner in pairs for gripping and holding a vessel (3) or similar body in a gripped position, wherein the gripper device (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) that is independent of the gripper arms (4). Said positioning element is designed such that it positions the vessel (3) to be gripped at least along one axis in the gripped position.

Abstract: A lock device for adding and removing containers to and from a vacuum treatment chamber includes carrier plates for the containers. The carrier plates are fastened to revolving transport chains and are transported through lock channels provided in straight sections along the transport chains. The carrier plates also achieve a sealing effect with the channels as they are moved past suction or ventilation openings in the lock channels to form a differential pressure stage.

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: Apparatus for transporting documents in a paper handling system, comprising: a drive train; a document transport element connected to the drive train for moving documents; and means adapted to apply a relatively high voltage element to generate a high torque when the transport element is not loaded and to reduce the voltage and thus the torque a predetermined time after the transport element engages a document to be moved.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a fluid, especially a liquid, to a hot end wall (2) of at least one thermoplastic container (1). For this purpose, a spongy mass (4) impregnated with the fluid is brought into contact with the end wall (2) of said at least one container (1), said spongy mass being held in contact with the end wall (2) for a predetermined time. Application in particular to the cooling of the hot end walls of containers leaving a blow molding or stretch-blow molding unit.

Abstract: The conveyor system for planar products (60), in particular print shop products, features a feeder device (50) as well as a gripper conveyor (10) with a plurality of grippers (12) that move along an orbital track (U), wherein the grippers (12) each include two gripper parts (14, 16) that can be pivoted relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The relative position of the gripper parts (14, 16) to one another and/or the orientation of the whole gripper (12) in space is a function of its position along the orbital track and is set by at least one control guide (28, 30, 40, 80, 80?) that interacts with the grippers such that the gripper parts (14, 16) can be moved from an open position to a closed position while moving through a transfer area (A) of the orbital track (U) for the transfer of products (60) from the feeder device (50).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying vessels of the bottle type, characterized in that it comprises: a primary wheel for conveying the bottles including a plurality of transfer arms; at least two secondary conveying wheels respectively capable of conveying the bottles fed by the primary wheel; the conveying path of the bottles grasped by the clamps of the transfer arms of each secondary wheel being at one point tangential to the conveying path of the bottles grasped by the transfer arms of the primary wheel, whereby the main flow of bottles conveyed by the primary wheel is divided into at least two secondary flows of bottles respectively conveyed by the secondary conveying wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting bottles or similar containers between a transfer position and a discharge position, comprising a transport element that may be driven in a rotating manner about at least one vertical machine axis and several container receptacles provided on the transport element and having, for example, a gripper-like design for picking up and holding in each case one container during the transport thereof from the transfer position to the discharge position.

Abstract: A container treatment machine with at least one gripper, which can be compulsorily transported along a predetermined transport section for handling a preform or container during transport and/or acceptance and/or delivery, and including, at a holder retaining at least two gripper claws, at least one controllable electric or magnetic drive for the gripper claws, where the gripper claws can be moved relative to each other in opening and closing directions and at least between defined gripping and release positions, and where each gripper claw can be individually separately actuated by the drive in the opening and/or closing direction relative to another gripper claw of the gripper. Alternately, both gripper claws can be actuated together in the same direction.

Abstract: A device and method for the transfer flexible flat articles between two conveyors. The device includes a first gripper conveyor with first grippers moved along a first gripper conveyor track for suspended transportation of the articles in a conveying direction, and a second gripper conveyor with second grippers moved along a second gripper conveyor track. Opening and closing of the grippers is controlled so that a transfer of the articles from the first to the second grippers is able to take place. In doing so, a spacing between the first grippers differs from the spacing between the second grippers such that, in a transfer zone, one gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which include the greater spacing between one another, defines a concave course, and the other gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which have the smaller spacing between one another, defines a correspondingly convex course.

Abstract: An accelerator feed arrangement configured to accelerate blow-molded pet beverage bottles from a linear conveyor to a rotary pet bottle sterilizing machine and minimize misalignment and jamming of blow-molded pet beverage bottles during transport from a linear conveyor to a rotary pet bottle sterilizing machine. 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.

Abstract: A turning wheel comprising a number of blades. Each blade has a front side provided with a front projection, and a back side provided with a back projection. Each two consecutive blades form a gap between the backside of a first blade and a front side of a second blade. The gap comprises an inner gap formed radially inward from the back projection and the front projection. During rotation of the turning wheel a container can be held in the gap and an end portion of the container can be held in the inner gap, thereby protecting the end portion from being damaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing containers for liquid (10) comprising a shaping unit (2), for shaping plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20), and a filling unit (4) for filling the plastic containers with a liquid medium, wherein the filling unit (4) lies downstream in a transport direction (R) of the plastic containers relative to the shaping unit (2). The shaping unit (2) has a feeding region (22) for feeding the plastic preforms (10) and a discharging region (24) in order to discharge the plastic containers (20) from the shaping unit (2).

