MXPA96006160A - Packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging machine (5) for moving a spaced series of groups of containers along a path of travel in a packaging machine line is disclosed. The packaging machine includes a variable pitch lugged conveyor belt assembly (12) having a pair of conveyor chains (61, 62) equally spaced from a longitudinal axis along the path of travel, and a pair of generally parallel side guides (17) mounted one each on a pair of accessory rails (14) movably supported on the framework (7) of the packaging machine, and extending along opposite sides of the path of travel. The conveyor chains are constructed to be moved laterally toward and away from each other, and the side guides are constructed to be simultaneously moved laterally toward and away from the conveyors with the accessory rails, respectively, as the conveyor chains are moved. Each conveyor chain includes a spaced series of pop-up lug assemblies (63) in which a pop-up lug (92) of each assembly can be individually selected for reciprocal movement from a lowered position flush with respect to the surface of the conveyor chain into a raised position extended above and with respect to the surface of the conveyor chain for varying the pitch of the pop-up lugs along the length of the conveyor chains. Each conveyor chain also includes a plurality of modular table-top lugs (65) which are constructed to be yieldably urged into position on an endless chain (84).

Description

PACKING MACHINE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates, in general, to packaging machinery. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for moving a spaced series of articles of products, along a travel path, through a packing machine, this packing machine is constructed and arranged to vary the spacing between the product items, moved along the travel path and moving product groups of products of varying sizes, along that travel path. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Packaging machines, in general, are well known in the art and are used in a large number of industrial applications. Over time, packaging machines have been developed for use in specific industrial applications, for example, for use in packaging food products and / or for use in packaging beverage containers, which include groups of bottles and cans moved by a travel trajectory in modern high speed process / packaging operations.

It is common in most packing machines to use a flight conveyor, which has a spaced series of synchronized projections or spikes, which extend upwards with respect to the surface of the conveyor belt, spaced by the length of this conveyor belt. These protrusions or synchronized spikes are used to push commodities downstream, along the travel path and to grade the commodity items into groups, as each flight is in phase or has advanced with respect to another. The advance of a flight conveyor is generally defined as the distance between the front of a projection or spike synchronized to the front of the next projection or synchronized spike and represents the amount of space, less the auxiliary space, ie the space taken as length of the conveyor belt or chain by the spike assembly itself, and in which a product article, or a group of product articles, can be moved along the conveyor belt in series. The use of synchronized projections or spikes also helps to prevent product articles from slipping back or out of the synchronized relationship with other articles, as they move along the travel path, and are particularly useful in placing items of products when the preforms of cardboard boxes or cardboard carriers are placed on groups of beverage containers, for example, which include bottles or cans.

As used in modern beverage packing operations, the packaging machine is supplied with an unsynchronized mass flow of beverage containers in a chain or belt conveyor, which moves the containers to the loading entrance of the packing machine. Before passing into the packaging machine, the unsynchronized mass of beverage containers traditionally passes through at least one star wheel, to regulate or space the containers with respect to each other, the containers then pass to a selector screw, which is a helical screw, used for the phase of individual beverage containers in spaced groups of containers, to deliver them to the loading end of the packing machine. Next, and in traditional packaging machines known in the art, the group of beverage containers can be enclosed within a cardboard box preform, which produces a cardboard carrier, for use in shipping and transporting the containers. beverage containers. Common to these known packing machines is the use of flight conveyors. A common use of a flight conveyor in a packaging machine is to supply an elongated chain conveyor having a spaced series of synchronized projections or spikes, extending upwards therefrom., through an auxiliary static plate, or an active conveyor, that is to say a movement conveyor, in which the articles of products slide or move in another way or are carried along the travel path. The flight conveyors have proven, by themselves, to be reliable and durable, however, the use of conventional flight conveyors is limited, because the synchronized projections or pins are generally fixed in position by the length of the chain conveyor and thus the advance, that is to say the spacing, of the product item groups, along the travel path, can not be changed on the flight. Instead, in order to change the progress of the flights, the packing machine must be stopped and the chain conveyor is either replaced with a chain conveyor that has protrusions adapted for the desired new advance, or the chain is removed existing, the synchronized projections move and recolcoan, and the chain is then returned to the packing machine. All this leads to increased production costs in the handling and change in conveyor belts, more delays in production time.

Essentially, once the chain conveyor, with the fixed projections or the synchronized pins placed in the machine, the advance of the articles of products is established and can not be changed without changing the position of the pins synchronized in the band, or change the band itself, all of which requires stopping production, rather than rapid alteration in flight. Therefore, conventional flight chain conveyors are not well suited for high-volume and high-speed packing operations, where rapid changes in product size can occur. One way to solve this problem is to have several production lines with chain conveyors of different advances or phases for handling product items in different phases or spaced groups. This, however, has the effect of increasing production costs, using duplicate packaging lines rather than requiring a single packing line, built to handle all the necessary packaging operations.

Thus, what is necessary, but seems not available in the art, is a simple packing machine, adapted for use with groups of beverage containers of different sizes, which may require different spacings or phases throughout. of the travel path, through the packing machine, with the ability to change the passage of the conveyor belt along the flight path, without otherwise having to stop this packing machine. Modern packing operations demand flexibility and versatility that are not available, otherwise, in the known conveyors of flight chain in the art.

An attempt made in the prior art to overcome the problem of having fixed synchronized spikes by the length of a chain conveyor is to raise or lower a whole series of protrusions, or each protrusion, by the length of a conveyor belt, raising and lowering a guide track, in which these projections are captured or guided, which has the effect of raising or lowering all the projections, or each of them, in unison by the length of the conveyor. However, this does not solve the problem of how to vary the advance of the projections, or flights, by the length of the conveyor belt, since the articles of products still move in a fixed series, or fixed advance, by the length of the conveyor belt, when the synchronized spikes rise or fall as a group. Thus, there is still a need in the art for a conveyor belt with variable advance projections, to be used in a packaging machine, adapted to handle product groups of different sizes of products.

Attempts have been made in the art to provide a flight chain conveyor with a movable transport surface, to move a spaced series of products along a travel path in the chain conveyor. However, the problem persists in that the projections or these conveyors can not be moved selectively, varying the advance of the flights along the travel path. Also, when any portion of the conveying surface of the chain conveyor is damaged, the removal of this chain conveyor is sometimes required, in order to replace any of its damaged components, before resuming packaging operations. Thus, what seems necessary in the technique, but inevitable, is a chain conveyor that has an easily installed and reparable transport surface, with spaced series of variable advance projections, provided by the length of the band, which, in another way, it would require stopping the machine and / or altering the components of the machine, in order to carry out the process of the series of articles of products of different sizes, fastened differently with respect to each other. Accordingly, what is necessary, but not avoidable in the art, is a packing machine having a variable pitch protruding conveyor assembly, which can be adapted for use with different configurations, sizes and phases or space requirements of the products, along the travel path in the packaging machine; as well as an upper table chain conveyor, adapted for use as a part of the variable pitch overhang conveyor, which maximizes machine performance and minimizes machine idle time, if repairs are required and / or replacements of chain conveyor components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for moving a spaced series of items of simple products or groups of these items, along the travel path through a packaging machine, where this packaging machine is adapts to vary the spacing of different series of product item groups along the travel trajectory, as well as being easily adapted to pack product item groups, which may differ in size or configuration from one another, from a first series to subsequent series of product item groups, according to production requirements. The present invention achieves this task, using a novel method of selectively varying the passage of the conveyor belt with protrusions, this conveyor belt is a conveyor with protrusions, along the travel path, which includes the steps of moving this conveyor. conveyor belt along the travel path, the conveyor chain is provided with spaced series of projections along its length; guiding each of the projections along the transport surface of the conveyor chain in a position lowered flush with respect to the transport surface; and selectively actuating a cam supported on the baler machine, to separately push selective projections in a raised position, which extends above the conveyor surface of the conveyor chain, to vary the passage of the flights, thus formed along the transport surface of the conveyor chain.

In this improved method, the individual projections can be selected for movement in an elevated or lowered position, thus providing a conveyor with almost infinitely variable pitch and flight, which provides greater flexibility and utility than other flight conveyors, known in the art. technique. The apparatus for accomplishing this method includes at least one endless conveyor chain, supported on the packing machine, this conveyor chain has a generally horizontal conveying surface, for transporting articles of products and includes a spaced series of projections, placed along its length, these protrusions are constructed and arranged to be moved, individually and reciprocally, from a lowered position, flush with respect to the transport surface, to a raised position, which extends above the conveyor surface of the conveyor chain. This new packing machine also includes a cam assembly, supported on the baler machine, for pushing selected projections from the lowered position to the raised position, and an actuator assembly for operating the cam assembly, for pushing the projections in these respective positions. Each projection includes a cam follower, to guide it within elongated tracks of cam or guide, provided as a part of the cam assembly.

