A method and relative sheet handling apparatus apt to pick up sheets from a pack of sheets to be delivered to a cut-ting centre and for removing a separating foil between the sheets is described, including: a lifting and removing unit for a top sheet equipped with upper gripping heads; an air flow generating unit generating an air flow above the pack of sheets; and a control unit of the lifting unit, suitable for arranging the top sheet at a stasis height of up to 70 mm above the pack of sheet to define a suction chamber for the air flow generator.

A method and relative sheet handling apparatus apt to pick up sheets from a pack of sheets to be delivered to a cut-ting centre and for removing a separating foil between the sheets is described, including: a lifting and removing unit for a top sheet equipped with upper gripping heads; an air flow generating unit generating an air flow above the pack of sheets; and a control unit of the lifting unit, suitable for arranging the top sheet at a stasis height of up to 70 mm above the pack of sheet to define a suction chamber for the air flow generator.

A conveying apparatus can comprise one or more support members defining an interior passage and a first plurality of apertures. A first cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a first end portion of a support area can be greater than a second cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a second end portion of the support area. A tube can extend within the interior passage and comprises a second plurality of apertures. Methods are also provided for conveying a ribbon with one or more support members.

A conveying apparatus can comprise one or more support members defining an interior passage and a first plurality of apertures. A first cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a first end portion of a support area can be greater than a second cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a second end portion of the support area. A tube can extend within the interior passage and comprises a second plurality of apertures. Methods are also provided for conveying a ribbon with one or more support members.

A system for conveying a substrate includes a noncontact support platform for supporting the substrate. A vacuum wheel is located adjacent to the support platform. A rim of the vacuum wheel includes perforations that open between an exterior of the rim and an interior of the vacuum wheel. A fixed suction surface is interior to the vacuum wheel and includes an opening of a conduit that is connectable to a suction source. A chamber is formed by the suction surface, walls of the vacuum wheel, and a section of the peripheral rim that is adjacent to the suction surface and that extends outward from the support platform. When suction is applied to the conduit, the suction is applied via the chamber to the perforations in the rim section so as to exert a pull on the substrate toward the rim such that rotation of the vacuum wheel conveys the substrate.

A system for conveying a substrate includes a noncontact support platform for supporting the substrate. A vacuum wheel is located adjacent to the support platform. A rim of the vacuum wheel includes perforations that open between an exterior of the rim and an interior of the vacuum wheel. A fixed suction surface is interior to the vacuum wheel and includes an opening of a conduit that is connectable to a suction source. A chamber is formed by the suction surface, walls of the vacuum wheel, and a section of the peripheral rim that is adjacent to the suction surface and that extends outward from the support platform. When suction is applied to the conduit, the suction is applied via the chamber to the perforations in the rim section so as to exert a pull on the substrate toward the rim such that rotation of the vacuum wheel conveys the substrate.

A flotation conveyance apparatus according to an embodiment is for conveying a substrate while floating the substrate by ejecting a gas to a lower surface of the substrate. The flotation conveyance apparatus includes a plurality of ejecting ports configured to eject the gas to the substrate, a downstream flow-path configured to supply the gas to the plurality of ejecting ports, a upstream flow-path configured to supply the gas to the downstream flow-path, and a gas supply port configured to supply the gas to the downstream flow-path. A cross-sectional area of the upstream flow-path is configured to be larger than a cross-sectional area of the downstream flow-path.

A flotation conveyance apparatus according to an embodiment is for conveying a substrate while floating the substrate by ejecting a gas to a lower surface of the substrate. The flotation conveyance apparatus includes a plurality of ejecting ports configured to eject the gas to the substrate, a downstream flow-path configured to supply the gas to the plurality of ejecting ports, a upstream flow-path configured to supply the gas to the downstream flow-path, and a gas supply port configured to supply the gas to the downstream flow-path. A cross-sectional area of the upstream flow-path is configured to be larger than a cross-sectional area of the downstream flow-path.

Disclosed is a device for transporting plastic-container preforms, the device including an endless circulating element having an outer surface and being capable of moving the preforms along a path by rubbing against the preforms, the device including a stationary mounting defining a planar bearing surface for the preforms, the circulating element having a series of brushes which extend projecting from the outer surface, capable of engaging with the preforms in order to move same by rubbing.

The invention relates to a method and guide system for the transport of containers or container components, in particular, preforms and/or closure caps, in industrial systems for container production and/or product filling, wherein the containers/container components are transported along at least one guide element. By generating an air cushion between the guide element and the containers/container components by flowing through a microporous layer formed on the guide element, even container components which are lightweight and/or do not slide well can be reliably slidingly transported along the guide elements, and containers can be reliably supplied to dividing worms or similar using dynamic pressure.