Abstract: A conveyor chain for gripping and conveying paper material has a plurality of links hingedly connected to each other. At least one of the links has a grip arm having a first grip surface. The grip arm is movable back and forth relative to a second grip surface of the chain between a grip position for holding paper material and a retracted position for insertion of the paper material between the first and second grip surfaces. The links are molded of plastic material. The or each grip arm is an integrally molded portion of one of the links. A conveyor including such a chain is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a star conveyor (1) and to a gripper device (2) for such a star conveyor or similar conveying unit, comprising gripper arms (4) arranged in a corresponding manner in pairs for gripping and holding a vessel (3) or similar body in a gripped position, wherein the gripper device (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) that is independent of the gripper arms (4). Said positioning element is designed such that it positions the vessel (3) to be gripped at least along one axis in the gripped position.

Abstract: A device (1) is described herein for supplying rough-shaped sheets, made especially of cardboard, for making a corresponding package for housing respective cigarettes or the like. The device comprises means (11) for supporting and conveying sheets (A) along a respective path, which comprise first and second means (111, 112) that still-retain respective ends (A1, A2) of the sheet (A) along the advancement path.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus are used to transfer work-pieces, in particular preforms or bottles (2). The workpiece is subjected to pressure by a gripper-like holding device (41), which has at least one gripper arm (45, 46) arranged pivotably relative to a gripper carrier (42). The gripper arm is pivoted in order to perform gripping and releasing movements. The pivoting motion of the gripper arm is controlled by at least one magnet (68, 69), particularly a permanent magnet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centering element for use with container holders or turntables on container processing machines, comprising a centering cone that has a cone-type or taper-type centering surface for receiving and centering each container on the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A system is provided for stacking mail having an escort assembly for handling each mailpiece. The system comprises a containment device, a transport mechanism and a detachment mechanism. The containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The transport mechanism includes first and second transport segment, the first transport segment conveying escort assemblies and respective mailpieces over an open end of the containment device and the second transport segment lowering the escort assemblies and respective mailpieces into the open end of the containment device. The transport mechanism furthermore aligns the edges of the mailpieces along one of the vertical walls of the containment device and positions the escort assembly through the slot of the containment device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a star wheel having a drive, for installation in bottle filling system or the like, in particularin 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: The invention relates to a container treatment machine for treating containers, especially a labeling machine, comprising a rotor which can be driven to revolve about a vertical machine axis and a plurality of treatment positions configured on the rotor and having at least one container support and a clamping and/or centering unit each. Said unit can be displaced in a controlled manner in a controlled travel movement between an initial position and a position which centers and/or clamps the respective container.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and discharging flat, preferably flexible articles, in particular printed products, the apparatus including a plurality of grippers which can be moved in a conveying direction (F) along a continuous conveying path (U) defined by a conveying mechanism. The grippers include a first gripper jaw and a second gripper jaw, which can assume a clamping position and an open position relative to one another. The first gripper jaw is longer than the second gripper jaw and includes a first gripper part, which in the clamping position interacts with the second gripper jaw, and a second gripper part, which in the clamping position projects beyond the second gripper jaw. The orientation of the first and second gripper parts of the first gripper jaw relative to one another is variable and can be adjusted by a control means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for gripping PET bottles (2) in bottle-filling systems, particularly for transferring from star to star/filler/rinser or the like, wherein a slight horizontal turnout motion of the gripper is made possible, while simultaneously exerting a return force into the original aligned position of the gripper arms. The aim is achieved in that a mounting element (4) comprising a gripper arm (3a, 3b) is rotatably supported about an axis (5) parallel to the central bottle axis, and has a centering device forcing the mounting element (4) to the centered position after a sideways deflection motion.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring containers, comprising a first turntable (6) centrally fixed onto a first shaft (5) so as to rotate about a vertical axis (Z) and a plurality of first grippers (7) mounted peripherally on said first turntable (6). Each first gripper (7) is provided with at least two first arms (9) which can be actuated by first actuator means (12) so as to rotate about different first pins (10) with first parallel axes (Y, Y?) between at least a first open position, where respective first retaining portions (13) of the first arms (9) are spaced from each other so as to receive or release a container (2), and at least one first closed position, where the first retaining portions (13) are close together so as to hold the container (2) between them. Each first arm (9) of each of the first grippers (7) is provided with a slot (15) aligned with the slot of at least one other first arm (9) of the same first gripper (7).