The present invention also features an improved method and apparatus for moving a spaced series of product items of different sizes and configurations, from one series to another, along the travel path in the same packing machine, without the need to use a separate packing line, and / or to change the components of the packing machine. This novel apparatus includes a pair of transport chains, spaced and generally parallel, supported on the frame of the packing machine, each of the transport chains is equally spaced from a longitudinal axis formed between them and extending along of the travel path; and a pair of lateral guides, spaced, generally parallel and vertical, movably supported on the frame of the packaging machine, each of the lateral guides being equally spaced from an outer edge of each conveyor chain, respectively, as well as spaced from the longitudinal axis along the travel path. The conveyor chains are constructed and arranged for lateral movement towards and away from each other, and the lateral guides are supported on the frame of the packing machine, so that they simultaneously move laterally towards and away from each chain. of transport, respectively, as these transport chains move laterally towards and away from each other. Thus, an improved method for packaging a series of differently spaced product items includes the steps of spacing each pair of transport chains, equally spaced apart from a longitudinal axis, formed therebetween and extending from the feed end towards the discharge end of the packing machine along the travel path, space a pair of lateral guides, in equal separation from the longitudinal axis, to the outside of the transport chains, move the conveyor chains laterally towards and in mutual distancing, in response to the configuration, shape and / or size of the articles of products, moved along the travel path, and simultaneously move the lateral guides towards and away from the transport chains, according to these transport chains move towards and away from each other. the conveyor belt assembly of this invention includes at least one endless conveyor chain, supported on the frame of the packaging machine and extending along or spaced from the traveling path, the conveyor chain has a plurality of link pairs, arranged adjacent to each other, and a plurality of transverse links, each pair of adjacent links are pivotally joined together by one of the transverse links, and a plurality of modular, pressurized upper table projections, which are received in a removable form in each of the transverse links by the length of the conveyor chain, the upper table projections form a horizontal, continuous transport surface, along at least a portion of the length of the conveyor chain, and an impulse set, to move the conveyor chain along the travel path. Also, the novel conveyor chain of this apparatus is adapted for use with a spaced series of sets of projections that are presented, placed along the length of the transport chain and move with it, these sets of projections that are presented form also part of the transport surface of the transport chain and thus the transport chain assembly, and which can be selectively moved in an elevated position with respect to its transport surface, to vary the passage of the projections, and thus the flights formed by the length of the conveyor chain. Thus, the combination of the unique components of this machine provide a new and improved baler machine, which has a conveyor belt assembly with protrusions, variable pitch, supported on the machine frame and extending along the travel path, this conveyor belt assembly has a transport surface, generally horizontal, and includes a series spaced of projections by its length, each of the projections is constructed and arranged for individual and reciprocal movement from a position lowered flush with respect to the transport surface in an elevated position, which extends above the transport surface, to form variable pitch flights between them and for the length of the transport chain. A conveyor assembly with lateral flight projections is placed downstream of the conveyor belt assembly with protrusions, variable pitch, and is constructed and arranged to receive the groups of containers of the conveyor belt assembly with protrusions, of variable pitch, for the movement along the travel path.

At least one modular tab bending assembly is placed downstream of the lateral protractor conveyor assembly, positioned adjacent to the travel path and is constructed and arranged to fold the fins of a pre-marked cardboard box preform placed on it. group of beverage containers, towards the containers, to fix these containers inside the preform of the cardboard box. The lateral conveyor assembly of protrusions and the modular assembly of tongue folding are supported on a pair of accessory rails, which are supported on the frame and equally spaced from the travel path, each of the accessory rails includes a guide elongated side, mounted along at least a portion of the length of, and adjacent to, the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch, for guiding the articles of products along the travel path. The accessory rails are constructed and arranged for movement laterally towards and away from the travel path. The conveyor belt assembly with protrusions, variable pitch, includes at least one pair of transport chains with protrusions, of variable pitch, which are adapted to be moved laterally toward and away from each other, so that the accessory rails are moved simultaneously laterally, towards and away from the transport chains of the conveyor belt assembly, as the transport chains move laterally towards and away from each other. Thus, the method of packaging a spaced series of product items in this novel packaging machine includes the steps of moving separate groups of containers along the travel path with a conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, variable pitch, supported on the frame of the packaging machine, towards a lateral, flight, projection transport assembly, placed on the downstream frame, providing a spaced series of projections along the length of the conveyor belt assembly, placing the projections on a lowered position, flush with respect to the conveyor belt assembly or in an elevated position, which extends above the conveyor belt assembly, to form flights along its length, and move the groups of containers along the travel path, within the flights thus formed, to the lateral protractor, and from there downstream to the modular assembly Bent tongue, placed on the frame, adjacent to the travel path. This method also includes the steps of equally spacing a pair of accessory rails, supported on the packaging machine frame, from the travel path and providing a pair of side guides on each of the accessory rails, respectively. The side guides are spaced on the opposite sides of the conveyor belt assembly and move with the accessory rails laterally towards and away from the travel path, in response to the passage of the groups of containers of different sizes, along the travel route through the packing machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the packaging machine.

Figures 2A-2C are sequential views, in lateral elevation, partially in section, along the length of the packing machine of Figure 1.

Figures 3A-3C are top-sequence sequence views, along the length of the packing machine of Figure 1.

Figures 4A-4C illustrate in sequence the manner in which the conveyor assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch of the packaging machine of Figure 1 operates. Figure 5 is a schematic view of the upper, partial plan of a typical group of bottles moving through the travel path in the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch of the packaging machine of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a schematic top, partial, view of a group of larger bottles moving along the travel path in the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, variable pitch of the packing machine of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a schematic top plan view, partial, of a single row group of bottles moving along the conveyor belt assemblies, with protrusions, variable pitch of the packaging machine of Figure 1. The Figure 8 is an end elevational view, in partial cross-section, along line 8-8 of Figure 5.

Figure 9 is a partial top plan view of the chain conveyor of the packaging machine of Figure 1.

Figures 10A and 10B are side elevational, sequential and partial views of a second apparatus and method for moving protrusions shown from the conveyor belt assembly in the elevated position, above the conveying surface of the belt assembly Of transport.

Figure 11 is an end view in cross section along line 11-11 of Figure 10A.

Figures 12A and 12B are schematic views in lateral elevation, in sequence and partial, of a third apparatus and method for moving the projections that appear from the assembly of the conveyor belt in the up position, above the transport surface. of the conveyor belt assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring now to the drawings, in which similar reference characters indicate similar parts throughout the various views, FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of the novel packing machine of this invention.

The packing machine 5, as shown in Figure 1, is placed along the travel path "P" of a continuous-motion beverage packaging line. This packing machine includes a structural metal frame 7, having a loading end 8 for receiving groups of bottles or other containers, from the packing line, and a discharge end 9, spaced, to deliver groups of bottles for further processing, along the packing line. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the packing machine will receive phase groups or bottle spacings at its loading end 8. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that, although not illustrated here, upstream of the packaging machine 5, in the packaging line in an unsynchronized mass of beverage containers, ie bottles or cans, it will be delivered in one band. unsynchronized conveyor, for example a chain conveyor, to at least one star wheel apparatus, for separating unsynchronized mass flow from containers in one or more container rails, generally aligned and spaced, then passed to a selector screw , which is a helical screw, constructed and arranged to space or phase the containers in separate groups with respect to each group of containers thus formed, whereby the groups of containers, spaced or in phase, are delivered to the end of the container. loading the packing machine 5.

Thus, and still with reference to Figure 1, the packaging machine 5 extends over a portion of the travel path P along which the containers for packaging move. Immediately downstream of the loading end 8 is a conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch, 12. A pair of accessory rails 14 also extends along the travel path, best shown in Figures 3A at 3C, each of which is supported on the frame 7 by a plurality of accessory rails 15, these accessory rails form a part of the drive system, discussed in more detail below, constructed and arranged to move the accessory rails laterally towards and away from the travel path. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, each accessory rail 14 extends along the opposite sides of the conveyor belt assembly 12, from the loading end 8 to the discharge end 9 on the frame 7.

Mounted on each of the accessory rails 14 is a lateral guide 17, supported by a plurality of lateral guide supports 18. In this case, three lateral guide supports 18 are provided for each of these lateral guides 17, best shown in FIG. Figures 3A and 3B. The side guides 17 are permanently fixed to the side guide supports 18, these supports 18 each having a first portion (not shown) in which an elongated slot 18 (not shown) is defined, through which a fastener passes. within a second portion (not shown), secured to the accessory rail, for positioning the side guides 17 with respect to the travel path P along the conveyor belt assembly 12. It is anticipated that each of the side guides 17 will also be spaced from the longitudinal axis A of the packaging machine, again best shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

The top floor view of the side guides 17 and of the assembly 12 of the conveyor belt, in Figures 3A and 3B, shows the conveyor belt assembly and the lateral guides in two different positions, in order to illustrate how the lateral guides can be moved with respect to the chains 61 and 62 of the assembly 12 of the conveyor belt, described in more detail below. Each lateral guide 17 looks to the outside of the outer edge 19, formed along each chain 61 and 62 of the assembly 112 of the conveyor belt, as best shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

Referring now to Figure 2A, a baler 5 includes a tension assembly 20 of the transport chain, supported on a frame 7. This tension assembly of the transport chain is constructed to tension the chain 84 (Figure 9) of each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor belt assembly 12. The tension assembly 20 of the conveyor chain is fully described in a separate U.S. Patent Application, entitled, Conveyor Voltage Assembly, Serial No. (will be assigned), filed (according to the Courier Express No. EM 506243313US) on December 21, 1995 and incorporated by reference as if fully indicated herein. Referring now to Figure 1, a baler 5 also includes a station 21 of cardboard box preforms, generally above the belt assembly 12 of the conveyor, this stationery of cardboard boxes is constructed and arranged to move these preforms of cardboard boxes (not illustrated) down on each group G of bottles B, the groups of bottles are illustrated schematically in Figures 5 to 7, as each group of bottles progresses along the travel path in the whole of the band of transport. Described in more detail below, the conveyor belt assembly 12 is a conveyor belt, of variable pitch, here, a chain conveyor, which separates each group of containers along the travel path, so that the packing operations, carried out in the group of recipients in the packaging machine 5, can be done in sequence, that is in an appropriate synchronized relation with respect to each other. Thus, each group of bottles G, shown schematically in Figures 5 to 7, moves along the travel path, a cardboard box preform (not shown) is placed simultaneously down on the group of bottles at station 21 of the cardboard box preform.

