Patent ID: 6971213
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A method of removing single defective items from a plurality of non-defective items, during transferring from a packaging line to a conveying line, the items being moved on said packaging line by driving means, the method comprising: checking the integrity of each item present on said packaging line and detecting defective items on said packaging line; locating transfer means at an end of the packaging line and arranging the transfer means for removably gripping every checked item at a pick-up position thereof; operating said transfer means for gripping every checked item and moving said gripped items in a continuous movement away from said pick-up position and to a final release position adjacent said conveying line; while transferring the gripped items moving continuously from the pick-up position and prior to arriving at the final release position adjacent the conveying line, releasing the grip on each defective item for depositing the defective item into at least one first collection section, situated near said packaging line, in step relation with movement of the transfer means towards the conveyor line; and, positioning each non-defective item onto the conveying line when the transfer means reaches the final release position.