Abstract: In a sheet handling machine (for example, a banknote handling machine) including a plurality of mounting units, a controlling unit controls a transporting unit and temporary storage units to perform parallel processing mode such that a storage operation for sending a sheet held by a first temporary storage unit among the plurality of temporary storage units to a storage member (for example, a banknote storage bag) and a transport operation for transporting the sheet from the transporting unit to a second temporary storage unit different from the first temporary storage unit are performed in parallel.

Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.

Abstract: A unit for grouping together and aligning capsules for extraction or infusion products including a first rotary unit equipped with first seats for receiving capsules designed to receive respective capsules from a transport element of a machine for forming capsules; a second rotary unit operating in conjunction with the first rotary unit to receive from the latter, in a predetermined transfer region, capsules and equipped with a first rotary element equipped with respective second seats receiving capsules and a second rotary element equipped with respective third seats for receiving capsules, with the first and second rotary elements which can be rotated independently in the same direction of rotation for picking up, alternately and in succession, capsules from the first rotary unit.

Abstract: A machine for making single use capsules (1) for extract or infusion beverages comprises: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid containers (2) and configured to define a plurality of pockets (10) for receiving the rigid containers (2) and which are positioned one after the other, in succession, each having a respective vertical axis (Z10); a plurality of stations which are positioned along a path (P) followed by the transport element (8) and which are configured for operating in phase with the same transport element (8) and comprising: a feed station (11) for feeding the rigid containers (2) into respective pockets (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12) for dosing the product into the rigid container (2); a closing station (13) for closing the rigid container (2) with a length of sheet (7); an outfeed station (14) which withdraws the capsules (1) from the transport element (8); the outfeed station (14) comprises a contact head (21) for contacting and picking a capsule (1) from a res

Abstract: A unit for conveying and sorting products into alignment includes at least one conveyor belt and at least one surface for gathering products, arranged downstream the belt. At least two conveyor belts are arranged at different heights and convey the products according to a predefined arrangement. A lower belt leads to a carousel for picking up and transferring a product at a time into a conveyance channel that leads to the gathering surface. An upper belt includes at least one portion that surmounts an end of the lower belt arranged downstream the first carousel. The portion leads to an apparatus for overturning the products to transfer them onto the lower belt end, with an orientation, of the products, opposite the one adopted on the upper belt. The part is affected by a second carousel for picking up and transferring one product at a time into the conveyance channel.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving stack integrity for a set of image receiving media substrates at an output of a compiler in an image forming device positioning a plurality of pairs of rotating shelf structures in a vicinity of an exit/ejection port of an image receiving media processing or post-processing unit. The plurality of pairs of rotating shelf structures cycle between a first (support) position and a substantially orthogonal second (drop) position with respect to a rotating axis for the rotating shelf structures. Each of the rotating shelf structures has a uniquely-portioned top surface that includes a substantially-parallel top (supporting) portion and a ramped lead-in portion facing the exit/ejection port from the image receiving media processing or post-processing unit in an effort to reduce any image receiving media substrate “stubbing” against a first of the plurality of pairs of rotating shelf structures in a process direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for a forming bundle composed of at least one layer of printed products includes a lift, wherein an area above the lift constitutes a holding space to accommodate the at least one layer. The lift is adapted to lower the at least one layer. A control unit is connected to control movement of the lift. A thickness determining device is coupled to the control unit and arranged to determine a thickness of the at least one layer. The lift is controlled to be lowered corresponding to a previously determined thickness of a layer to accommodate a following layer of a bundle or to accommodate a layer of a following bundle.

Abstract: A stacking device for print products that includes a table to receive the print products such that the print products form a stack. The device also includes at least two ejector elements arrangeable against the stack to push the stack in an ejection direction away from the table. The stacking devices further includes at least two drive elements operatively connected, respectively, with the at least two ejector elements so that the at least two ejector elements move independent of one another.

