A method and a device for buffering containers grouped in a single row in a filling system are described. For this purpose, the containers are entered into storage on at least one infeed conveyor belt in the infeed direction, moved in a single row onto a transversely adjoining buffer area by rail-guided and individually driven shuttles with row pushers in a buffering direction running transverse to the infeed direction, and are removed from storage on at least one outfeed conveyor belt transversely adjoining in the buffering direction. Due to the fact that the row pushers receive the containers in a single row in a guide channel formed/defined by an anterior row guide leading in the buffering direction and by a trailing posterior row guide, the groups of containers can be moved in the buffering direction and positioned precisely, quickly and secured against falling over without back pressure.

A deployable bulk material distribution apparatus for discharging from a designated height an amount of a flowable bulk material into a discharge location is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an auger section; a bucket elevator section configured so as to be movable between: an upright position; and a reclined position wherein the bucket elevator section is substantially reclined for transport; and a joint assembly coupling the exit aperture of the auger section to the boot inlet of the bucket elevator section so as to allow the flowable bulk material to move from the exit aperture to the boot inlet when the bucket elevator section is in the upright position, the joint assembly being rotatably coupled to the boot inlet. The auger section and container operable to freely move along the bucket elevator section when it is moved between the upright and reclined positions.

An automated vial feed system for an automated prescription filling system. The system has a plurality of sensors located above a vial distribution table for controlling the pace of vial delivery to the table. The sensors determine the load of vials on the table and a control system uses the information as feedback to the vial delivery system.

A conveyor system with a diverting conveyor belt crossing and intersecting a main conveyor line. The diverting conveyor belt has rollers on its outer side that rotate freely in the main conveying direction of the line. The downstream edge of the diverting conveyor is selectably tilted between a lowered, untilted position level with the main conveyor line and a raised, tilted position above the level of the main conveyor line. When the diverting belt is untilted and stopped, an article passes over the belt's rollers without being diverted. When the diverting belt is tilted and running, it diverts articles off the side of the conveyor line. In another version the rollers include an electrically conductive or magnetic material. A linear-motor stator under the diverting belt selectively actuates the conductive or magnetic rollers to draw undiverted articles across the belt.

A device and method for temporarily storing stacks of piece goods which are provided in a clocked manner at a transfer point integrated in the device or adjacent to the device of a system for producing food products, in particular chocolate products, comprising: one or more storage points, a delivery point, a transport apparatus for moving the stacks of piece goods in the direction of transport; and a manipulator by means of which the transfer point, the delivery point as well as the storage points arranged therebetween can be approached; wherein at least one piece of goods of a stack of piece goods, preferably a plurality of piece goods of a stack of piece goods, can be transferred at once to the delivery point by the manipulator; wherein the stacks of piece goods can be separated at the delivery point and fed to a downstream section of the system; and wherein the flow of stacks of piece goods provided at the transfer point can be decoupled from the downstream section of the system by successively occupying the storage points.

The invention relates to an accumulator device comprising an infeed conveyor with an endless conveying belt arranged for moving products in a first conveying direction, a substantially parallel outfeed conveyor with an endless conveying belt arranged for moving products in a second, opposing conveying direction, a transfer device provided in-between the infeed and outfeed conveyors, configured for transferring products from the infeed conveyor to the outfeed conveyor, the transfer device being moveable along the infeed and outfeed conveyors, wherein the transfer device comprises a first transfer element with first gripping means for horizontally engaging the products, a second transfer element, spaced-apart from the first transfer element, provided with second gripping means for horizontally engaging the products in cooperation with the first gripping means, wherein between the first and second circumference a transfer trajectory is defined, along which a distance between the first and second circumference, perpendicular to the transfer trajectory, is substantially constant and along which the first and second gripping means are arranged to be driven in a same transfer direction, such that a product can be gripped by the first and second gripping means at a gripping location on the infeed conveyor and transported along the transfer trajectory to a release location on the outfeed conveyor.

A method for removing a piece good from a conveying means of a sorting system, wherein the sorting system includes the conveying means for conveying the piece good in a transport direction along a conveyor line, and wherein the conveying means is configured in such a way that a piece good arranged in a cell area on the conveying means is movable at right angles to the transport direction, includes the steps generating image data by means of a camera arranged on the conveyor line, wherein the image data represent at least the conveying means in one section of the conveyor line; by means of a controller, detecting a piece good not placed completely in the cell area on the conveying means on the basis of the image data generated; generating a blowoff command for a blowoff device arranged on the conveyor line, wherein the blowoff command is generated while considering a time of the generation of the image data, a conveying speed of the conveying means, and an arrangement of the camera, the conveyor line and the blowoff device relative to one another; and by means of the blowoff device, blowing off the piece good not placed completely in the cell area on the conveying means on the basis of the blowoff command.

An automated method and system for transitioning a bottle from a horizontal belt conveyor to the entrance of an air conveyor, and vice versa, from an air conveyor to a horizontal belt conveyor. An indexer in a circular arrangement moves around 180 degrees clockwise until the bottle drops into the air conveyor (e.g., pneumatic tube). This motion controls the bottle's movement; otherwise, the bottle would free-fall off the conveyor. The indexer rotary device provides control of the vial transition, keeping it vertical so it goes into the tube in a controlled manner.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for facilitating refilling of medication into a programmable medication dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the apparatus may include an apparatus body, a bottomless tray, a cover, a refilling actuator, and a power source. Further, the bottomless tray is configured to be movably disposed within a body interior space of the apparatus body. Further, compartments of the bottomless tray comprise a medication. Further, the cover is removably attached to a side of the bottomless tray for securing the medication in the compartments. Further, the refilling actuator is configured for displacing the bottomless tray from a storage position to a dispensing position within the body interior space. Further, the bottomless tray is dispensable through a body opening of the apparatus body in the dispensing position. Further, the power source is configured for powering the refilling actuator.

A product flow regulator for temporary storage of products includes a frame, a conveying mechanism, and product carrier gondolas, which are conveyed with products from a product inlet area to a product outlet area and back empty. The frame includes a stationary guide track, along which the product carrier gondolas circulate self-controlled. The gondolas includes a drive mechanism and electrical control devices, which enable individual independent circulation.