A Support device (14) for storing or transporting single sheets or stacks of a packaging material is described. It comprises a multitude of slats (32) being arranged on a basic component (34), wherein the slats (32) are in an upright position and spaced from each other in a generally parallel manner such that respective side contour contact sections (36) of the slats (32) form a substantially flat support surface configured to support the single sheets or stacks . Each slat (32) is mounted on the basic component (34) via two connection tongues (52) being arranged on opposite ends of the slat (32), the connection tongues (52) engaging corresponding connection slots (54) being provided on the basic component (34)), wherein two types of slots (54) are provided on the basic component (34), wherein a first type of slots (54) is arranged closer to a basic surface of the basic component (34) than a second type of slots (54), and wherein two types of slats (32) are provided, wherein a first type of slats (32) is engageable with connection slots (54) of the first type, but not with connection slots (54) of the second type, and a second type of slats (32) is engageable with connection slots (54) of the second type, but not with connection slots (54) of the first type.

A system, and associated method, for launching and delivering separated food product in organized groups to a robotized packaging station for the product. The system initiates the delivery via a metered hopper of food product delivering the product to a launch V-belt that aligns the product end to end. A successive singulator belt, positioned adjacent to and receiving product from the launch belt, further organizes the product into a single file alignment. An optional separator belt may follow the singulator belt to create gaps between successive product units. The product is then delivered to a pick belt for product to be provided to the packaging robot. The system product information is from a single (per product delivery line) sensor, enabling intergrated end-to-end control from hopper to robot, and a nearly continuous motion of said pick belt.

A chain link for a plate-link chain of a chain conveyor having two substantially flat side walls, which are spaced apart from, and parallel to, each other in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link and securely fastened together, and two force introduction components. Every force introduction component protrudes outwards in the transverse direction (x-direction) from its associated side wall for the purpose of fastening it to a conveyor belt of the chain conveyor and is a component that is separate from the side walls. The force introduction components are substantially flat and every force introduction component is interlockingly connected to its associated side wall. A plate-link chain having multiple chain links and a chain conveyor comprising a plate-link chain are also provided.

A material handler that uses chain driven magnetic plates to create a magnetic surface. The magnetic surface undulates and is able to lift ferrous material such as metal cans. The handler allows metal cans that are palletized to be removed quickly and easily.

A transport group for container sterilization apparatuses a includes a conveyor belt, which defines an operational plane and advances along an advancement direction, and a number of support elements, mutually separated, and integral and movable with the conveyor belt. Each support element has longitudinal development transverse to the advancement direction and lying along a direction parallel to the operational plane. Each support element defines a number of shaped seats arranged along the longitudinal development. Each shaped seat is adapted to temporarily house a respective container.

A transport group for container sterilization apparatuses a includes a conveyor belt, which defines an operational plane and advances along an advancement direction, and a number of support elements, mutually separated, and integral and movable with the conveyor belt. Each support element has longitudinal development transverse to the advancement direction and lying along a direction parallel to the operational plane. Each support element defines a number of shaped seats arranged along the longitudinal development. Each shaped seat is adapted to temporarily house a respective container.

The invention relates to a chain link (1) for a chain conveyor for conveying small parts (17), in particular bottle closures, having a, in particular flat, support surface for small parts, wherein means (3) for fitting at least one carrier (14) are provided on opposite sides of the chain link. This allows the small parts to be conveyed without damage, on the other hand, the chain link (1) can be easily adapted to different types of small parts that differ in diameter and/or height. At least two carriers (14) are provided, each of which has a fastening part (15) which can be attached to a means (3) for fitting, and a gripping part (19) which is made of a softer material than the fastening part (15) and has one or more extensions (16) which, when the carrier (14) is in the fitted state, are aligned towards the respective other carrier (14).

A towable conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for towing a conveyor and conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor system has an elevating carriage and a plurality of support elements for conveying articles up the conveyor. Specifically, the towable conveyor system comprises a conveyor having a support frame, a plurality of support elements, a drive end with a motor, and an idle end; an elevating carriage having a first end interconnected to the support frame of the conveyor, a second with two or more wheels, and a support member extending upwardly from the elevating carriage; a cable system for raising the conveyor into a position of use and for lowering the conveyor into a towing position; one or more locking mechanisms; and a hitch for connecting the conveyor to a rear end of a towing vehicle.

A conveyor belt includes a repeating interconnected arrangement of: rods spaced apart in a longitudinal direction and each extending in a lateral direction and connecting links arranged on both ends of the rods. Each link includes a nose section extending in lateral direction and two legs arranged on either side of the nose section, the legs extending in longitudinal direction. The nose section and the two legs provide a U-shaped structure. Laterally aligned first openings are arranged in each of the legs adjacent to the nose section for reception of a rod. Laterally aligned second openings are arranged in each of the legs adjacent the free ends of the legs. The first openings of a first link are aligned with the second openings of a second link for reception of a rod thereinto.

A conveyor belt system provides a continuous flat support surface for a food item that moves the food item through a food preparation device. The conveyor belt system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced apart rods and a plurality of slats that are removably attached to the conveyor belt with a snap on mechanism. The slats are easily assembled and provide enhanced field service and/or replacement capability.