A packaging installation that includes a grouping machine configured to form batches of products and a horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine arranged downstream the grouping machine and being configured to receive the formed batches of products and to package them in individual packages. The grouping machine includes a receiving area to receive the products and a grouping area where the products are grouped into batches, and, for transporting products to the grouping area. The grouping machine includes a first product path and a second product path, different from the first product path, extending from the product receiving area to the grouping area. According to one embodiment, the grouping machine is configured to cause the products arriving at the grouping area from the first product path and from the second product path to have different orientations.

A packaging installation that includes a grouping machine configured to form batches of products and a horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine arranged downstream the grouping machine and being configured to receive the formed batches of products and to package them in individual packages. The grouping machine includes a receiving area to receive the products and a grouping area where the products are grouped into batches, and, for transporting products to the grouping area. The grouping machine includes a first product path and a second product path, different from the first product path, extending from the product receiving area to the grouping area. According to one embodiment, the grouping machine is configured to cause the products arriving at the grouping area from the first product path and from the second product path to have different orientations.

The present invention provides a storage and sorting method and apparatus, a control device and a storage medium, and relates to the field of logistics. The storing and sorting apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a conveying device configured to convey articles; and at least one storage device, wherein the storage device is located over the conveying device, and is configured to obtain and store the articles conveyed on the conveying device in a storage phase, and release the stored articles to the conveying device in a sorting phase.

The present invention provides a storage and sorting method and apparatus, a control device and a storage medium, and relates to the field of logistics. The storing and sorting apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a conveying device configured to convey articles; and at least one storage device, wherein the storage device is located over the conveying device, and is configured to obtain and store the articles conveyed on the conveying device in a storage phase, and release the stored articles to the conveying device in a sorting phase.

Apparatus for varying a pitch between moving articles includes a phaser conveyor having a closed-loop central belt and two closed-loop side belts including respective rows of stop elements configured to engage side portions of articles projecting laterally outside the central belt. As compared to rotary repitching devices, the apparatus according to the invention is much simpler and more energy-efficient, which has a positive impact on sustainability.

Apparatus for varying a pitch between moving articles includes a phaser conveyor having a closed-loop central belt and two closed-loop side belts including respective rows of stop elements configured to engage side portions of articles projecting laterally outside the central belt. As compared to rotary repitching devices, the apparatus according to the invention is much simpler and more energy-efficient, which has a positive impact on sustainability.

Methods and apparatuses for performing article singulation are provided. An article singulator can include an intake conveyor, an out-take conveyor, and multiple intermediate conveyors. The intake conveyor can receive multiple articles and convey the articles to the multiple intermediate conveyors. Further, the out-take conveyor may convey singulated articles from amongst the multiple articles (e.g. to an outfeed). Further, the multiple intermediate conveyors may include successive conveyors to convey the articles and provide the singulated articles to the out-take conveyor. In some examples, each successive conveyor of the multiple intermediate conveyors may be positioned at a lower level than a preceding conveyor. Further, each successive conveyor can convey the articles in a different direction and at a different speed than a preceding conveyor such that the articles are singulated upon conveyance by the article singulator.

Methods and apparatuses for performing article singulation are provided. An article singulator can include an intake conveyor, an out-take conveyor, and multiple intermediate conveyors. The intake conveyor can receive multiple articles and convey the articles to the multiple intermediate conveyors. Further, the out-take conveyor may convey singulated articles from amongst the multiple articles (e.g. to an outfeed). Further, the multiple intermediate conveyors may include successive conveyors to convey the articles and provide the singulated articles to the out-take conveyor. In some examples, each successive conveyor of the multiple intermediate conveyors may be positioned at a lower level than a preceding conveyor. Further, each successive conveyor can convey the articles in a different direction and at a different speed than a preceding conveyor such that the articles are singulated upon conveyance by the article singulator.

An apparatus and system include an upper stepped chute having a substantially downward sloped configuration; a lower stepped chute having a substantially downward sloped configuration; and an intermediate conveyor section separating the upper stepped chute from the lower stepped chute. The intermediate conveyor section has a slope that is different from the slope of the upper stepped chute and the lower stepped chute.

An apparatus and system include an upper stepped chute having a substantially downward sloped configuration; a lower stepped chute having a substantially downward sloped configuration; and an intermediate conveyor section separating the upper stepped chute from the lower stepped chute. The intermediate conveyor section has a slope that is different from the slope of the upper stepped chute and the lower stepped chute.