Abstract: A plant for blow-moulding plastic containers (2) from respective parisons (3) comprises a plurality of moulding units (10), each having a mould (11) for blow-moulding at least one container (2) and at least one stretching rod (14) that moves under the action of a drive device (16) in such a way as to axially deform a respective parison (3); the drive device (16) comprises, for each moulding unit (10) drive motor (17) coupled to the stretching rods (14) of the moulding unit (10) itself.

Abstract: A gripper for holding and conveying flat objects (P) in a firmly held manner, in particular printed material such as newspapers, magazines or brochures, includes two clamping tongues (4 and 5) which can pivot relative to one another into an open and into a closed configuration, wherein the clamping tongues (4 and 5) are pressed against one another in the closed configuration. The distal ends of at least one of the clamping tongues (4 and 5) are fitted with two elastic arms (30) that extend laterally away from the clamping tongue, in the same direction as the clamping force, a clamping jaw (10, 11) being arranged at the free end of each of the arms. The contact surfaces of the clamping jaws of at least one clamping tongue adapt to fit the contact surface of an opposite clamping jaw or a clamped object, under compression force, for example, they are mounted on the arm (30) by means of a ball joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for conveying flexible, two-dimensional objects (100, 100), in particular printed products, with a plurality of conveyor elements (10) which are movable in a conveyor direction (F) by a conveyor member (20) drivable along a closed revolving path (U) and which are capable of receiving and conveying at least one object (100, 100?). A stabilisation device (30) with at least one stabilisation member (32, 33, 36) is present for stabilising the objects (100, 100?), in particular in regions (B) of the revolving path (U), in which large accelerations occur. The stabilisation device (30) forms a compliant stabilisation line (34?) or stabilisation surface (34) and presses the objects (100, 100?) against the conveyor element (10) at least in a part of the revolving path. By way of this, one prevents the objects from being displaced relative to the conveyor element (10), which may lead to problems with the further processing.

Abstract: A load smart system for continuously loading preformed pouches into a fill-seal machine is provided. A plurality of pouches are disposed within a pouch delivery device, each of the pouches having an upper edge and an indicia. The fill-seal machine includes a rotating turret having a plurality of radially extending grippers. The rotating turret rotates the plurality of gripper pairs between a loading station, an opening station, a filling station, a sealing station, and an unloading station. A robotic transfer device is positioned between the pouch delivery device and the loading station of the fill-seal machine. The robotic transfer device includes an optical sensor positioned on a gripper member. During operation, the optical sensor scans the indicia to determine the pouch characteristics and a controlling station controls the gripper member to deposits the pouch within the gripper pairs at the loading station a predetermined distance from the upper edge of the pouch.

Abstract: By providing a compression spring which energizes a pair of fork-members in closing direction, a cylindrical body such as a neck portion of a bottle can be gripped firmly. A guide member is provided at least in a passing section of a conveying chain which guide member contacts a side surface of a fixed frame extending in the conveying direction of the fixed frame in sliding contact. The posture of the fork-members in passing of a cylindrical body such as a bottle can be stabilized whereby passing can be made by gripping and accurately positioning a predetermined position of the neck portion.

Abstract: A device for dynamic storage of objects along a conveying section between an input station and an output station with an endless, flexible conveying means, which is variably subdivided into a conveying strand and an idle strand, with at least one carriage, which can be moved in the plane of conveyance, for changing the storage capacity, which carriage presents a first deflection for the conveying strand and a second deflection for the idle strand, as well as with a first drive device for the conveying means in the area of the input station and a second drive device for the conveying means in the area of the output station. The conveying means is provided over its entire length at identical intervals with grippers for the objects and the conveying means has a link chain, equipped with rotatable guide rollers, which runs at least in some areas in at least one stationary guide rail, where at least one guide roller is arranged on the respective chain link in a movable manner.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for moving and packaging oriented containers through an application machine and to a container carrier wherein a plurality of containers are fed in a desired rotational position prior to a transfer turret and gripped as the transfer turret rotationally transfers the oriented container to the container carrier.

Abstract: A method and a device for transporting containers, which present a support ring or similar part, where the containers to be transported move through at least one transfer area, in which they are held by gripping elements alternately on different sides of the support ring, and the gripping elements present an identical direction of movement at least in the transfer area.