After leaving the preform station 21 and after moving along the travel path through the belt assembly 12 of the conveyor, each group of containers is placed on a stationary auxiliary plate (not shown) of the conventional type known in the art. technique and placed by the travel path. The groups of containers are moved on the auxiliary plate down the travel path by a pair of conveyor belt assemblies 22, with side protrusions., constructed to move each group of bottles into a pair of modular tongue folding assemblies 24, best shown in Figure 3C, which act to bend the tabs (not shown) of each carton preform (not illustrated). placed), inside each group of bottles, to fix the bottles in position inside the cardboard box preform, once sealed in position around the group of bottles. The modular tongue folding assembly 24 is fully disclosed in a separate, US Patent Application, Serial No. (will be assigned) (attorney's file No. 6983), entitled "Method and Apparatus for Placing Fins of Cartons," inventor Mr. Urs Reuteler, and incorporated as a reference as if it were indicated here completely. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that once each group of bottles G leaves the modular tab bending assemblies 24, they pass downstream along the travel path in the packaging machine 5 to a cardboard box sealing station. (not shown) which will seal the bottom or the locking tabs (not shown) of the carton preform (not shown), and seal or close the locking tabs and thus the preform of cartons, around the group of bottles. This group of bottles then moves towards the discharge end 9 and moves away from the packing machine 5. The structure of the packing machine 5 is shown in greater detail in Figures 2A to 2C, and in Figures 3A to 3C, each one of which is a sequential view along the lateral elevation, or upper floor, respectively, of the packing machine. Referring first to Figures 2A to 2C, a pulse motor 26 (Figure 2B) is supported on the frame 7, this pulse motor 26 has a bevel gear (not shown) coupled to the pulse toothed belt 27, which is received on an impulse toothed pulley (not shown) from the gearbox 28 of the pulse shaft. This gearbox 28 of the pulse shaft transmits the rotational power of the pulse motor 26 to a first pulse shaft 30, which extends along one side and the length of the packing machine 5. The gearbox 28 of the pulse shaft also rotates a transverse pulse shaft 31 (FIG. 3A), which, in turn, rotates a second, generally parallel, drive shaft 34 which extends along the opposite side of the packaging machine. , better shown in Figures 3A to 3C. Each of the impulse trees, 30 and 34, can be a continuous pulse shaft, if desired. However, it is anticipated that each pulse shaft 30 and 34 will be comprised of several portions of the pulse shaft, each adjacent portion being connected by a pulse shaft coupling 35, as shown in Figures 2A, 2C, 3A and 3C. .

Each of the drive shafts, 30 and 34, drives three pairs of gearboxes of the accessory rails, placed on the opposite sides, and by the length, of the baler 5. The first pair of gearboxes 37 of accessory rails is shown in Figures 2A and 3A, the second pair of accessory rail gearboxes 38 is shown in Figures 2B and 3B, and the third pair of accessory racks 39 gearboxes is shown in Figures 2C and 3C, respectively. Each of the gear boxes, 37, 38 and 39, of accessory rails, is supported on a frame 7 and has a threaded shaft 44, which extends in a direction generally perpendicular with respect to the drive shafts, 30 and 34, respectively, towards the travel path P. Each threaded shaft 44 is passed through supports 25 of the accessory rails, best shown in Figures 3A to 3C, and inside a threaded nut 45, mounted on each of the supports 15 of accessory rails. Therefore, each accessory rail 14 is supported on three accessory rail supports 15, each accessory rail holder is movably supported on the threaded shafts 44 of the accessory rail gearboxes 37 and 39, respectively. Thus constructed, each accessory rail 14 and thus each lateral guide 17 is constructed to move laterally towards and away from the travel path. The rate of movement will depend on the gearbox ratio selected for these gearboxes 37, 38 and 39 of the accessory rails, each of which is identically engaged, as well as the speed with which the drive shafts , 30 and 34, are driven by the drive motor 26 through the gearbox 28 of the pulse shaft.

The impulse shafts, 30 and 34, also transmit power to two pairs of gearboxes, 41 and 42, of the conveyor chain assembly, meshed identically and placed on opposite sides of and along the length of the assembly. 12 conveyor belt, as best shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B. Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, a first pair of gearboxes 41 of the conveyor belt assembly is supported on a frame 7, adjacent to the first pair of accessory rail gearboxes 37, while the second pair of gearboxes 42 of the conveyor belt assembly is positioned adjacent to the second pair of gearboxes 38 of accessory rails in the frame 7. The gearboxes, 41 and 42, of the belt assembly of the conveyor, are driven in common with the gearboxes 37 to 39 of accessory rails by the drive shafts 30 and 34, respectively. Each gearbox, 41 and 42, of the belt assembly of the conveyor, is constructed to move the first chain 61 of the conveyor and the second chain 62 of the conveyor laterally towards and away from each other, along the longitudinal axis A of the machine packer Unlike the accessory rails 14 and the side guides 17, placed there, the chains, 61 and 62, of the conveyors can move adjacent to one another along the axis A of the packaging machine, as generally illustrated in the Figure 7, if so desired. This is achieved through the use of the spring tension impulse assemblies 47, one of these sets being provided for each of the gear boxes, 41 and 42, of the conveyor belt assembly, for a total of four sets of spring tension impulse, as best shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, each set of spring tension pulse 47 includes a threaded shaft 48, which extends from the gear boxes, 41 and 42, respectively, of the conveyor belt assembly, generally perpendicular. of the impulse trees, 30 and 34, towards the travel path P. Each threaded shaft 48 is received within a threaded nut 49, reed within a housing 50, this housing 50 is supported on the conveyor assembly 12, so that the nut can moving in a linear direction towards and away from the travel path, the nuts 49 are fixed so that they do not rotate with the rotation of each threaded shaft 48. Placed within the housing 50, adjacent to the nut 49, is a spring of stop 51, oriented against the nut 49, so that this nut 49 is reed away from the travel path P. However, and as described in more de below, when the conveyor chains 61 and 62, as well as the accessory rails 14, move towards the travel path P to drive the conveyor chains 61 and 62, adjacent to each other to form a single chain 110 of the conveyor (Figure 7), each of the nuts 49 being pushed against the stop spring 51 towards the travel path, once the conveyor chains 61 and 62 are adjacent to each other, to allow the accessory rails 14, and thus the side guides 17, to move towards the outer edges 19 of the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, to guide the groups G of bottles along the travel path P (Figure 7), without locking the pulse assembly. The spring tension pulse assemblies 47 thus allow the side guides to continue an interior fit toward the axis A, even after the conveyor chains 61 and 62 have moved adjacent to each other, forming a single chain 110 of the conveyor for the flow through a single lane of the product along the travel path. Again, and as with the accessory rails 14, the speed at which each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor move in a mutual manner depends on the relations of the gearbox specified by the gearboxes 41 and 42 of the assembly. conveyor belt, as well as the speed of shafts 30 and 34. It is anticipated that each accessory rail gearbox will be engaged to operate twice as fast as the gearboxes for the chain conveyors 61 and 62. Thus constructed, the unique characteristic of the packing machine 5 is its ability to automatically adjust for groups of coners, in this case, bottles or cans, of variable size, without the need to stop production or physically release, move and reposition any guide lateral or conveyor chain, formed as a part of the packing machine, thus greatly improving the flexibility, efficiency and performance of this packing machine 5 in packaging operations at high speed and volume.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, the manner in which the conveyor belt assembly 12 automatically adjusts to groups of containers of different sizes is discussed. Referring first to Figure 5, the packing machine 5 is shown, in a top plan view, partial and schematic, moving a group G of bottles B along the travel path P. This group G of bottles is a typical group of these, which has six bottles formed in two rows of three pieces, which form a pack of six bottles. The manner in which the packing machine operates will generally be the same for any of the cans or beverage bottles.

