The present invention provides an apparatus for transferring products, for example eggs, from an endless conveyor to carrier units, comprising—the conveyor with at least a single row of transport carriers, and—a transfer unit positioned near the conveyor, which further comprises an arm pivotable around a shaft and having at its end a transfer carrier, wherein the relative velocities upon takeover from the conveyor and upon transfer to such a carrier unit are virtually 0 m/s, and wherein the shaft is driven by a motor with independently controllable speed. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for, from an endless conveyor having transport carriers for carrying along products, transferring therefrom the products, for example eggs, to carrier units.

The present invention provides an apparatus for transferring products, for example eggs, from an endless conveyor to carrier units, comprising—the conveyor with at least a single row of transport carriers, and—a transfer unit positioned near the conveyor, which further comprises an arm pivotable around a shaft and having at its end a transfer carrier, wherein the relative velocities upon takeover from the conveyor and upon transfer to such a carrier unit are virtually 0 m/s, and wherein the shaft is driven by a motor with independently controllable speed. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for, from an endless conveyor having transport carriers for carrying along products, transferring therefrom the products, for example eggs, to carrier units.

An egg conveyor assembly (1) comprises a first conveyor (4) having a first conveyor direction (X), a second conveyor (5) extending in a second conveyor direction (Y) transverse to the first conveyor direction (X) and a transfer device (6) arranged between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The transfer device includes a transfer conveyor comprising and endless element (60) and extending in the second conveyor direction (Y). The second conveyor circulates second egg retainers (52) continuously, and the transfer conveyor circulates egg transfer retainers (62) discontinuously, in such that the egg transfer retainers of the transfer device are approximately standing still when receiving eggs from the first conveyor, and such that the egg transfer retainers of the transfer device are moving approximately synchronously with second egg retainers of the second conveyor when dropping the eggs in the second egg retainers of the second conveyor.

An egg conveyor assembly (1) comprises a first conveyor (4) having a first conveyor direction (X), a second conveyor (5) extending in a second conveyor direction (Y) transverse to the first conveyor direction (X) and a transfer device (6) arranged between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The transfer device includes a transfer conveyor comprising and endless element (60) and extending in the second conveyor direction (Y). The second conveyor circulates second egg retainers (52) continuously, and the transfer conveyor circulates egg transfer retainers (62) discontinuously, in such that the egg transfer retainers of the transfer device are approximately standing still when receiving eggs from the first conveyor, and such that the egg transfer retainers of the transfer device are moving approximately synchronously with second egg retainers of the second conveyor when dropping the eggs in the second egg retainers of the second conveyor.

A transfer device for transferring eggs from a conveyor belt to egg packaging, the transfer device includes a frame with at least one mounting plate of a mounting element, on which mounting plate a plurality of suction lifting elements that can be connected to a suction apparatus are mounted. The suction lifting elements are mounted on the mounting plate so as to be movable in the plane of the mounting plate by motorized or hydraulic means between a suction position and a release position.

A transfer device for transferring eggs from a conveyor belt to egg packaging, the transfer device includes a frame with at least one mounting plate of a mounting element, on which mounting plate a plurality of suction lifting elements that can be connected to a suction apparatus are mounted. The suction lifting elements are mounted on the mounting plate so as to be movable in the plane of the mounting plate by motorized or hydraulic means between a suction position and a release position.

Unit for sorting parts moving along a conveyor belt comprising a transfer device (3) which comprises a roller (31) which is rotatably movable above the belt and a plurality of gripping tools (32) at the periphery of the roller which are each capable of selectively removing a part from the belt when the tools are brought into a removal position, each tool comprising a suction cup (321) attached to a tubular support sleeve (322) which is capable of creating a connection between the suction cup and an internal chamber (312) of the roller, said connection being kept at a negative pressure relative to the surrounding air, all of the suction cups which are brought into the removal position being depressurized, each sleeve being mounted so as to be translatably movable along the axis thereof through a wall (311) of the roller, an actuator (34) being designed to selectively control, in the removal position, the movement of the sleeve so that the suction cup engages with the part to be removed.

Unit for sorting parts moving along a conveyor belt comprising a transfer device (3) which comprises a roller (31) which is rotatably movable above the belt and a plurality of gripping tools (32) at the periphery of the roller which are each capable of selectively removing a part from the belt when the tools are brought into a removal position, each tool comprising a suction cup (321) attached to a tubular support sleeve (322) which is capable of creating a connection between the suction cup and an internal chamber (312) of the roller, said connection being kept at a negative pressure relative to the surrounding air, all of the suction cups which are brought into the removal position being depressurized, each sleeve being mounted so as to be translatably movable along the axis thereof through a wall (311) of the roller, an actuator (34) being designed to selectively control, in the removal position, the movement of the sleeve so that the suction cup engages with the part to be removed.

An egg-orienting station for an apparatus for transporting eggs and packaging them in egg packs has a plurality of tracks, which are arranged parallel to one another in the conveying direction, and a transfer region for transferring the eggs to a conveyor belt. An adjustment device is arranged upstream of the transfer region, the adjustment device being used to insert the eggs, optionally by way of the bottom or of the top of said eggs, in egg holders of the first conveyor belt.

An object pick-up, transfer and placement apparatus which does not employ a source of negative pressure. A flexible bellow defines a collapsible interior chamber and a top through-bore in communication with atmospheric or greater pressure via a valve. The bellow collapses when contacting an object, and the valve is closed, preventing air from entering the interior chamber. When the apparatus is used to lift the object, the bellow expands, causing reduced pressure in the interior chamber, securing the object to the apparatus. To release the object, the valve is opened, allowing entry of air to the interior chamber, and release of the object. This invention prevents contamination on egg shell surfaces to become air-born and cross-contaminate the entire egg pack, equipment surfaces, floors and other facility surfaces which in turn creates a hazardous working environment.