Abstract: Apparatus for extracting stacked articles from cardboard containers includes a store receiving the containers with a bottom closed by a tab; a rest and sliding plane substantially vertical and transversal to the store; a channel in a second unloading position, distant from the first pick-up position, for unloading the articles in the containers; abutting and folding means, lateral to the store near the first pick-up position for abutting and folding about the tab and opening the bottoms of the containers; an abutting plane substantially horizontal and transversal to the rest and sliding plane and lateral to the store between the first pick-up position and the unloading channel, to retain the articles inside the containers once the bottoms are open, and having an opening at the inlet of the unloading channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding and positioning device (5) for straws (2) for packing animal semen on a support (4), with a feeding hopper (20) having an inner space (21) which receives the straws and is partially delimited by an inclined and electrically conductive bottom wall (38), an evacuation chute (22) with an inlet orifice, which opens into said inner space, and with an outlet orifice opposite said support, a disentangling system (25) having an electrically conductive and movable part configured to come into contact with said straws and to set them in motion in said inner space, an electrically conductive support, and a mechanical connection interface of said movable part on said support, and electrical connection elements which are directly connected, respectively, to said bottom wall and said support and to said movable part and said support.

Abstract: An automatic picking machine for pharmaceutical drug packages includes at least one storage rack, at least one storage and retrieval machine, a control apparatus for controlling the storage and retrieval machine, and a filling apparatus for successively filling each of a plurality of transport containers with a group of pharmaceutical drug packages corresponding to one order, wherein the filling apparatus includes a plurality of collection containers, first transport apparatuses, each having a transport channel for conveying the pharmaceutical drug packages towards the respective collection container, and a receiving apparatus for receiving a transport container to be filled at a filling location of the filing apparatus.

Abstract: A spinning preparation machine has consolidating means for producing a roving from a fiber bundle and a drafting system for drafting the fiber bundle. The drafting system is arranged upstream of the consolidating means in a transport direction of the drafting system. A guide is arranged upstream of the drafting system for guiding the fiber bundle between a container providing the fiber bundle and the drafting system. The guide has a feed segment opposite from the drafting system and a delivery segment facing the drafting system. The spinning preparation machine has a winding device for winding the roving onto a tube, and a tube transport device for providing empty tubes and/or for removing tubes loaded with roving by the winding device. The tube transport device has a conveyor for transporting empty tubes and/or tubes loaded with roving, wherein the conveyors are arranged at least in part between the feed segment of the guide and the drafting system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an automatic infeed tipper and an apparatus and method for controlling the automatic infeed tipper. The apparatus for controlling an automatic infeed tipper includes an article infeed control unit for allowing a pallet loaded with multiple articles to be installed on the tipper and controlling an angle of the tipper so that the articles loaded onto the pallet are fed into a conveyor unit, and a conveyor control unit for sequentially driving a transport conveyor belt and a plurality of tipper-use conveyor belts, which are provided in the conveyor unit, so as to disperse the articles fed into the conveyor unit.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A container can include a body having an opening, a lid for selectively covering the opening, and a lock system for securing the lid. The lock system can include a limiter slidably mounted on a pivot pin between first and second latch members and configured to engage and control rotation of the first and second latch members. The limiter can be weighted such that when the container is upright the limiter is biased by gravity towards a pivot pin when the first and second latch members engage a lock pin and prevent the first and second latch members from disengaging the lock pin.

Abstract: A protection system (7) for container treatment machine comprises a support frame (8) with a base frame (9) extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to a treatment path of containers and at least one individual support member (10) connected to the base frame (9), at least one individual protection panel (11), at least one individual guide means (12) configured to define a movement path of the individual protection panel (11) between a closure position and an opening position, at least one auxiliary positioning means (13) configured to apply an auxiliary force to the individual protection panel (11), said auxiliary force acting in the direction of said movement path against the force of gravity of the individual protection panel (11), wherein the guide means (12) movably connect the individual protection panel (11) to the individual support member (10) and the auxiliary positioning means (13) is interposed between the protection panel (11) and the support member (10) such as to form at least one individu

Abstract: A cash box system with a cash container for receiving cash is described. The cash container has an inlet opening which can be closed by a cover and a locking mechanism having a locked state in which the cover is locked in a position closing the inlet opening, and a release state in which the cover is unlocked and can be brought in a position to release the inlet opening. The locking mechanism is configured such that it is forcibly transferred from the locked state to the release state when the cash container is emptied. The cash box system is preferably for a vending machine in which the cash container is inserted.