Each of the conveyor chains 61 and 62 has a central line, designated by the notation "C", which extends along its length, and is spaced equidistant from the axis A along the travel path P Each of the bottles B is centered on the center line C- ^ of the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, respectively, so that the distance between the center line of each chain of the conveyor and the longitudinal axis A of the machine is equal to R ^, the radius of each container in the group of them. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal axis A and the tangential edge of the lateral guide 17, necessary to guide the group G of bottles B along the travel path, will be equal to D ^ the diameter of each container. Therefore, each lateral guide 17 is spaced from the axis A by a double distance from the center line of each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor. This is made possible by using different ratios of the gearbox, here a ratio of 2: 1, for the gearboxes 37-29 of the accessory rails to the gearboxes 41 and 42 of the belt assemblies of the conveyor, Thus, the side guides 17 and thus the accessory rails 14 move lateraly towards and away from the axis A at twice the relative amount of speed, compared with that amount of speed, that is, the lateral movement of the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor to and away from each other and / or the axis A. The distance between the lateral guides is indicated by the notation "W", which is equal to twice the diameter of each bottle B of the group of bottles, or twice D ^. The group of bottles in the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, in Figure 5, are kept in position in the chains of the conveyor by a projection 92, which separates suddenly, with variable passage, from the assemblies 63 thereof (Figures 4A to 4C), whose operation is discussed in more detail below. Referring now to Figure 6, the assembly 12 of the conveyor belt is shown at its maximum width, designated by the notation "Mx", between the guides 17 of a group G2 of bottles B2. Each bottle B2 has a larger radius, and thus its diameter, of the bottles for the first group, shown in Figure 5. It is anticipated that the width (Figure 5) between the side guide 17 can be adjusted through an interval Approximately 100 to more than 200 mm. , based on the diameters of the vessels moving along the travel path P, in two rows, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, or in a single row of containers, as shown in Figure 7. The width of the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, however, does not vary, and remains fixed, as shown, only the distance between the conveyor chains varies as they move laterally towards and away from each other, to accommodate the beverage containers of various sizes. In general, the two chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor are spaced from each other, the only case in which the conveyor chains are not spaced apart is when the two conveyor chains move adjacent to each other to form a single chain. , as shown in Figure 7, this single conveyor chain 110 is particularly well suited for moving bottles of products with small diameter, along the travel path P. Otherwise, each conveyor chain 61 and 62 will be equally spaced from axis A along the travel path P.

Still referring to Figure 6, because each of the bottles B2 in the group G2 is larger than the bottles B in the group G of Figure 5, the lateral guides 17 have moved from the longitudinal axis A to the along the travel path P for a distance equal to D2, the diameter of the bottle B2, while each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor have been moved so that its central line CL is at a distance R2, equal to the radius of Each bottle, from the longitudinal axis A. The ratio of R2 to D2 is one to two, equal to the ratio of R ^ to D ^, thus the lateral guides 17 and, therefore, the accessory rails 14 move through twice as fast as the conveyor chains 61 and 62, since each one moves towards and away from the longitudinal axis A along the travel path, respectively.

Thus, due to the unique construction of the packing machine 5, as illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the first chain 61 of the conveyor and the second chain 62 of the conveyor are constructed to move laterally towards and away from each other. in a common horizontal plane (Figure 8), while each lateral guide 17 simultaneously moves laterally towards and away from the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, respectively, in a ratio of one to two, equal to the ratio of the radius of the container, transported on the conveyor chain, to the diameter of the container also transported on the conveyor chain. The accessory rails 14 and the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor can thus be driven through an infinite number of widths, between the lateral guide 17, within the physical constraints of the machine, as discussed generally above. Through the use of modern machine controls (not illustrated) and a data processing equipment (also not illustrated), a series of container sizes and pre-programmed group sizes can be entered into the packing machine by automatically moving the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor and the accessory rails 14, towards and away from each other, respectively, based on the sizes of the containers within each group of containers, for example bottles or cans, which move along the path of travel. It is anticipated, in current production practices, that a series of groups of containers, all approximately the same size, will be processed at the same time and that the size of each group of containers, in the series that is processed by the machine Packer 5, will vary from one group to another in the same spaced series of bottles or cans. Thus constructed, the packing machine 5 will be easily adaptable, versatile and can easily be changed in any size of group of bottles or size of containers that are processed in the packing machine 5, again subject to the physical constraints of this packing machine, for example, how much the side guides 17 can move from or to the others, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. Referring now to Figure 7, the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyors are shown having been moved adjacent to each other. along the axis A, to form a simple chain 110 of the conveyor, of a size large enough to handle a group G3 of bottles B3 greater than either of group G or group Gj_, in figures 5 and 6, respectively. For example, bottles B3 may be non-alcoholic beverages, with a capacity of two liters, or similarly sized and sized beverage containers. However, the chain 110 of the conveyor, as illustrated in Figure 7, is also very suitable for the movement of the beverage containers of a smaller size, as the chain conveyors 61 and 62 move together to form a surface of transport stable enough to handle products / drinks containers of smaller diameter. As the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor have moved adjacent to each other to form a chain 110 of the conveyorA. , a larger transport surface is provided and larger or smaller bottles can be handled easily. However, unlike Figures 5 and 6, here the distance between the longitudinal axis A to each lateral guide 17 is equal to the radius R3 of each bottle B3, instead of its diameter, the total distance between the lateral guides 17 is equal to the diameter D3 of each bottle B3.

Thus, the one to two ratio of the movement of the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, with respect to the lateral guides 17 is changed, this change is accommodated by the use of the spring tension impulse assemblies 47. As each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor moves towards and finally adjacent to one another along the axis A, each threaded shaft 48, within the gearboxes 41 and 42 of the belt assembly of the conveyor, moves the nut 49 and thus the housing 50, towards the travel path P, ie the longitudinal axis A. However, as the conveyor chains 61 and 62 finally move adjacent to each other and bump into each other, the conveyor chains 61 and 62 thus will not be able to of moving further to each other, at this time, the nut 49 is urged against the stop spring 51 within the housing 50, so that the drive system for the packing machine, ie the drive motor 26, the shafts 30 and 34 of the impulse, the gearboxes 37 to 39 of the accessory rail and the gearboxes 41 and 42 of the belt assembly of the conveyor, will not be joined, since the chains of the conveyor are pressed together and will no longer have the ability to move laterally towards the axis A. Thus, once each nut 49 collides with the stop spring 51 and starts movement inside the spring, each gearbox 37 to 39 of the accessory rail continues to rotate, by driving the threaded shafts 44 into the nuts 45, each nut 45 is mounted to a support 15 of the accessory rail, to move these accessory rails 14 and thus the lateral guides 17 towards the longitudinal axis A. Again, and as with the operation of the packaging machine shown in Figures 5 and 6, a series of pre-programmed data can be input into the control apparatus or a conventional computer (not shown) used with the packaging machine 5 to automatically adjust the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, the side guides 17 and the accessory rails 14 for the sizes of the containers or groups of containers, which are processed in the packing machine. Referring now to Figures 2A to 2C and 3A to 3C, in particular to Figures 2B and 3B, the conveyor belt assembly 12 includes a first chain 61 of the conveyor and a second chain 62 of this conveyor, generally parallel, each one being driven by the driving motor 52 of the conveyor belt assembly, placed on the frame 7, which drives a gearbox 53 and has a driving gear (not shown), received in the drive gear 54 , the pulse belt is received on a toothed pulley (not shown) of a toothed drive wheel 55, for movement of each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor from the loading end 8 to the discharge end 9 of the packing machine , along the travel path P. Each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor is supported on the packing machine 5 by a separate toothed drive wheel 55, and three auxiliary toothed wheels 57, as shown in FIG. s Figures 2A and 2B. Although only one chain 62 of the conveyor is shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the chain 61 of the conveyor is a mirror image of the chain 62 of the conveyor. Each chain of the conveyor is driven by a separate pulse gear 55, which receives power from the shaft on which the toothed pulley (not shown) is placed, driven by the drive belt 54. Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, the characteristic of the conveyor belt / chain, with protrusions, of variable pitch, of the packaging machine, is illustrated in more detail. Each of the conveyor chains 61 and 62 has a series of protruding assemblies 63 which suddenly appear, spaced apart by the length of the conveyor chain. Extending along conveyor chains, intermediate of each set 63 of protrusions, which appear suddenly, there is a plurality of projections 65 of a modular top table, illustrated in greater detail in Figures 8 and 9, which are received, in removable form, under pressure on each chain 84 (Figure 9), respectively, the separate chains 84 form a part of each chain 61 and 62 of the conveyor. The sets of projections 63 that appear suddenly, in conjunction with the projections 65 of the modular top table, form a horizontal and continuous transport surface, 66, along the length of the belt assembly of the conveyor. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the sets of projections that suddenly appear travel along the travel path until they reach an actuator assembly 68, where these sets of projections, which appear suddenly, can be moved in a high position, which extends above the transport surface of the conveyor chain, designated by the notation "R", or left flush in the lowered position, designated by the notation "L", with respect to the transport surface , as the sets of projections, which appear suddenly, move with the conveyor chain along the travel path. Referring now to Figures 4A to 4C, the variable pitch feature of the conveyor belt assembly 12 is discussed in greater detail. In Figure 5A, the actuator assembly 68 is shown positioned on the baler 5, with respect to the conveyor chain 62. The actuator assembly 68 includes a double acting cylinder 69 having a first end 70, pivotally supported on the packing machine, and a second end 71, pivotally supported on a cam 73. The cam itself 73 has a first end 74, pivoting about a fixed point in the paw machine with respect to a first cam track 77 or lower cam track, and a second cam track 78 or upper cam track, for the lowered and raised positions of each set of outgoing, that appear suddenly, in respective form. The cam 73 has a second end 75, which is free to move reciprocally up or down, as shown by the arrows in Figures 4A and 4C. The second end 71 of the cylinder 69 is connected intermediate the first end 74 and the second end 75 of the cam 73, to impart a lever action to this cam.

