Described and depicted is a processing device for processing, preferably filled and scaled, packages, in particular cardboard composite packages, having a processing station for processing the packages, preferably for forming the packages and/or for applying additive packaging materials to these packages, having a transport device for supplying, in particular accumulated, packages along a supply path and for further transport of separated packages in the direction of the processing station along a relay path and having a separating device for separating the packages supplied via the transport device, wherein the separating device has a plurality of sliding means circulating respectively along a common, closed transport track and distributed along the transport track for moving the packages in an interlocking manner from the supply path to the relay path at least substantially transverse to the supply path and/or relay path in the region of the separating device. So that a reliable operation of the processing device can be achieved with at same time higher processing speeds, it is provided that the sliding means mounted on two rotary discs which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction and are rotatable about a respective axis of rotation, and in that the axes of rotation of the rotary discs are arranged parallel to one another and spaced horizontally apart from one another.

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic stopper for stopping and/or separating out cargo carriers and/or cargo conveyed on a continuously operated cargo conveyor system, comprising: a bistable solenoid having at least one coil and at least one permanent magnet; a cam, which can be retracted and extended with the aid of the solenoid, one or more electrical energy stores, in particular capacitors, a controller, which, with the aid of switches, discharges the energy store(s) via the at least one coil of the solenoid such that the cam is extended.

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic stopper for stopping and/or separating out cargo carriers and/or cargo conveyed on a continuously operated cargo conveyor system, comprising: a bistable solenoid having at least one coil and at least one permanent magnet; a cam, which can be retracted and extended with the aid of the solenoid, one or more electrical energy stores, in particular capacitors, a controller, which, with the aid of switches, discharges the energy store(s) via the at least one coil of the solenoid such that the cam is extended.

An assembly for feeding objects downstream into an automated machine includes a track, a tamping location on the track, a stop disposed at the tamping location, and a forward path through the track. A spring proximate to the tamping location moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the spring, the spring cooperates with the stop to interrupt the forward path. In the second position of the spring, the spring cooperates with the stop to open the forward path to allow objects to move downstream in the track.

An article metering assembly for forming of an article group from a downstream most end portion of a bulk flow of conveyed articles is generally provided. The assembly, in one embodiment, is characterized by a robotic arm, a linkage assembly, and an end effector operatively united with the robotic arm and the linkage assembly such that the end effector is fixedly orientated relative to and overhead of the bulk flow of articles throughout a robotic arm motion cycle. Alternately, the assembly is characterized by a robotic arm in operative combination with an end effector, the end effector selectively oriented in relation to articles of a bulk flow of article during travel about its travel path in furtherance of forming an article group from above.

An article metering assembly for forming of an article group from a downstream most end portion of a bulk flow of conveyed articles is generally provided. The assembly, in one embodiment, is characterized by a robotic arm, a linkage assembly, and an end effector operatively united with the robotic arm and the linkage assembly such that the end effector is fixedly orientated relative to and overhead of the bulk flow of articles throughout a robotic arm motion cycle. Alternately, the assembly is characterized by a robotic arm in operative combination with an end effector, the end effector selectively oriented in relation to articles of a bulk flow of article during travel about its travel path in furtherance of forming an article group from above.

An article metering assembly for forming of an article group from a downstream most end portion of a bulk flow of conveyed articles is generally provided. The assembly, in one embodiment, is characterized by a robotic arm, a linkage assembly, and an end effector operatively united with the robotic arm and the linkage assembly such that the end effector is fixedly orientated relative to and overhead of the bulk flow of articles throughout a robotic arm motion cycle. Alternately, the assembly is characterized by a robotic arm in operative combination with an end effector, the end effector selectively oriented in relation to articles of a bulk flow of article during travel about its travel path in furtherance of forming an article group from above.

An article metering assembly for forming of an article group from a downstream most end portion of a bulk flow of conveyed articles is generally provided. The assembly, in one embodiment, is characterized by a robotic arm, a linkage assembly, and an end effector operatively united with the robotic arm and the linkage assembly such that the end effector is fixedly orientated relative to and overhead of the bulk flow of articles throughout a robotic arm motion cycle. Alternately, the assembly is characterized by a robotic arm in operative combination with an end effector, the end effector selectively oriented in relation to articles of a bulk flow of article during travel about its travel path in furtherance of forming an article group from above.

The invention relates to a switch arrangement (10, 40) for the selection of joining elements (30), which comprises a switch (14, 42) that comprises at least three supply points (12a, . . . f, 44a, . . . f) in which joining elements (30) can be supplied to the switch (14, 42) in a position-oriented manner. Furthermore, an output point (22, 66) is provided where joining elements (30) can be output in a position-oriented manner, said switch (14, 42) comprising a conveying element (18, 52) which has at least three receiving compartments (20a, . . . f, 56a, . . . f) each being adapted to receive a supplied joining element (30) each at the supply point (12a, . . f, 44a . . . f). A conveying element (18, 52) can convey the joining elements from a receiving position to an output position from the supply point (12a, . . . f, 44a, . . . f) to an output point (22, 66), which is fixed relative to the supply points (12a, . . . f, 44a, . . . f), and output.

Systems and methods for providing gaps in article or package processing. In some embodiments, the system can include a conveying path along which a first advanced article and a second advanced article can be advanced. The system can further include a first stop location and a second stop location. The first stop location can include movable fingers that are configured to raise to stop the advance of the articles and then lower at specific times to allow the articles to advance with specific distances between the articles. Additionally, the system can include a paddle that also raises and lowers. The paddle lowers to stop an advancing article again, and in doing so, front-end registers the article. Then the paddle can raise to allow the package to advance again along the conveyor.