Abstract: A method of producing ice cubes in a mold and pan in cool ambient air wherein the steps of removing the mold from the pan and removing the ice cubes from the mold are carried out without any heating or thawing to obtain individual ice cubes with a substantially dry outer surface. A method of producing a block of ice cubes in cool ambient air is also provided wherein the steps above are repeated so that the ice cubes drop row above row to produce a block of ice cubes. A method of packaging ice cubes is also provided comprising obtaining a plurality of ice cubes with a substantially dry outer surface and of a stackable shape. The ice cubes are arranged adjacently into a block, and the block is encapsulated in a suitable packaging material.

Abstract: A robot for a production machine includes a parallel link mechanism including opposed first and second shorter-side links and opposed first and second longer-side links which form a parallelogram. A chuck is supported on the first shorter-side link. A guide rail is fixed to a base arm in order to movably support the second shorter-side link. The base end of a drive link is rotatably attached to the base arm, and the distal end of the drive link is attached to an intermediate portion of one of the first and second longer-side links. A drive mechanism is provided in order to rotate the base end of the drive link. This structure simplifies the mechanical system and the control system, reduces a space required in the vertical direction, and increases operation speed such as product removal speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gripping of plants located in a container is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a pushing element, which pushes the ball of the plant upwardly from underneath, until the ball is released for a substantial part above the container. Then the ball is gripped by a number of gripping arms, movable in a horizontal direction, which transports the ball including the plant to its destination. To be able to push the ball upwards the continer comprises at location of each of the cavities for the balls a guiding channel for the pushing element. This channel has a cross-section of a star-like configuration, the number of points thereof coinciding with the number of points of the pushing element.

Abstract: An article extracting means which is mounted on a carriage means which in turn is slidably mounted on the side of an article forming machine having two members movable relative to one another to form an article between them. A pivoted extractor arm in mounted on the carriage means to pivot in a vertical plane toward and away from the forming machine. An upper portion of the extractor arm carries an independently pivoted arm which may move in the same vertical plane as the extractor arm between at least two 180 degree opposed positions related to positioning gripping members carried thereby between an article gripping and an article release positions. The gripping members feature a construction wherein opposing jaw members are moved in a parallel direction toward and away from one another. One jaw member is actuated in a linear direction which via a rack and pinion arrangement cause the other jaw to move in parallel, but opposing direction.