Abstract: A convertible mail container and related method. The convertible mail container includes a bottom, two fixed side walls connected to the bottom, and a fixed end wall connected to the side walls and to the bottom. The convertible mail container also includes a movable wall that is movable from a first position where the movable wall forms a second end wall of the convertible mail container, opposite the fixed end wall, to a second position where the movable wall is adjacent to the two fixed side walls and the fixed end wall so that it covers a portion of a top opening of the convertible mail container.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for lift chain rollers in a multiple lift mast for high-lift fork trucks which mast has a fixed mast, a middle mast, and an inner telescoping mast, each of which has two parallel-distanced mast profiles, wherein at an upper end of each the mast profiles of the middle mast, a lift chain roller is mounted for each of at least one lift chain for lifting the inner mast, wherein the lift chain roller is disposed in front of the inner mast crosswise to a web of the middle mast profile, wherein a separate bearing component for the lift chain roller is placed onto the mast profile or onto a cross-beam joining the tops of the mast profiles from top, and welded thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: A rotatable chassis receives first and second racks, with inverted glasses in one of the racks, such that the rotation of the chassis results in the inverted glasses sliding into an empty one of the racks in an upright position.

Abstract: A device is described for opening and closing the discharge door of a bulk seed box. The device comprises a portable lightweight structure which is attached to the box and which uses an electrically operated screw actuator to move the discharge door of the box from its closed position to its open position and vice versa. The device also includes a spreader mechanism which relieves the stress or tension on the supporting slide or track for the discharge door so that the discharge door may be more easily opened and closed.

Abstract: A discharge hopper for a tray discharge station for serially discharging shaft trays filled with rod-shaped products includes a conveying element for carrying away the products flowing from the shaft trays and a connecting device for coupling the shaft trays to be emptied to the conveying element. The connecting device is arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the conveying element to form a channel for the product flow and includes an opening for passage of the products from the shaft tray into the channel. In the region of the connecting device there is provided a closure unit to open and close the opening. The closure device is coupled to a movable actuating element so that the closure device can be opened and closed shaft by shaft in relation to the shaft tray to be emptied.

Abstract: A system for extracting mail items in a mail processing system includes at least one pocket for containing at least one mail item and an extraction device. The pocket has a bottom area and two lateral walls, wherein each lateral wall has at least one opening. The pocket further includes a release mechanism at the bottom area configured to place the bottom area in an open state and a closed state. The extraction device is configured to engage the lateral walls of the pocket so that contact elements of the extraction device extend through the lateral walls and urge the at least one mail item away from inner surfaces of the lateral walls. The extraction device is further configured to cause the at least one mail item to pass through the bottom area when in the open state.

Abstract: Quick changeover apparatus for wafer handlers capable of handling at least two sizes of wafer frames and methods of using such apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes an automated method of removing a stockinette from meat having an end, sides, and a length. The stockinette enveloped meat is conveyed in a first direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the end of the meat with a first knife. The stockinette enveloped meat is then conveyed in a second direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the sides of the meat with a second knife and a third knife. The cuts made by the second knife and the third knife intersect with the cut made by the first knife. The cuts in the stockinette create a flap in the stockinette between the cuts. The flap is engaged and peeled away from the meat, and the meat is removed from the stockinette.

Abstract: A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.

Abstract: A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.

Abstract: A system and method for loading mail objects. The system includes a bucket assembly which holds variable sized mail holding containers. An actuator system moves the bucket assembly between at least an upright position, an intermediate tilt position and a fully tilt position. At least one sensor detects whether any of the variable sized mail holding containers has reached a fill capacity at each of the upright position, the intermediate tilt position and the fully tilt position. A feedback control system controls an indexing of the bucket assembly, via the actuator system, between the upright position, the intermediate tilt position and the fully tilt position. In the intermediate position, packages or other mail objects are permitted to settle within any of the variable sized mail holding containers such that additional packages or other mail objects can be introduced into the any of the variable sized mail holding containers in the intermediate position.

Abstract: An adjustable hopper for aiding in the transportation of old roofing material, such as shingles, to a refuse dumpster is herein disclosed. The hopper is inwardly tapered towards a false bottom and has a manually actuating release lever for vacating the contents through said false bottom. The hopper assembly is mounted on four height-adjustable leg assemblies manipulated by a handle. The hopper and leg assemblies are mounted on a support frame with heavy-duty caster wheel assemblies at each of four corners. The support frame is constructed so as to enable the entire hopper assembly to be positioned about a conventional refuse dumpster with a minimal amount of clearance.