Abstract: A sheet bundle with storage tags, a method for producing the sheet bundle and a sheet transport mechanism in an image forming apparatus are provide. The sheet bundle includes a plurality of sheets stacked to one another, each sheet being attached with a storage tag at an attachment position and having a thickness larger at the attachment position than other positions thereof. The plurality of sheets includes a plurality of kinds of sheets which have different attachment positions when the sheet bundle is viewed from a direction orthogonal to a surface of the sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport system (1) comprising a trolley (5) and a goods carrier (100), which can be detachably connected to each other via a coupling (65, 154). A remarkable characteristic of the transport system (1) is a platform (11), which extends over all parts (5, 100) of the transport system (1) and coincides with a platform (13) of the trolley (5) so that as a result both a delimiting connecting member (15) is provided between individual parts (67, 69) of the trolley (5) and also individual goods can be disposed on the goods carrier (100).

Abstract: An automated system for the processing of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The automated system allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple individual tags through the use of multiple processing stations. A table is provided that is capable of moving the individual tags from one processing station to the next. Tables are also provided for receiving unprocessed tags for input into the system and processed tags for packaging. Individual tags are moved between the tables by a transfer mechanism.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a printing system comprises a media feeder that receives and stores asymmetrically thick media from an outside source and outputs such media to the printing system via a feed mechanism. A conveyer system transports the asymmetrically thick media from the media feeder utilizing at least one linear belt wherein a sensor is employed to determine the presence of the asymmetrically thick piece of stock. A controller coupled to the conveyer determines the location and orientation of an image on a piece of the asymmetrically thick stock. An imaging system receives the asymmetrically thick media from the conveyer system and places an image on the media in the proper location and orientation based at least in part on information from the controller.

Abstract: A semi-trailer chassis packing system capable of packing four stacked semi-trailer chassis in a secure bundle having dimensions of a standard forty foot intermodal shipping container. The chassis packing system includes a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly, and one or more spacers. The first frame assembly includes a pair of elongate first bolster receiving members, a first primary connecting member, and a first secondary connecting member. First bolster receiving members are joined by first detachable pivoting joints to opposite ends of the first primary connecting member. First bolster receiving members pivot to perpendicular orientation with respect to the first primary connecting member, receiving rear bolsters of two stacked trailers into cavities provided in the first bolster receiving members. Second bolster receiving members are joined by second detachable pivoting joints to opposite ends of the second primary connecting member.

Abstract: A method of stacking shingles includes manufacturing a plurality of shingles having a granule covered surface and a bottom surface opposite the granule covered surface. Every other shingle is separated into first and second paths. The shingles in the second path are inverted 180 degrees. A shingle from the first path is positioned onto a shingle from the second path, such that the bottom surfaces of each shingle are engaged, thereby defining a stacked pair of shingles.

Abstract: A system for bundling long ferrous products comprises a roller table for delivering the products longitudinally to a receiving station. A cradle is spaced laterally from the receiving station and is constructed and arranged to receive and accumulate the products in bundle form. A stacker is positioned between the receiving station and the cradle, and a pre-stacker is positioned between the stacker and the receiving station. A transport system laterally advances products from the receiving station to the pre-stacker, and the pre-stacker operates in concert with the transport system to pre-stack multiple layers of the products into sub-bundles and to transfer the sub-bundles to the stacker, which then operates to deposit the sub-bundles in the cradle.

Abstract: A package moving system has a jaw device movable between an open and a closed position. The jaw has a pair of opposite support structures that each support at least one support arm. The at least one support arm moves between a first and second position. In the first position, it receives a package. In the second, it supports the package. At least one retaining member is biased downward to engage the package when the jaws are in a closed position. The retaining element urges against an upper surface of the supported package to retain the package in the support arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.

Abstract: An article stacking apparatus is provided having a barrel, a frame, a motor, and a drive mechanism. The frame is configured to support the barrel for rotation in a recumbent position. The drive mechanism couples together the frame and the motor to rotate the barrel to agitate cups within the barrel for stacking into accumulated configurations. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A bundled sheet processing apparatus has a chute unit tilting between the first and second positions. A downstream side in the chute unit conveying direction, there is provided a stopper that has the contact surface narrower than the thickness of a bundle and stops the bundle by contacting the end of the bundle in the conveying direction with the contact surface. At this time, sheets protruding beyond the contact surface are detected by a detector.