This cam 73 is configured to guide the sets of projections, which appear suddenly, in the raised position, indicated by the notation "R" (Figure 4B), when so desired. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the first cam track 77 extends the length of the conveyor chains 61 and 62 and below the conveyor surface 66 of each conveyor chain. However, the second cam track 78 extends along only a portion of the length of the first cam track 77, and not over the entire length of the conveyor belt assembly. Until the beverage containers have been grouped on the conveyor belt assembly 12, the containers will need to be moved along the travel path, placed with respect to each other on the flights, i.e. they may be in phase or spaced at some mutual distance, so that the groups of bottles move in a synchronized relationship through the preform station 21 of the cartons to the belt assembly 22 of the side protractor conveyor and thence to the modular assembly 24 of tab bent, to pack each group of bottles into a cardboard box preform (not shown).

As discussed above, flight conveyors using fixed synchronized projections or pins, are known, the limitation of these conveyor belts is that in the passage of flights, the distance between the front part of a protrusion and the front of the next projection is fixed, so that the passage or distance between flights can not be changed for groups of containers of various sizes. As shown schematically in Figures 4A to 4C, however, each set 63 of protrusions, which appear suddenly, can be selected individually by the movement in the raised position R from the lowered position L, dependent on the needs of the packing machine , and as determined by the time requirements of the groups of recipients moving along the travel path. Using the sets of projections, which appear suddenly, the amount of dead space, ie the space that is taken by the projections, that appear suddenly, when they are in the elevated position, is reduced, which allows a greater production of the product for a given speed of the conveyor, or a lower speed of the conveyor for a production of a given product, based on the needs or production requirements.

Referring now to Figure 4A, the set 63 of protrusions, which appear suddenly, includes a guide protrusion 90, a filling protrusion 91, a protrusion 92, which suddenly jumps, and a drag projection 93. The modular top table projections 65 extend along the chain 61 of the conveyor, or 62 from each drive protrusion to each guide protrusion of the successive sets of protrusions, which appear suddenly, along the length of the conveyor chain , thus creating the support surface 66 generally continuous and horizontal of the conveyor chain. Each projection 92, which appears suddenly, has a pair of first parallel portions 95, supported pivotally in the chain 84 (Figures 8 and 9) and which extend on both sides of the conveyor chain. A pair of second parallel portions 96 extend perpendicularly from the ends of the first portions 95 and are generally parallel to the conveyor surface 66 of the conveyor chains. An arcuate portion 97 is formed at the end of each second portion 96, the arcuate portions 97 are generally parallel to each other and extend upwardly between the filling protrusion and the drive protrusion 93, to form a portion of the transport surface. 66, with the cover piece 98 positioned across the ends of the arcuate portions 97. A cam follower 100 is provided in at least one of the arcuate portions 97 and faces the inside of the first cam track 77, or the second cam track 78, if the suddenly jumping projection 92 has moved in its lowered or raised position, respectively.

Each of the sets of projections 63, which appear suddenly, are assembled from the components described as a modular assembly. It is anticipated that the height of the projection 92 that suddenly jumps, above the transport surface 66 of the chains 61 and 62 of the transpiercer, may be varied by the construction of the abruptly protruding projection 92, and thus each set of projections 63, which appear suddenly, has a greater length along the second portion 96 and / or along the arcuate portion 97 of the projection 92, so that the projection 92, which appears suddenly moves through a greater radius and / or extends merely to a greater degree above the transport surface, in ascending form, through the filling boss 91 and the driving projection 93. This change can be accommodated not only by changing the dimensions of the ledge 92, which appears suddenly, but also by changing the length of the filler ledge 91 as necessary, based on the changes in the ledge 92.

Referring again to Figures 4A to 4C, the sequence in which a set of protrusions 63, appearing suddenly, is selected for movement in the elevated position is illustrated. In Figure 4A, the set of protrusions 63, which suddenly appear, moves along the travel path P on the first cam track 77, towards cam 73. As this set of protrusions, which appear suddenly, is has chosen for movement in the raised position, the cylinder 69 is driven to move the cam 73 upwards, rotating around its first end 74, so that this cam follower 100 moves from the first cam track 77 towards and within the second track 78 of cam. As the cam follower 100 moves along the cam 73, on the second cam track 78, the arcuate portion 97 of the projection 92, which appears suddenly, moves upwardly between the fillet boss 91 and the projection 93, so that the cover piece 98 (Figures 3A, 3B, 5 to 7) is moved upwards to push against a group of bottles or containers on the conveyor surface of the conveyor chain.

Thus, in Figure 4B, the cam 73 is shown in its upper end position, which has directed the cam follower 100 in the second cam track 78. The double action cylinder 68 can be a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. It is attempted here that the cylinder 68 is a pneumatic cylinder. Alternative elements for guiding 1 cam follower 100 from the first cam track 77 in the second cam track 78 exist. For example, the cam 73 can be placed at the end of a driven auxiliary motor relative to the signals received by an encoder, i.e. a feedback device in the drive motor 52 of the conveyor belt assembly, or from a sprocket driven by chains 61 and / or 62 of the conveyor, respectively, so that the set of protrusions 63, which appear suddenly, approaches the cam 73, the auxiliary motor will be energized so that the cam rotates to push the cam follower 100 within the second cam track 78. As shown in Figure 4C, the cam 73 has returned to its retracted position, so that the next set in sequence 63 of projections, appearing suddenly, traveling through the travel path, will be within the first track 77, and the projection 92, which appears suddenly, will thus remain in the lowered position, instead of moving to the raised position, with respect to the transport surface of the conveyor chain. A second actuator assembly for guiding the cam follower 100 in the second cam track 78 will be to dispense with the cam 73 entirely, and will have a rotary guide supported on the packing machine in place of the cam, as illustrated in Figures 10A , 10B and 11. As shown in Figure 10A, a rotary guide piece 120 is pivotally supported on the frame of the packing machine and used as the drive mechanism to guide the sets of projections 63, which suddenly appear, in the raised position from the lowered position, the guide piece 120 a first track 122 at an angle, defined on its outer surface, for guiding the cam follower 100 of the set 63 of projections, which suddenly appear, ascendingly, towards and within the second cam track 78, thus moving the projection 92 , which appears suddenly, in its elevated position, with respect to the transport surface of the conveyor chain (not shown), the raised portion of the projection, which appears suddenly, is shown in general in Figure 10A.

If it is desired to leave the set 63 of protrusions appearing suddenly, in its lowered position, as shown in Figure 10B, the guide piece 120 will be rotated, either manually or with a separate actuator (not shown), for example a servo -pulse or a gear or belt drive arrangement, so that a second linear track 124, defined within the outer surface of the guide piece 120 receives the cam follower 100 and passes this cam follower from the first track 77 of cam to the second cam track 78. thus retaining the projection 92, which appears suddenly, in its lowered position. The guide piece 120 is used manually by releasing the retainer assembly 126, by rotating the guide piece around the pin / shaft 125 and reattaching the retainer assembly, while any placement of the upstream end of the second track 124 in alignment with the first cam track 77 for the lowered position, or the placement of the upstream end of the first track 122 in alignment with the first cam track 77 for the raised position, the first track 122 is aligned at its opposite end with the second track 78 of cam. Still another actuator assembly is shown in Figures 12A and 12B. This actuator assembly of Figures 12A and 12B has a guide piece 130 positioned in the frame of the packing machine with respect to the first cam track 77 at the upstream end of the guide piece, directed in the travel path, and with respect to the first cam track 77 and the second cam track 78 at its downstream end, which extends along the travel path, the guide piece 130 is restricted from horizontal movement and moves slidably toward up (Figure 12A9 and down (Figure 12B) by the pneumatic cylinder 132 of double action, the cylinder 132 itself is mounted on the frame of the packing machine, the guide piece 130 is mounted on the end of a cylinder rod 133 , which extends from cylinder 132.

When it is desired to move the cam follower (not shown) from a set of projections, which suddenly appear, up towards and into the second cam track 78, to move the projection, which appears suddenly, in its raised position, the stem 133 is urged towards cylinder 132, so that guide piece 130 rests on the first cam track 77, illustrated in Figure 12A. In this position, the guide piece will direct the cam follower upwards onto the guide track and into the second cam track 78. As shown in Figure 12B, when it is desired to retain the set of protrusions, which suddenly appear (not illustrated), in their lowered position, the rod 133 extends so that the guide piece 130 moves upwards in the second position. cam track 78, the bottom of the guide piece, which forms the upper edge of the first cam track 77, to ensure that the cam follower (not shown) of the set of projections, which appear suddenly, moves as length of the travel path within the cam track 77, without the opportunity to "jump" from the first cam track to the second cam track 78. As with the actuator assembly 68 shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the actuator assembly of Figures 12A and 12B is particularly well suited for high speed / automatic operations, in which the passage of the conveyor belt assembly may vary randomly to suit to production requirements.

