Present embodiments relate to a tie plate dispenser which aligns tie plates for dispensing based on rail base rather than outer edges of tie plate. Thus tie plates are aligned and located in a differing manner than prior art systems. Further, the tie plate dispenser includes an opening over which a magnet is disposed to retain a tie plate over the opening. The tie plate over the opening may be selectively released by disengaging the tie plate from the magnet.

Present embodiments relate to a tie plate dispenser which aligns tie plates for dispensing based on rail base rather than outer edges of tie plate. Thus tie plates are aligned and located in a differing manner than prior art systems. Further, the tie plate dispenser includes an opening over which a magnet is disposed to retain a tie plate over the opening. The tie plate over the opening may be selectively released by disengaging the tie plate from the magnet.

A conveyor system and drive element for same include a chain including a plurality of links that hinge with respect to each other and a plurality of moving elements such as balls that freely move in the links. A drive element drives the chain in a conveying direction and includes an elongated body with a surface that has a plurality of planar facets arranged around the longitudinal axis of the body. The facets extend along the body and engage respective links of the chain as the body is rotated to drive the chain. Relief elements are located in each facet and are configured for receiving the moving elements of the chain links engaging the facets so the links lie generally flat on the facets when the chain is driven. Other versions of the drive element are faceted for driving a chain with links but without relief elements.

A conveyor system and drive element for same include a chain including a plurality of links that hinge with respect to each other and a plurality of moving elements such as balls that freely move in the links. A drive element drives the chain in a conveying direction and includes an elongated body with a surface that has a plurality of planar facets arranged around the longitudinal axis of the body. The facets extend along the body and engage respective links of the chain as the body is rotated to drive the chain. Relief elements are located in each facet and are configured for receiving the moving elements of the chain links engaging the facets so the links lie generally flat on the facets when the chain is driven. Other versions of the drive element are faceted for driving a chain with links but without relief elements.

The invention relates to a holding and centering device for containers, comprising a fixing section (3) which enables the holding and centering device to be fixed to a transport element of a container treatment device, and at least one holding section (4, 4′) which is designed to pick up and hold a container (2) which is to be treated. Said holding and centering device is characterized by two holding sections (4, 4′) which are arranged opposite each other, by means of which respectively one container (2) which is to be treated, can be fixed.

The invention relates to a holding and centering device for containers, comprising a fixing section (3) which enables the holding and centering device to be fixed to a transport element of a container treatment device, and at least one holding section (4, 4′) which is designed to pick up and hold a container (2) which is to be treated. Said holding and centering device is characterized by two holding sections (4, 4′) which are arranged opposite each other, by means of which respectively one container (2) which is to be treated, can be fixed.

A method of lining up portions of slices of food, the portions are transported by a belt conveyor on a plurality of tracks along a conveying direction, one of the plurality of tracks is selected as a first reference track, conveying speeds of a remainder of the plurality of tracks excluding the first reference track are adapted in such a way that the portions are arranged in straight rows arranged orthogonally to the conveying direction when the portions reach a lining-up position, and when the lining-up position is reached, the conveying speeds of the plurality of tracks including the first reference track are aligned to one another.

A device for orienting a packaging, such as a sterile packaging. Orienting the package comprises one or more of folding open or tightening at least one edge of the packaging in a substantially horizontal plane. The device arranges the packaging into a working position in which the packaging is oriented. The device comprises a brush station having at least one substantially horizontally oriented rotating brush designed and arranged to come into frictional contact with the at least one edge of the packaging.

A device for orienting a packaging, such as a sterile packaging. Orienting the package comprises one or more of folding open or tightening at least one edge of the packaging in a substantially horizontal plane. The device arranges the packaging into a working position in which the packaging is oriented. The device comprises a brush station having at least one substantially horizontally oriented rotating brush designed and arranged to come into frictional contact with the at least one edge of the packaging.

An apparatus guides at least one article traveling along a conveyor in a conveying direction, the at least one article having a shape. A plurality of guides of the apparatus guide the at least one article, such that positive control may be maintained during conveyance. The plurality of guides are dynamically adjustable in the transverse direction. At least one actuator adjusts a position of one or more of the plurality of guides based on the shape of the at least one article. Related methods are also disclosed.