Abstract: A cover secured to an opening in a tank may be safely removed by controlling a flow of material stored within the tank through the opening. A remotely controlled actuator is carried by a frame and attached near the opening. An arm connected to the actuator engages the cover for providing sufficient force against the cover for preventing the cover from being dislodged so that the cover may be unsecured. The actuator is then remotely controlled for safely moving the cover from a closed position to an open position for controlling a flow of material from the tank. A guide may be employed for guiding the cover longitudinally outward from the opening along the arm.

Abstract: An open-end spinning device (1) with a spinning rotor (2) whose shaft end (11) is supported by an aerostatic axial bearing (10) with an air gap (18) located between a bearing plate (17) of the axial bearing (10) and the shaft end (11). The aerostatic axial bearing (10) comprises a bearing plate (17) and a throttle device (19) made from a porous graphite material placed before the bearing plate (17). The throttle device (19) is an stamped pressed, tablet-shaped molding with largely homogenous porosity. In a process for manufacturing an aerostatic axial bearing (10) for a spinning rotor (2) of an open-end spinning device (1), a throttle device (19) made from a porous graphite material is placed before the axial bearing (10). The throttle device (19) is stamped pressed in a press tool as a tablet-shaped molding.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing bulk closures from a removable and transportable bin. The system has a pivotable frame for receiving and tilting the bin and a movable gate including a closed position in which the gate covers the bin opening and an open position in which the gate is spaced apart from the opening to enable closures to flow therethrough. The gate is moveable from the open position to the closed position while closures are within the bin, thereby enabling dispensing of less than all of the closures from the bin. The system may include an access cover, hopper, slide gates, and access shield. The method may include employing the system and unloading only a portion of a particular bin.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus comprises a liquid processing section for applying a liquid processing to wafers W, a carrier delivery section for delivering the carrier housing the wafers W, a carrier stock section capable of storing a plurality of carriers, an interface section for transferring the wafers W between the carrier stock section and the liquid processing section, a carrier transfer device for transferring the carrier, a wafer inspecting device for inspecting the wafers W within the carrier, and a carrier transfer device control section for controlling the carrier transfer device. The carrier transfer device control section controls the carrier transfer device such that the carrier, which has been judged to be capable of a liquid processing on the basis of the result of the inspection of the wafers W, is stored in the carrier stock section, and the liquid processing is started after completion of the inspection of a predetermined number of carriers.

Abstract: A universal dumpster adapted for use with both front loading and roll-off refuse collection trucks includes a floor, side walls and end walls. The floor, side walls and end walls together define an interior compartment for collecting and containing solid waste. Sleeves rotatably mounted to the side walls engage the lifting arms of a front loading truck to lift and tilt the dumpster above the hopper. A mechanical stop is provided on the side walls that engages the distal end of the lifting arm to thereby reduce the stress exerted on the lifting arm. One of the end walls is formed by an upper door and a lower door having side panels to contain and direct the refuse into the hopper. A safety lock is provided on the side walls that engages the corresponding sleeve to limit over travel so the dumpster does not tip over the front loading truck.

Abstract: A method of feeding cigars to a hopper of a wrapping machine, wherein the cigars are housed in bulk and in orderly manner inside containers; each container has a top opening by which to receive and unload the cigars in the aforementioned orderly manner; a full container of cigars is picked up and inverted at the hopper by means of a manipulating device so that the opening faces downwards; and the full container is rested on a supporting surface having a passage smaller than the opening, so as to partly close the opening and provide for controlled unloading of the cigars.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for regulating the delivery rate of bulk tablets to a tablet transportation system.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading packages, parcels, postal items, baggage, etc., from a container having an open side. The apparatus has a sliding wall that is disposed over the open side of the container when the container is receiving within the apparatus. The apparatus, along with the container, is tilted such that the open side of the container is generally directed downward. From this tilted orientation, the sliding wall of the apparatus is withdrawn, incrementally exposing the open side of the container, permitting the controlled egress of the packages, etc., from the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting open a case of product having a top and a bottom is provided. The case is placed on a conveyor and moved to a cutting apparatus. The top is cut open at the cutting apparatus. The case is moved to a lift apparatus. The top of the case is opened and the product is lifted from the bottom of the case. The case is then cut thereby separating the bottom of the case from the top of the case.

