An apparatus and method for sealing an open end of a cardboard-based container containing a powder. A transporter is configured to transport a flow of containers to and from an inductive welding unit. The transporter includes a feeding arrangement to separate the containers and a main conveyor member to convey the spaced containers. A movable gripping arrangement is configured to simultaneously grip at least two containers and simultaneously transfer these containers from the main conveyor member to the welding unit. The welding unit is configured to simultaneously fasten a lid to each of the simultaneously transferred containers.

A feed unit for articles includes: a first feeding device; a second feeding device for individually picking up the articles from the first feeding device at a removal location at a predetermined time interval; and a synchronization device for receiving the articles from the first feeding device and to moving the articles into the removal location. A control system is also provided, to adjust the speed of the synchronization device in such a manner that each article reaches the removal location at the predetermined time interval in order to be picked up by the second feeding device.

A feed unit for articles includes: a first feeding device; a second feeding device for individually picking up the articles from the first feeding device at a removal location at a predetermined time interval; and a synchronization device for receiving the articles from the first feeding device and to moving the articles into the removal location. A control system is also provided, to adjust the speed of the synchronization device in such a manner that each article reaches the removal location at the predetermined time interval in order to be picked up by the second feeding device.

An apparatus for loading and accumulating semi-finished plate-like pieces, in particular lenses, includes a support structure and a piece warehouse which is associated with the support structure for moving the pieces from a piece inlet portion to a piece outlet portion along a warehouse axis. The warehouse includes augers extending parallel to the warehouse axis along respective longitudinal axes and are arranged around the warehouse axis to jointly delimit transverse seats with respect to the warehouse axis. Each seat accommodates a semi-finished plate-like piece. A system coordinates positioning of the augers for varying a distance of each auger from the warehouse axis to vary a radial dimension of the transverse seats. A system rotates each auger around the relevant longitudinal axis in a synchronized manner to cause movement of the pieces parallel to the warehouse axis from the inlet portion to the outlet portion.

An apparatus for loading and accumulating semi-finished plate-like pieces, in particular lenses, includes a support structure and a piece warehouse which is associated with the support structure for moving the pieces from a piece inlet portion to a piece outlet portion along a warehouse axis. The warehouse includes augers extending parallel to the warehouse axis along respective longitudinal axes and are arranged around the warehouse axis to jointly delimit transverse seats with respect to the warehouse axis. Each seat accommodates a semi-finished plate-like piece. A system coordinates positioning of the augers for varying a distance of each auger from the warehouse axis to vary a radial dimension of the transverse seats. A system rotates each auger around the relevant longitudinal axis in a synchronized manner to cause movement of the pieces parallel to the warehouse axis from the inlet portion to the outlet portion.

A product conveying device (10) for automatic dispensers is described, comprising a supporting element (1), configured to support the product being delivered, a thrusting element (3) sliding connected on guiding means (5) to the supporting element (1), at least one pair of worm screws (2), counter-rotating with synchronous movement, rotating connected to the supporting element (1) and to the thrusting element (3), to advance the thrusting element (3) along the guiding means (5) in order to thrust the product towards a terminal end (A) of the supporting element (1), to make it fall towards an outlet mouth from the automatic dispenser.

A product conveying device (10) for automatic dispensers is described, comprising a supporting element (1), configured to support the product being delivered, a thrusting element (3) sliding connected on guiding means (5) to the supporting element (1), at least one pair of worm screws (2), counter-rotating with synchronous movement, rotating connected to the supporting element (1) and to the thrusting element (3), to advance the thrusting element (3) along the guiding means (5) in order to thrust the product towards a terminal end (A) of the supporting element (1), to make it fall towards an outlet mouth from the automatic dispenser.

A system for receiving objects to a conveying screw in an infeed sequence in an upward orientation, twisting the objects from the upward orientation to a sideways orientation by progressing the objects between a twisting plate and the conveying screw, conveying the objects in the sideways orientation in sets, each set including a first and second object to a diverting screw, inverting the first object to a downward orientation by diverting the first object between an inverting plate and the conveying screw, reverting the second object to the upward orientation by diverting the second object between a reverting plate and the conveying screw, discharging the objects from the conveying screw in sets in a discharge sequence in which each downward object is alternated with and adjacent an upward object. The object can have a tapered side where in the discharge sequence, tapered sides of adjacent containers are substantially parallel.

A conveying device configured to align a plurality of fuel cells stacked on each other is provided, and the conveying device may include: a magazine accommodating the plurality of fuel cells in the stacked state along a first direction and having one end in the first direction being open; a first screw extending along the first direction and having an outer peripheral surface with a helical thread groove, in which the outer peripheral surface of the first screw contacts the plurality of fuel cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the plurality of fuel cells is accommodated in the magazine; and a screw driving unit configured to rotate the first screw.

A conveying device configured to align a plurality of fuel cells stacked on each other is provided, and the conveying device may include: a magazine accommodating the plurality of fuel cells in the stacked state along a first direction and having one end in the first direction being open; a first screw extending along the first direction and having an outer peripheral surface with a helical thread groove, in which the outer peripheral surface of the first screw contacts the plurality of fuel cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the plurality of fuel cells is accommodated in the magazine; and a screw driving unit configured to rotate the first screw.