A method of collating packages that includes receiving a plurality of packages in a main channel of a collation module, conveying the packages in the main channel along parallel grooves having a first portion arranged perpendicularly to the main channel, and conveying the packages in the main channel along a second portion of the parallel grooves angled towards a first side of the collation module, where each package passes through first and second portions of a single groove.

A device for organizing, conveying and placing ammunition cases consists of a module with an array of funnels on the top face. When cases are poured onto the top face the funnels direct the cases into bores below, generally with the heavy end (rim and extractor groove end) down. Edges of apertures in a plate which slides in a slot in the bottom of the module engage the extractor groove in each case and secure the cases between the plate and module with spring pressure. After securing the cases they may be conveyed to another location at which point the spring may be compressed to release the cases leaving them arranged neatly. A tray is used to contain and interface with a plurality of modules. By adjusting wedges in the tray, the plates in the module assemblies engaged by the wedges are caused to operate as described previously.

A system for transferring a group of components of electronic cigarettes from a first to a second operating station includes a conveyor extends from a feeding zone to a disengagement zone and has a plurality of seats. A feeding device receives the components and feeds them into the seats at a first mutual distance. A disengaging and transferring device operates to disengage the components from their seats and transfer the components to a collecting zone. A compacting device operates in the collecting zone to move the components closer together and place them at a second mutual distance that is smaller than the first mutual distance. A tray faces and receives from the collecting zone the group of components which have been placed close together. A pushing device pushes the components from the collecting zone into the tray. A movement device transfers the tray to the second operating station.

A compact collator for collating and preparing product containers for packaging and its method of operation and use is provided herein. The collator includes a laner having a conveyor and defining an infeed area. Infeed sensors detect the passage of containers in and out of the infeed area. A gate retains containers in the infeed area until a set number of product containers (a slug) is detected. A slug of containers passing out of the infeed area is conveyed to a cross-pusher, which has an arm. The arm is actuated between a position adjacent to the conveyor to a position across the conveyer and over a pattern conveyor. When the slug is in a centered position relative to the arm, the arm pushes the containers 90 degrees from the laner's conveyor and onto the patterning conveyor.

A method for order-picking goods in which individual goods are removed from store from a goods collection, are combined in accordance with stipulations to form goods groups and, in the form of these goods groups, are output for further processing. A simple and flexible type of order picking is achieved in that the combining of goods to form goods groups is carried out in pockets suspended on a suspension conveyor.

A method for order-picking goods in which individual goods are removed from store from a goods collection, are combined in accordance with stipulations to form goods groups and, in the form of these goods groups, are output for further processing. A simple and flexible type of order picking is achieved in that the combining of goods to form goods groups is carried out in pockets suspended on a suspension conveyor.

Grouping unit and method to form groups of hygiene absorbent articles in a packaging machine; a conveyor which receives the single hygiene absorbent articles in an input station is provided, which feeds the hygiene absorbent articles along a grouping path, and releases the groups of hygiene absorbent articles in an output station; wherein the conveyor has a belt which is closed so as to form a ring, is wound around at least two pulleys, and supports a plurality of blades, which extend perpendicular to the belt and delimit, between one another, respective pockets, which are each designed to hold a corresponding hygiene absorbent article; an active braking device is provided, which is arranged at the input station so as to cooperate with a pocket arranged in the input station to slow down the movement with which a corresponding hygiene absorbent article enters the pocket.

The invention relates to a method and apparatus (10) for handling piece goods (2) for forming a palletizable layer or partial layer, with the piece goods (2) being moved in at least two parallel rows (1) and the layer comprising a plurality of piece goods (2). At least two piece goods (2) that are transported beside each other in parallel rows (1) are seized in a clamping and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner, are then spatially separated from the at least two parallel rows (1) and are then brought into a specified relative target position (P1, P2) and/or target alignment in relation to subsequent piece goods (2). The apparatus (10) comprises at least one manipulator (5) for piece goods (2), and at least one transport device (3), where the piece goods (2) arranged in at least two parallel rows (1).

A system for transferring a first group of components of electronic cigarettes from first to second operating stations includes a flat collecting surface extending from a feeding zone to a releasing zone. A feeding device receives the components and feeds them onto the collecting surface. A first abutment element abuts the first component of the first group. A second abutment element abuts the last component of the first group. A compacting and stabilizing device moves the components closer together and stabilizes their positions. A first movement device moves the first and second abutment elements along the collecting surface to transfer the first group to the releasing zone. A tray faces the releasing zone to receive the first group. A pushing device pushes the components from the releasing zone into the tray. A transferring device transfers the tray with the first group towards the second operating station.

Forming device for forming a layer of containers arranged as a quincunx which includes a conveyor belt configured to advance said containers according to a feeding direction X of the conveyor belt, an equipment piece bearing a plurality of partitions positioned parallel to said direction X, wherein said partitions divide the upper surface of the conveyor belt into a plurality of channels, each having a width such to allow the passage of a single row of containers, characterized in that the equipment piece further includes a series of feeding devices configured for dosing and releasing, in a controlled manner, the containers exiting from the channels, each placed at the outlet of each channel, and said equipment piece is movable according to direction Y substantially perpendicular to the feeding direction X of the conveyor belt.