Thus, a unique feature of the set 12 of the conveyor belt is the almost infinite variation of the steps or advances that can occur by the length of the conveyor chain, the number of step combinations will be limited only by the spacing of the sets of projections that suddenly appear along conveyor chains 61 and 62, respectively. For example, if the ledges 92, which appear suddenly, are spaced 100 mm apart along the length of conveyor chains 61 and 62, the elevation of each projection results in a pitch of 100 mm, the elevation of each other protrusion results in a pitch of 200 mm and the elevation of each third protrusion will result in a 300 mm pitch, along the conveyor belt assembly. Also, with the actuator assemblies of the packaging machine, according to Figures 4A to 4C and Figures 12A and 12B, the passage between the projections can be varied along the conveyor, as desired, by the operator of the packaging machine. Thus, this packaging machine supplies a single belt conveyor assembly, which allows almost an infinite number of pitch variations, in contrast to the packaging machines known in the art. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the construction of the chains 84 and the projections 65 of the modular upper table, which forms a part of the conveyor chains 61 and 62. The chain 84 is an endless chain, having alternately first pairs of links 85 and a second pair of links 86, each adjacent pair of links being connected to each other by a transverse link 88. Each projection 65 of the modular upper table is constructed to be pressurized on each transverse link 88 along the length of the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor, with the exception of those portions of the conveyor chain that include the sets of projections 63 that appear suddenly.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, each projection 65 of the modular upper table has a generally planar body 102, of quadrilateral configuration, ie rectangular, in which three recessed channels 103 are defined, better shown in Figure 8, and which extend along the length of the body 102 in the anticipated travel direction along the travel path P. Thus, a spaced series of surface sections 104 are presented with adjacent channels 103. A pair of opposite projections 106 extends downwardly from the planar body 102, each projection contains an arched notch portion 107, better shown in Figures 4A to 4C, constructed to be pushed on each transverse link 88 and placed on the chain 84.

The first link pairs 85 and the second link pairs 86 of the chain 84 are conventional, such as the cross link 88, with the exception that the cross link 88 is dimensioned to extend transversely with respect to the link pairs 85 and 86 to along the travel path in the extension that match the size of the projection 65 of the modular top table and the position of the projections 106 extends downwardly thereof, so that the arched slotted portion 107 passes centrally over the cross link 88.

By forming the channels 103 in the flat body 102, the amount of the flat body 102 subject to wear during packing operations is limited to those surfaces of the raised sections 104. The raised surfaces are also provided for use with, as is dimensio-nan and configured to pass through, the comb plates placed at the upstream and downstream end of conveyor chains 61 and 62, used for transition groups of beverage containers on and off of the conveyor chains , as is known to those skilled in the art. However, a unique feature of this raised construction, together with the accompanying recesses or channels 103, is focused on the manner in which the conveyor chain moves together with the return guide 59, as best shown in FIGS. Figures 2A and 2B. The return guide 59 is constructed to have a spaced series of raised ridges (not shown), formed so that each of the channels 103 is received in these raised ridges, and as the chain 84 moves back toward the end 8 loading of the packing machine along the travel path, the channels 103 are received in the return guide 59 for the most positive control, ie the guide, of the chain as it moves towards the loading end 8 . An additional feature of each modular table top projection 65 is that each projection is constructed to be individually and resiliently pushed, on a transverse link 88, where a single damaged projection 65 of the modular top table can be removed easily and quickly. from the chain 84 and replace it, when necessary, without the need to remove the chain from the packing machine, or the need to disassemble any portion of the chain 84. Each projection 65 of the modular top table, as well as the raised portions of the chain return guide 59 is constructed of an acetal plastic or other engineered polymer, including, for example, delrin and similar materials. An advantage of using an engineered polymer in the construction of the projections 65 of the upper table and the raised portions of the chain return guide 59 is that a surface with low friction is supplied for the return of the chain conveyors 62 and 62 along their respective chain return guides. Unless otherwise specified, the components of the packaging machine 5, described herein, are generally conventional. It is anticipated that the pulse motor 26, which supplies power to the pulse shafts 30 and 34, will be a servomotor, such as the impulse motor 52 of the conveyor belt assembly. Although a band pulse is used to supply power to the gearbox 28 of the pulse shaft as well as to the drive sprocket 55 of the conveyor belt assembly, these mechanisms can be just supplied with power by a solid mechanical pulse. or by a fluid impulse, if desired. Furthermore, and although not illustrated here, it is anticipated that a series of limit switches may be used for the signals of the relative lateral movement of the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor with respect to each other and with respect to the axis A, like the lateral movement of the accessory rails 14 with respect to the chains 61 and 62 of the conveyor. These limit switches may be hardware interrupters placed in the machine or they may be programmable limit switches included in the control software used for the operation of the packing machine 5. It is anticipated that this packing machine 5 may be equipped with a computer or a processor (not illustrated) that will automatically operate the same, as described above. While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in the above specification, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims. Likewise, the structures, materials, acts and corresponding equivalents of all the elements or stages of the elements of functions and the elements claimed, try to include any structure, material or acts for the performance of the functions, in combination with the other elements claimed, as specifically pointed out in the claims.