Abstract: A device according to the invention for monitoring two sheet products transported by means of a clamp of a transport device. The device has at least two sensors that are intended to generate signals on the basis of which the number of products held in the clamp can be determined. A first sensor hereby generates a first detection signal referred to as reference signal when a clamp passes a reference area assigned to this first sensor. The second sensor is arranged in such a way that it generates a second detection signal when at least one section of one of the products in a second side edge area free from the clamp passes through its assigned detection area.

Abstract: Device (10) for transferring containers (2) from a feed rail (9) to a rotary star wheel (3), said device (10) comprising: 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), a guiding member (18) having a flat lower surface (19) extending at least partly above said transfer path (15) at a distance from the transfer wheel (11) substantially equal to the height of the container neck (7).

Abstract: A gripper for holding and conveying flat objects (P) in a firmly held manner, in particular printed material such as newspapers, magazines or brochures, includes two clamping tongues (4 and 5) which can pivot relative to one another into an open and into a closed configuration, wherein the clamping tongues (4 and 5) are pressed against one another in the closed configuration. The distal ends of at least one of the clamping tongues (4 and 5) are fitted with two elastic arms (30) that extend laterally away from the clamping tongue, in the same direction as the clamping force, a clamping jaw (10, 11) being arranged at the free end of each of the arms. The contact surfaces of the clamping jaws of at least one clamping tongue adapt to fit the contact surface of an opposite clamping jaw or a clamped object, under compression force, for example, they are mounted on the arm (30) by means of a ball joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conveyance and preferably also to the electrical contacting of an item to be treated (1), for example in the form of a printed circuit board or a conductor foil, in an electrolysis system. A device according to the invention comprises a large number of clamps (10) able to move along a conveyance path (4) and driven by a continuously revolving drive means (20). The device is configured in such a way that the clamps (10) at the start (4a) of the conveyance path (4) are brought from an open state into a closed state in order to grip and preferably also electrically to contact the item to be treated, and that the clamps (10) respectively at the end (4b) of the conveyance path (4) are brought from the closed into the open state in order to re-release the item to be treated (1).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a carousel arrangement, operating devices associated with said carousel arrangement and arranged for interacting with objects and conveying units supported by said carousel arrangement and movable in relation to said carousel arrangement to transfer said objects, each of said conveying units supporting a plurality of said operating devices.

Abstract: A grasping device can be provided on a conveyor which conveys works produced by a production facility or a work subjected to in-mold forming from a work-grasping position to a work-releasing position. The example of a grasping device can include a base at the side of the conveyors and a grasping part which is extended from the base and provided with a plurality of grasping heads. The example of a grasping part can include a group of braches having a plurality of diverged and extended branches, specific branches most apart from the base each being small in weight (being light) at utmost end side.

Abstract: A transporting mechanism includes a link chain and clamps which are attached to a chain link of the link chain and which are capable of gripping at least one printed product. At least two clamps are attached to each chain link of the link chain, wherein the clamps in the link chain are spaced apart from one another by equal spacings.

Abstract: A transportation facility in which an object transported while being suspended from a hanger such as a trolley conveyor is transferred on to a carriage of a carriage-type transportation device for a certain section of a route. At the start point, there is an object receiving means at the under side of a traveling route of a traveling body. An object support device is lifted relative to the hanger of the traveling body and the object receiving means is caused to receive the object (W) from the hanger. At the end of the transportation, an object return means is provided for lowering the object support device relative to the hanger to transfer the object to the hanger. In the transportation route, the traveling body is switched to a state in which drive is released and a hanger engagement means is engaged with the hanger so that the traveling body can be pulled and moved by the carriage.

Abstract: A feeder belt for strip-shaped parts used to feed the strip-shaped parts in various processes such as plating, deflashing, or other processes for manufacturing semiconductors or other articles at industrial scale. By improving the structure of a finger for a feeder belt including a belt body, the separation, fatigue, and the sliding of the finger during feeding of the strip-shaped parts is resolved. Since external force can be applied in the horizontal direction when loading and unloading the strip-shaped parts, peripheral devices are simplified.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a transport loop including a plurality of carrier bars and a plurality of pockets formed between adjacent ones of the carrier bars. The articles are laterally, longitudinally and rotationally positioned within the pockets at a predetermined position. The articles may be pharmaceutical tablets or capsules. The carrier bars may follow a curvilinear path including a non-linear path portion and a substantially linear path portion. The pockets between adjacent carrier bars are open and able to receive the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the non-linear path portion, and are closed and tightly grasp the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the substantially linear path portion. The apparatus can be used to manufacture shaped edible articles having a non-planar portion that receive serially registered component images from first and second printers.