Abstract: Process and plant for handling and stacking a plurality of thermoformed containers or lids, including the steps of: obtaining during a thermoforming phase mouldings of lids and containers, having at least three stacking protrusions or spacers, all having the same space arrangement in all the thermoformed products of the same moulding, at least one of the stacking protrusions or spacers of a same thermoformed object being set out in a non specular symmetric way with respect to at least a center line of the respective container or lid and at a distance from the same center line of the respective container or lid different from that of the others, arranging one or a moulding of said containers or lids in at least one support template to keep them in order according to the spatial arrangement that they had during the thermoforming phase, turning through a predetermined angle every other object or moulding of objects either containers or lids before or during their transfer to a stacking station, and stacking

Abstract: For producing stacks (20), flat objects (2) are supplied individually held by holding elements (3) in an edge zone (10). Groups (1) of the objects (2) are supplied one behind the other and arranged in a stack by placing object zones opposite the held edges (10) adjacent to one another. While the objects (2) are held, the groups arranged in a stack are stabilized by positioning the object zones opposite the held edges (10) on a stacking table (23) that is vertically movable inside a stacking shaft (22) and/or on an auxiliary support (31), and are either strapped or pressed together by a pressing device. Prior to being deposited on a stacking table (23), groups (1) formed one behind the other and arranged in a stack may be rotated around the stacking axis (A), so that they are positioned in the stacking shaft (22) as layers of a cross stack.

Abstract: Process and plant for handling and stacking a plurality of thermoformed containers or lids, which comprises the following sequence of phases:

Abstract: Flat objects (7) to be stacked in a stacking device (2) are supplied serially, individually held and aligned with one another. Cross stacks (12) are produced by subjecting alternating groups (11, 11′) of the supplied objects (7) to one of two step sequences, wherein, in both step sequences, the objects of the groups are released from held conveyance and are, in at least one of the step sequences, brought to the stacking device lying on a conveying surface (10.1, 10.1′) in an imbricated formation. In the two step sequences, a rotation difference of 180° around an axis perpendicular to the object surfaces is established between alternating groups (11, 11′). The objects (7) positioned in the stacking device in groups form a cross stack (12), without requiring the stacking device (2) or parts thereof to be rotated between groups of objects being positioned. This results in shorter cycle times and in a smaller number of moving parts.

Abstract: Newspapers and other printed matter fed from a printing press or inserting machine are generally folded or delivered in a continuous stream with the papers oriented in an overlapped or imbricated relationship. The stream of papers are received and stacked by the stacking apparatus or stacker which must operate at high speeds. The stacker orients the papers in the stacks and ejects the bundles of papers. The present invention relates to devices intended to reduce the prospects for inadvertent interference with the stacking mechanism or to reduce the potential for injury.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a booklet stacking apparatus and method. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a booklet stacking mechanism. In one arrangement, the booklet stacking mechanism comprises a gate that is adapted to be placed adjacent an output area, the gate being position able in a closed position and an open position, a delivery path along which booklets can be delivered when the gate is in the open position, and a flipping mechanism that is adapted to receive booklets, invert them, and deposit them in a output bin.

Abstract: A device for pushing a stack of printed products from a table on which the stack is stacked has a stacking receptacle provided on the table and receiving the printed products for stacking. The stacking receptacle is defined by four lateral edges of the printed products and has two opposed lateral guide walls viewed in a pushing direction of pushing out the stack of printed products. The guide walls each have vertical guide rails moveable along the guide walls in the pushing direction. The guide rails on the opposed guide walls are positioned opposite one another in guide rail pairs forming a forward receptacle boundary and a rearward receptacle boundary in the pushing direction. The rearward receptacle boundary in the pushing direction is a pushing device for the stack of printed products.