Claims (55)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A method for selectively varying the pitch of a conveyor chain, with protrusions, to transport a plurality of containers along a travel path, through a packaging machine, this conveyor chain is supported on the packaging machine and has a generally horizontal conveying surface, along at least a portion of the conveyor chain, for carrying containers thereon, the method comprises the steps of: a) moving the conveyor chain along the travel path, this conveyor chain has a spaced series of protrusions along its length; b) guiding each of the projections along the transport surface of the conveyor chain, in a lowered position, flush with respect to the transport surface; and c) selectively pushing at least one of the projections in a raised position, extending above the transport surface along at least a portion of the length of the conveyor chain; whereby each of the projections can be pushed separately from the lowered position to the raised position, the pitch of the projections varying along the length of the conveyor surface of the conveyor chain. The method according to claim 1, wherein step b) includes the step of guiding a cam follower, formed as part of each of the projections, in a first cam track, extending along the length of the cam track. at least a portion of the length of the transport surface of the conveyor chain. The method according to claim 2, wherein step c) includes the step of driving a cam guide with an actuating element and pushing the cam follower element to carry at least one projection, selected for movement, to the elevated position on the second cam track, which extends along at least a portion of the length of the first cam track with this cam. 4. A method for selectively varying the passage of a conveyor chain with projections, for transporting a plurality of containers along a travel path, through a packaging machine, the conveyor chain is supported on the packaging machine and it has a generally horizontal conveying surface, this method comprises the steps of: a) moving the conveyor chain along the travel path, this conveyor chain has a spaced series of protrusions along its length; b) moving the cam follower element, formed as a part of each of the projections, into a first guide element, which extends along at least a portion of the length of the transport surface of the chain conveyor, and retaining each projection in a lowered position, flush with respect to the transport surface of the conveyor chain in response thereto; c) selecting at least one of the projections for movement to a raised position, extended above the transport surface; d) operating an actuator assembly, in response to the selection of at least one projection for movement in the raised position; e) pushing the cam follower element through at least one projection, towards a second guide element, which extends along at least a portion of the length of the first guide element; and f) extending at least one projection in the raised position, in response thereto; whereby, each of the protrusions can be selected separately for movement to the elevated position, the pitch of these protrusions varying along at least a portion of the length of the trans-bearing surface of the conveyor chain . 5. The method, according to claim 4, in which step e) comprises the step of moving the cam follower element upwards, with the actuator assembly, inside the second guide element, with respect to the first guide element. 6. A conveyor with protrusions, variable pitch, for use in moving groups of containers along a travel path in a packing machine, this packing machine includes a loading end and a spaced discharge end, this conveyor with protrusions, of variable pitch, comprises: at least one endless chain of conveyor, supported on the packing machine, this conveyor chain has a generally horizontal transport surface, for transporting the containers on it; the chain of the conveyor includes a spaced series of projections, placed along its length, these projections are constructed and arranged to move, individually and reciprocally, from a lowered position, h with respect to the transport surface of the chain of the conveyor. conveyor, to an elevated position, which extends above the conveying surface of the conveyor chain; and a cam member, for selectively pushing the projections from the lowered position to the raised position; each of the projections includes a cam follower element for guiding these projections within the cam member; so that the selected projections can be pushed to the elevated position by the cam member, the pitch of the projections varying along the length of the conveyor chain. 7. The variable pitch protruding conveyor according to claim 6, wherein the cam member comprises: a first cam track, spaced apart from the transport surface of the conveyor chain, this first cam track extends along of at least a portion of the length of the conveyor surface of the conveyor chain and is generally parallel to it; the second cam track is spaced intermediate from the conveyor surface of the conveyor chain and the first cam track, this second cam track extends along at least a portion of the length of the first track of the cam track. cam and is generally parallel to the transport surface of the conveyor chain and the first cam track; the projections are retained in the lowered position in the first cam track and are retained in the raised position in the second cam track. The conveyor with projections, of variable pitch, according to claim 7, in which the cam follower element comprises an elongated pin, disposed in each of the projections, this pin is dimensioned and configured to extend generally perpendicular to the projections in the first cam track and the second cam track, respectively. 9. The variable pitch protruding conveyor according to claim 7, wherein the cam member further comprises an actuating element for pushing protrusions from the lowered position to the raised position. The variable pitch protruding conveyor according to claim 9, wherein the actuating element comprises: a double acting cylinder, having a first end and a second end, this first end of the cylinder is pivotally attached to the machine baler and a cam, having a first end and a second end, this cam is pivotally attached at its first end to the packaging machine and placed on this packaging machine with respect to the first cam track and the second cam track; and the second end of the cylinder is pivotally attached to the cam, intermediate the first end and the second end of this cam. 11. The conveyor with protrusions, of variable pitch, according to claim 10, in which the cam is constructed and arranged to move reciprocally about its first end, in response to the action of the cylinder, to guide the cam follower element from the first track of cam to and within the second cam track. The conveyor with protrusions, of variable pitch, according to claim 6, further comprising an element for moving the conveyor chain, along the travel path, from the loading end to the discharge end of the machine packer 13. The conveyor with projections, of variable pitch, according to claim 6, in which the chain of the elongated conveyor comprises an endless chain. 14. The conveyor with projections, of variable pitch, according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of modular top table projections, constructed and arranged to be attached, removably, to the chain, these projections of the modular top table , form the transport surface, generally continuous. 15. The variable pitch protruding conveyor according to claim 13, wherein each of the projections comprises a set of modular protrusions, which suddenly appear, constructed and arranged to be attached, removably, to the chain. 16. The protruding protractor, of variable pitch, according to claim 15, wherein the set of modular protrusions, which suddenly appear, comprises: a modular guide protrusion; a modular boss of filling; a projection, which appears suddenly; and a modular drag protrusion. 17. The protruding protractor, of variable pitch, according to claim 16, in which the projection, which appears suddenly, comprises: a pair of first, parallel and spaced portions, extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the chain, first portions are supported pivotally on the chain; a pair of second portions, generally parallel and spaced, extending in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to the first portions; a pair of arcuate portions, generally parallel and spaced, extending in a generally perpendicular direction, with respect to the second portions and generally parallel with respect to the first portions, these arched portions are placed within the set of projections, which suddenly appear , between the filler flange and the drag projection and are constructed and arranged to extend between them when the projection moves to the raised position, and a cover piece, which extends between the arched portions and is fastened there in each at its end, the lid part, which forms part of the transport surface of the conveyor chain, when the projection, which appears suddenly, is in the lowered position. 18. A conveyor assembly, for use in moving a series of groups of containers, generally cylindrical, along a travel path, through a packing machine, the series of groups of containers has a diameter and radius which may differ from one series to another of these groups of containers, the packaging machine has an elongated frame, a loading end and a spaced discharge end, this conveyor assembly comprises: a pair of endless conveyor chains, spaced, parallel and generally horizontal, supported on the frame of the packaging machine, each of the conveyor chains are equally spaced from a longitudinal axis, formed between the pair of chains of the conveyor and extending from the loading end to the discharge end of the Packing machine; a pair of lateral guides, spaced, generally parallel and generally vertical, supported, in a mobile manner, on the frame of the packaging machine, each of the side guides is spaced from an outer edge of each of the conveyor chains, each outer edge looks outwardly away from each conveyor chain, respectively; elements, supported on the frame of the packing machine, to move each of the conveyor chains laterally, towards and away from each other; and elements, supported on the packaging machine, to simultaneously move each of the side guides laterally towards and away from the conveyor chains, as these conveyor chains move towards and away from each other. 19. The conveyor assembly, according to claim 18, in which each of the conveyor chains has a longitudinal center line, parallel to the longitudinal axis, the lateral guides are constructed and arranged to center the containers within each of the groups of vessels along the center lines. 20. The conveyor assembly according to claim 19, wherein the center lines of each conveyor chain are spaced apart from the longitudinal axis, by a distance generally equal to the radius of the containers carried in the conveyor chains. 21. The conveyor assembly according to claim 18, wherein each of the lateral guides is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a distance generally equal to the diameter of the containers transported in the pair of conveyor chains. 22. The conveyor assembly according to claim 18, wherein each of the conveyor chains moves laterally towards and away from the other, and each of the lateral guides moves, simultaneously and laterally, towards and away from of each chain of the conveyor, respectively, in a ratio equal to the radius of the conveyor containers on the conveyor chains to the diameter of the containers transported in the conveyor chains. 23. The conveyor assembly according to claim 18, wherein the pair of chains of the conveyor is constructed and arranged so that each chain of the conveyor can move laterally towards the longitudinal axis and adjacent to each other, to form a single chain of transporter along the longitudinal axis. 24. The conveyor assembly according to claim 23, wherein each of the lateral guides is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a distance generally equal to the radius of the containers transported on the single conveyor chain, along the longitudinal axis. 25. The conveyor assembly according to claim 18, wherein each of the chains of the conveyor lies in a common plane, generally horizontal, with respect to each other. 26. A conveyor assembly, for use in moving a series of groups of containers, generally cylindrical, along a travel path through a packaging machine, the containers have a diameter and a radius which can vary from one series to another of groups of containers, the packaging machine has an elongated frame, a loading end and a spaced discharge end, this conveyor assembly comprises: a couple of endless chains of conveyor, spaced, generally parallel and generally horizontal, supported on the frame of the packing machine, each of the conveyor chains is equally spaced from a longitudinal axis, formed between the pair of conveyor chains and which extend along the frame of the packing machine; a pair of lateral guides, spaced, generally parallel and generally vertical, supported, in a mobile manner, on the frame of the packing machine, each of the lateral guides is equally spaced from an outer edge of each chain of the conveyor, each outer edge , look outwardly away from each conveyor chain, respectively; elements, supported on the frame of the packing machine, to move the conveyor chains laterally, towards and away from each other; and elements, supported on the packaging machine, to simultaneously move the side guides laterally towards and away from the conveyor chains, as these conveyor chains move toward and away from each other; in which the conveyor chains and the lateral guides move laterally with respect to each other, by the element for moving the conveyor chains and the elements for moving the lateral guides in a ratio equal to the radius of the containers, which are transported on the chains of the conveyor, to the diameter of the containers, which are transported on the conveyor chains 27. The conveyor assembly according to claim 26, wherein the pair of conveyor chains is constructed and arranged so that each chain of the conveyor can be moved laterally towards the longitudinal axis and adjacent to the other, to form a single conveyor chain along the longitudinal axis. 28. The conveyor assembly according to claim 27, wherein each of the lateral guides is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a distance generally equal to the radius of the containers carried by the single conveyor chain along the longitudinal axis. 29. A method for adjusting the width of a conveyor assembly, used to transport a series of groups of containers, generally cylindrical, which have a diameter and a radius that varies from one series to another of containers, along a travel path, through a packing machine, this packing machine has an elongated frame, a loading end, a spaced discharge end, this conveyor assembly includes a pair of endless conveyor chains, parallel, spaced and generally horizontal , supported on the frame, and a pair of lateral guides, parallel, spaced and generally vertical, supported on the frame of the packaging machine, each side guide is spaced from an outer edge of each conveyor chain that faces outwardly away from the chains of the conveyor, respectively, this method comprises the steps of: a) spacing each of the chains of the conveyor igu ally from a longitudinal axis, formed between the pair of chains of the conveyor and extending from the loading end towards the discharge end of the packing machine; b) space the side guides equally from the longitudinal axis; c) moving conveyor chains laterally, towards and away from each other; and d) simultaneously moving the side guides laterally, towards and away from the conveyor chains, as these conveyor chains move towards and away from each other. 