Abstract: A tray unloader for rod-like articles of the tobacco industry includes a horizontally-movable, slidable carriage supporting an independently-driven tray inverting carrier arranged to pick up an upright full tray from a receiving position and invert it during movement to an unloading position. In the unloading position articles are received directly over opposed horizontal bands having a delivery channel between confronting ends and defining the initial level at which articles are received over most of the width of the tray. Downstream of the channel is a conveyor which operates at a relatively high rate during a first phase of unloading for each tray and at a reduced rate during a second phase, so as to allow controlled emptying of the tray and establishment of the residual level of articles in the channel after completion of unloading of each tray.

Abstract: In a loading and unloading station for semiconductor processing installations, the object of the present invention is to ensure charging proceeding from transporting containers under clean room conditions. These transporting containers themselves serve as magazines for disk-shaped objects and are open laterally. It should also be possible, optionally, to load and unload a greater quantity of such transporting containers, wherein the exchange of transporting containers must be effected under favorable ergonomic conditions. According to the invention, the transporting container for loading, unloading and reloading of disk-shaped objects is coupled in a stationary manner by the container cover with the closure by using an adhering engagement. The charging opening and the transporting container are opened simultaneously in that the container cover and the closure are moved down jointly into the semiconductor processing installation.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.

Abstract: A control and method of use implemented by an unloading mechanism for unloading products from an intermediate container onto a conveyor for downstream processing. The controls tilt the mechanism, in embodiments, to a relative angle from a horizontal or supporting surface and proximate the conveyor. A gate is controlled to slidably mount between an open position and a closed position in order to allow product slide from the structure.

Abstract: In a loading and unloading station for semiconductor processing installations, the object of the present invention is to ensure charging proceeding from transporting containers under clean room conditions. These transporting containers themselves serve as magazines for disk-shaped objects and are open laterally. It should also be possible, optionally, to load and unload a greater quantity of such transporting containers, wherein the exchange of transporting containers must be effected under favorable ergonomic conditions. According to the invention, the transporting container for loading, unloading and reloading of disk-shaped objects is coupled in a stationary manner by the container cover with the closure by means of an adhering engagement. The charging opening and the transporting container are opened simultaneously in that the container cover and the closure are moved down jointly into the semiconductor processing installation.

Abstract: A method of feeding cigars to a hopper of a wrapping machine, wherein the cigars are housed in bulk and in orderly manner inside containers; each container has a top opening by which to receive and unload the cigars in the aforementioned orderly manner; a full container of cigars is picked up and inverted at the hopper by means of a manipulating device so that the opening faces downwards; and the full container is rested on a supporting surface having a passage smaller than the opening, so as to partly close the opening and provide for controlled unloading of the cigars.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading packages, parcels, postal items, baggage, etc., from a container having an open side. The apparatus has a sliding wall that is disposed over the open side of the container when the container is receiving within the apparatus. The apparatus, along with the container, is tilted such that the open side of the container is generally directed downward. From this tilted orientation, the sliding wall of the apparatus is withdrawn, incrementally exposing the open side of the container, permitting the controlled egress of the packages, etc., from the container.

Abstract: A device used in the tobacco-processing industry for emptying a container filled with rod-shaped articles into a magazine, in which the container has an open upper narrow side and an open wide front side. The device includes a container holder that accommodates the container and which can be tilted by 180° so that the container assumes an emptying position above the magazine. The container holder includes an article support comprising two support strips mounted for being adjacent and movable relative to the open narrow side of the container. An actuation mechanism is connected to the article support for effecting an opening movement in which the two support strips undergo a vertical drop movement and a horizontal spreading movement in which the two movable strips move in opposite directions to respective sides of the container to allow the articles to be released from the container.

Abstract: In a loading and unloading station for semiconductor processing installations, the object of the present invention is to ensure charging proceeding from transporting containers under clean room conditions. These transporting containers themselves serve as magazines for disk-shaped objects and are open laterally. It should also be possible, optionally, to load and unload a greater quantity of such transporting containers, wherein the exchange of transporting containers must be effected under favorable ergonomic conditions. According to the invention, the transporting container for loading, unloading and reloading of disk-shaped objects is coupled in a stationary manner by the container cover with the closure by means of an adhering engagement. The charging opening and the transporting container are opened simultaneously in that the container cover and the closure are moved down jointly into the semiconductor processing installation.