Abstract: Flat objects (7) to be stacked in a stacking device (2) are supplied serially, individually held and aligned with one another. Cross stacks (12) are produced by subjecting alternating groups (11, 11′) of the such supplied objects (7) to one of two step sequences, wherein, in both step sequences, the objects of the groups are released from held conveyance and are, in at least one of the step sequences, brought to the stacking device lying on a conveying surface (10.1, 10.1′) in an imbricated formation, and wherein in the two step sequences a rotation difference of 180° around an axis perpendicular to the object surfaces is established between alternating groups (11, 11′). The objects (7) positioned in the stacking device in groups form a cross stack (12), without it being necessary, that the stacking device (2) or parts of it have to be rotated between groups of objects being positioned. This results in shorter cycle times and in a smaller number of moving parts.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically loading tires into a tire transport frame is disclosed. The system stacks a plurality of tires in a herringbone pattern within a tire transport frame. The tire transport frame provides a structure that maintains the stacked tires in a stable, compressed state. Further, the tire transport frame may be adapted to withstand external loads so that multiple tire transport frames may be stacked atop one another for long term storage of tires. Further, the loaded tire transport frames may be easily loaded by forklift into a vessel for storage and/or transportation without requiring significant expenditures of manual labor, time, space, or cost. As a result, the instant invention enables significant improvements in reliability, cost, and capacity in the storage and/or transportation of tires.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of nesting a pair of elongate articles, each having a complementary nesting surface, comprising the steps of: providing an article receiving surface; delivering a first elongate article to a first ready position on the article receiving surface; the first article having a first near end portion and a first far end portion; delivering a second elongate article to the article receiving surface; the second article having a second near end portion and a second far end portion; arranging the second article so that the second near end portion lies in a second ready position adjacent the first near end portion; engaging the near end portion of one of the articles independently of the far end portion thereof; transferring the engaged near end portion relative to the other of the near end portions to initiate nesting thereof; and manipulating at least one of the articles downstream of the first and second near end portions, to allow the nesting of the articles to continue beyond the first

Abstract: Disclosed are machines and methods of orienting and stacking a stream of workpieces when it is desirable to stack at lease some of the workpieces in a face-to-face or back-to-back orientation. The apparatus has a receiving assembly for receiving a continuous stream of workpieces. A flipping assembly follows the receiving assembly for selectively flipping selected workpieces onto their opposing faces. Downstream from the flipping assembly, a stacking guide is positioned for guiding the workpieces into stacks for further manual or automated handling.

Abstract: A cross-stacker for paper products has a pre-collection chamber, at least one rotation device and two ejection devices, with a transport device being provided beneath the pre-collection chamber which transports paper products collected in the pre-collection chamber.

Abstract: A device for insertion of products into a packaging container in a packaging machine comprises an insertion plunger which is guided along a certain path parallel to the product and a cover element which can be pre-positioned above the product by a first displacement control and which can be lowered onto the products via a second displacement control. The insertion plunger and the cover element can exercise an insertion motion to insert the products into the container. In order to guarantee a precise seating of the cover element and to facilitate a simple reconfiguration to differing product formats, the second displacement control comprises a substantially vertical control surface as well as an element engaging the control surface for horizontal displacement thereby, wherein the horizontal adjustment displacement of the element can be transformed by a transformation device into the vertical lowering motion of the cover element.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically loading tires into a tire transport frame is disclosed. The system stacks a plurality of tires in a herringbone pattern within a tire transport frame. The tire transport frame provides a structure that maintains the stacked tires in a stable, compressed state. Further, the tire transport frame may be adapted to withstand external loads so that multiple tire transport frames may be stacked atop one another for long term storage of tires. Further, the loaded tire transport frames may be easily loaded by forklift into a vessel for storage and/or transportation without requiring significant expenditures of manual labor, time, space, or cost. As a result, the instant invention enables significant improvements in reliability, cost, and capacity in the storage and/or transportation of tires.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving folded cartons of non-uniform thickness from a conventional gluing device, stacking those cartons into stacks of a predefined number, and rotating successive stacks 180° from each other in order to compensate for the uneven or non-uniform thickness of each folded carton. The apparatus further serves to drop two or more stacks of the folded cartons from a stack building station into a slug building area and then, once a slug of a desired size is built, tilting the slug until the plane of each folded carton is vertically oriented (i.e., the slug lies horizontally). The apparatus then automatically loads the slug into a shipping box.