30. The method according to claim 29, in which step a) comprises the step of spacing a longitudinal center line for each of the conveyor chains, from the longitudinal axis, by a distance generally equal to the radius of the transport containers in the conveyor chains. 31. The method according to claim 29, wherein step b) comprises the step of spacing the lateral guides of the longitudinal axis, by a distance generally equal to the diameter of the containers transported in the pair of chains of the conveyor. 32. The method according to claim 29, wherein step d) further comprises the step of laterally moving the pair of lateral guides, towards and away from the pair of chains of the conveyor, using a ratio generally equal to the radius of the containers that they are transported on the conveyor assembly, to the diameter of the containers that are transported on the conveyor assembly. The method according to claim 29, further comprising the step of laterally moving the pair of conveyor chains towards the longitudinal axis and adjacent to each other, forming a single conveyor chain along the longitudinal axis, in response thereto. , and laterally spacing the side guides from the longitudinal axis, by a distance generally equal to the radius of the containers that are transported on the single conveyor chain. 34. The method according to claim 29, further comprising placing the chains of the conveyor in a common horizontal plane on the frame of the packaging machine, with respect to each other. 35. A packing machine, to pack a series of groups of containers, generally cylindrical, that move along a travel path through the packaging machine, this packing machine has an element to pass separate preforms from cardboard boxes down on each group of containers, as they move along the travel path, each carton preform has at least one fin area, pre-marked, defined therein, the series of containers having a diameter and a radius which can differ from one series to another of groups of containers, the packing machine includes an elongated frame, a loading end, supported on the frame, a spaced discharge end, this loading end of the packing machine is supplied with a series Random of containers, from an unsynchronized mass flow conveyor, this packing machine includes an element to form random series of containers In bundles of containers delivered to the travel path, the packing machine comprises: a conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, variable pitch, supported on the frame, along the travel path, constructed and arranged for receiving groups of containers from the loading end of the packaging machine, this assembly of the conveyor belt has a pair of spaced chains, which form a transport surface, generally horizontal, and includes spaced series of protrusions along its length, each of the projections is constructed and arranged for movement, individual and reciprocal, from a lowered position, flush with respect to the transport surface, to an elevated position, which extends above the transport surface, to form flights between them along the conveyor belt assembly; a lateral flight protractor assembly, positioned downstream of the conveyor belt assembly, this lateral protractor conveyor assembly is constructed and arranged to receive groups of containers from the conveyor belt assembly; At least one modular tongue folding assembly, positioned adjacent to the travel path, this tongue folding assembly is constructed and arranged to fold the fins of the pre-marked cardboard box preforms, inside, to the group of containers; a pair of accessory rails, supported on the frame of the packaging machine, which are equally spaced from the travel path, each accessory rail includes an elongated side guide mounted thereon, these side guides are equally spaced from the travel path in the opposite sides of the conveyor belt assembly; wherein the side protractor and the tongue folding assembly are each supported on the accessory rails; and an element for laterally moving the accessory rails, towards and away from the travel path. 36. The packaging machine according to claim 35, further comprising a tension assembly of the conveyor chain, this tension assembly is constructed and arranged to loosen and tension each of the conveyor chains. 37. The packaging machine according to claim 35, in which the band assembly of the conveyor, with protrusions, of variable pitch, comprises a pair of endless chains of the conveyor, with protrusions, variable pitch, spaced, parallel and generally horizontal, each one of the chains of the conveyor is equally spaced from a longitudinal axis, formed between the chains of the conveyor and extending along the travel path from the loading end to the discharge end of the packing machine, each of The conveyor chains are placed in a common horizontal plane with respect to each other. 38. The packing machine, according to the claim 37, in which the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch, further comprises an element for moving the conveyor chains laterally, towards and away from each other. 39. The packing machine, according to the claim 38, in which the element for moving the accessory rails, towards and away from the travel path, is constructed and arranged to simultaneously move the accessory rails laterally, towards and away from the travel path, as the conveyor chains are moved. move laterally, towards and away from each other. 40. The packaging machine according to claim 38, wherein the pair of conveyor chains move laterally, towards and away from each other, and the pair of side guides moves laterally towards and away from the pair of conveyor chains, respectively, in a ratio equal to the radius of the containers, transported on the conveyor chains, to the diameter of the containers, within each group of containers transported on the conveyor chains. 41. The packing machine, according to the claim 37, in which each of the chains of the conveyor has a longitudinal center line parallel to the longitudinal axis, these center lines for each chain of the conveyor are spaced from the axis by a distance generally equal to the radius of the containers transported on the conveyor chains. . 42. The packaging machine according to claim 41, wherein each of the lateral guides is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a distance generally equal to the diameter of the containers transported on the conveyor chains. 43. The packing machine according to claim 35, wherein the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch, further comprises a cam element, for selectively pushing the protrusions from the lowered position to the raised position, each of the projections includes a cam follower element to be guided by the cam element, whereby at least one of the projections can be pushed into the raised position by the cam element, to vary the pitch of the projections along the length of the cam element. the length of the conveyor chain. 44. The packaging machine according to claim 43, wherein the cam element further comprises an actuating element, for pushing at least one projection from the lowered position to the raised position. 45. The packaging machine according to claim 35, further comprising an element for moving the chain of the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch, along the travel path from the loading end to the discharge end of the packing machine. 46. A method for packing a series of groups of containers, generally cylindrical, that move along a travel path through a packing machine, this packing machine has an element for passing separate preforms of cardboard boxes down onto each group of containers, as they move along the travel path, these carton preforms have at least one fin area previously marked, the containers, within each series of groups of containers, have a diameter and a radius that can differ from one series to another, the packing machine includes an elongated frame, a loading end, supported on the frame, a spaced discharge end, the loading end of the packer machine is supplied with a random series of containers, from an unsynchronized mass flow conveyor, this packing machine also has elements to form random series of containers in fas groups Containers of containers, delivered to the travel path, the packaging method includes the steps of: moving separate groups of containers along the travel path, with the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, variable pitch, supported on the frame, from the loading end of the packaging machine to the lateral, flight-side conveyor assembly, placed on the frame, downstream of the conveyor belt assembly; supplying a spaced series of projections along the length of the belt assembly of the conveyor; placing the projections in a lowered position, flush with respect to the belt assembly of the conveyor; selectively moving at least one of the projections to the raised position, extended above the conveyor belt assembly and forming at least one flight along the length of the belt assembly of the conveyor; moving the groups of vessels along the travel path within at least one flight; moving the group of containers along the travel path with the side flight protractor assembly, to at least one modular tongue folding assembly, positioned on the frame, adjacent to the travel path; also spacing a pair of accessory rails, supported on the frame, from the travel path, providing a pair of side guides, mounted on each of the accessory rails, respectively, and spacing the side guides on the opposite sides of the band assembly of the conveyor; and moving the accessory rails laterally, towards and away from the travel path, in response to a series of groups of vessels having different diameters and radii from one series to another of groups of vessels. 47. The method according to claim 46, which includes the steps of: supplying the conveyor belt assembly, with protrusions, of variable pitch, with a pair of endless, spaced, parallel and generally horizontal chains of the conveyor; spacing each of the conveyor chains equally, from a longitudinal axis, formed between the conveyor chains and extending along the travel path; place the conveyor chains in a common horizontal plane, with mutual respect; and laterally moving the conveyor chains, towards and away from each other. 48. The method according to claim 47, comprising the step of simultaneously moving the accessory rails laterally, towards and away from the travel path, as the conveyor chains move laterally, towards and away from the longitudinal axis, respectively . 49. The method according to claim 47, comprising the step of laterally moving the pair of chains of the conveyor, towards and away from each other, with respect to the lateral movement of the pair of lateral guides, placed on the accessory rails, using an equal relationship to the radius of the containers transported on the conveyor chains to the diameter of the containers transported on the conveyor chains. 50. The method according to claim 47, comprising the steps of moving the conveyor chains laterally towards the longitudinal axis and adjacent to it, forming a single chain of the conveyor in response thereto, and spacing each of the lateral guides, respectively, from the axis, by a distance generally equal to the radius of the containers that move on the single conveyor chain. 51. A chain conveyor, for use in moving product items along a travel path, through a packing machine, this packing machine has an elongated frame, a loading end and a spaced discharge end, the conveyor chain comprises. at least one endless chain, supported on the frame of the packaging machine and extending along the travel path, this at least one chain has a plurality of pairs of links, arranged adjacent to each other, and a plurality of links. cross links, each pair of adjacent links are joined together pivotally by one of the cross links; a plurality of modular upper table top projections, under pressure, received in removable form in each of the transverse pieces, the projections of the upper table form a horizontal transport surface, generally continuous, along at least a portion of the length of the chain; and an element to move the chain along the travel path. 52. The chain conveyor according to claim 51, wherein each modular protrusion comprises a generally planar body and a spaced pair of legs dependent thereon, each of the legs includes an arched notch portion, constructed and arranged for Push elastically in the center on the transverse pieces, to retain each modular projection in position in the chain. 53. The chain conveyor according to claim 51, wherein each modular projection comprises a generally planar body, having a plurality of channels, defined on its transport surface and extending along the length of the body in the direction of anticipated movement for the conveyor in the packing machine. 54. The chain conveyor according to claim 53, further comprising an elongated return guide, along at least a portion of the travel path, towards the loading end of the packing machine, this return guide is constructed and It has to receive the channels of the modular projections and to guide the chain towards the loading end of the packing machine. 55. The chain conveyor according to claim 51, further comprising a spaced series of sets of modular protrusions, which appear suddenly, each of these assemblies, includes a projection, which appears suddenly, constructed and arranged for reciprocal movement from a position descending, flush with respect to the transport surface to an elevated position, which extends above the transport surface, by the formation of flights along the chain. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A baler machine (5) is disclosed, to move a spaced series of groups of containers along a travel path in a paca-dora machine line. This packing machine includes a conveyor belt assembly (12), with protrusions, of variable pitch, having a pair of conveyor chains (61, 62), equally spaced from a longitudinal axis, extending along the length of the travel path, and a pair of lateral guides (17), generally parallel, mounted on each of a pair of accessory rails (14), movably supported on the frame (7) of the packaging machine, and extending along the opposite sides of the travel path. The conveyor chains are constructed to be moved laterally, towards and away from each other, and the lateral guides are constructed to simultaneously move laterally, towards and away from the conveyors, with the accessory rails, respectively, as the chains move. of the transporter. Each chain of the conveyor includes a spaced series of sets (63) of projections, which suddenly appear, wherein a projection (92), which appears suddenly, of each set can be individually selected by the reciprocal movement from a lowered, flush position. with respect to the surface of the conveyor chain, to a high position, extended above and with respect to the surface of the conveyor chain, varying the pitch of the projections, which appear suddenly, along the length of the chains of the transporter. Each chain of the conveyor also includes a plurality of modular table top projections (65), which are constructed to be resiliently pushed in position on an endless chain (84).