Abstract: A tilt rack apparatus comprises a rectangular frame supported on a rectangular base for pivotal movement between a horizontal position and a tilted position. A foot-operated latch mechanism maintains the frame in one or the other of the positions. The frame supports a container, such as a parts basket. The container is set on the frame with the frame in the horizontal position, and when the latch is released, the frame and container are moved to the tilted position. Then, when the container is unloaded and the latch mechanism is released, the frame and container are returned to the horizontal position automatically by gas spring shock absorbers.

Abstract: In a loading and unloading station for semiconductor processing installations, the object of the present invention is to ensure charging proceeding from transporting containers under clean room conditions. These transporting containers themselves serve as magazines for disk-shaped objects and are open laterally. It should also be possible, optionally, to load and unload a greater quantity of such transporting containers, wherein the exchange of transporting containers must be effected under favorable ergonomic conditions. According to the invention, the transporting container for loading, unloading and reloading of disk-shaped objects is coupled in a stationary manner by the container cover with the closure by means of an adhering engagement. The charging opening and the transporting container are opened simultaneously in that the container cover and the closure are moved down jointly into the semiconductor processing installation.

Abstract: A rigid pallet base has a rigid frame provided with rigid supports within which frame there are pivoted rigid flaps also provided with rigid supports. The flaps are held closed during loading by contact between the ground and the supports on the flaps. The flaps are maintained closed during transport to a required location by an upward force exerted by conventional lift forks inserted between the inner and outer supports. By resting the supports on the frame upon suitably spaced-apart members at the required location and then removing the lift forks, the flaps are allowed to open without manual intervention for gravity discharge of the material. After discharge, replacing the lift forks and lifting the pallet base closes the flaps to return the base to its load-carrying condition also without manual intervention. Two flaps can be employed, or two co-operating pairs of flaps can be arranged to form a funnel-shaped discharge chute.

Abstract: A method and device for unloading stacked sheet-like items from an open box-shaped container with an open top into a v-shaped receiving device is provided. The box-shaped container is inserted into a holding device. The top of the box-shaped container is closed off with a plunger. The box-shaped container and holding device is swung such that a side wall of the holding device is approximately aligned against and overlaps a flank of the v-shaped receiving device. The plunger is lifted off the top of the box-shaped container and swung to the side such that the items slide into the receiving device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and transferring refuse to a transportation truck for hauling to its ultimate disposal site, such as a landfill. The apparatus comprises a refuse collection and transfer container movable between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position. When the container is in the raised position and the transportation truck is underneath, transfer of the collected refuse is accomplished by opening angled, retractable bottom doors on the container. The bottom doors allow for the regulation of the amount of refuse transferred to the truck, thus ensuring a full load within the truck while at the same time preventing spillage. The movement of the container and the doors may be powered by the hydraulic system of the truck and controlled by a control panel on the apparatus. The apparatus may be partially below ground level.

Abstract: At a top face of a substantially parallelepipedic package, plate members having cutting blades at side edges thereof are inserted into a gap between a pair of bonded flaps of packaging material on the one hand and, on the other, packaged items and folded edges of the packaging material to cut the packaging material along the edges of the top face. The cut portions of the packaging material are opened with suction pads, and holding members of an unloader are inserted into two ends of the package from the opened top face to hold and take out the packaged items.

Abstract: A semiconductor device transporting apparatus and a semiconductor device posture altering apparatus are provided which constitute a portion of a semiconductor device transporting and handling apparatus used in a semiconductor device testing apparatus of magazine/tray combination type. The semiconductor device transporting apparatus and the semiconductor device posture altering apparatus are used for loading onto a test tray in the horizontal posture semiconductor devices from a magazine supported in an inclined posture by which semiconductor devices can run out therefrom by their own weights.

Abstract: The contents of successive containers for comminuted tobacco leaves are transferred onto or into a receiver (such as a belt conveyor) at a transfer station where an indexible upright manipulator carries a lifter and an evacuating device including a tilting unit. Successive containers, delivered to the transfer station by a roller conveyor or the like, are lifted by the lifter off the conveyor and the manipulator is thereupon indexed to deliver the lifted container to a location above the receiver. The tilting unit is thereupon caused to tilt the container to thus transfer, by gravity flow, the contents of the container onto an openable intercepting device at a level between the tilter and the receiver. The intercepting device is thereupon opened to permit the intercepted material to descend onto or into the receiver. The manipulator is thereupon indexed to move the emptied container to a position above a further conveyor serving to transport empty containers away from the transfer station.