Patent Description:
The containers are held and/or temporarily housed on suitable support means, in particular both when the containers are empty and also when they are filled with at least one product or substance.

The term product or substance means any liquid, semi-solid, gelatinous or solid composition, in which case it can be in powder or in grains, and which can be of plant and/or animal and/or chemical origin.

By way of non-restrictive example only, the method according to the present invention can be used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, healthcare, chemicals and/or food.

In the industrial sector of the automated filling of containers, various apparatuses or machines are known, configured as processing lines inside which one or more containers are moved to and from one or more processing stations, advantageously located in succession. An example of these processing lines is described in the international patent application published under the publication number <CIT>.

The processing stations may comprise, for example, a storage station for the empty containers, one or more weighing stations, a station for filling the containers, a station for closing each container and a station for packing the filled containers, ready for delivery or for storage in a warehouse of finished products.

The containers in question can be flasks, for example bottles, or in any case containers having a similar or comparable shape and able to contain fluid products, in particular liquids, or solid and powder or gel products.

The movement of the containers between the processing stations, and possibly also inside them, is usually carried out with mechanical and motorized transport devices or apparatuses, which comprise, for example, conveyor belts, turntables or carousels, gears, chains, slides, lifters, mechanical arms, possibly robotic, and other mechanical members.

Irrespective of the type of transport devices used, it is necessary that the containers, which can be at least initially positioned in suitable seatings of a container-holding tray, are picked up by means of suitable pick-up members, individually or in groups, for the subsequent operations of filling, weighing and closing.

The containers are typically disposed upended on the container-holding tray head downward, or so that the side of the mouth is facing downward, for example resting in a respective seating of the container-holding tray. It should be noted that, usually, the container-holding tray reaches the processing line hermetically closed, for example by a film, after the containers disposed upended and contained inside it have been treated to be sanitized and/or sterilized.

After they have been upended again so as to have the mouth facing upward, the containers are then picked up to be moved to the next processing station, such as for example the filling and possible weighing station.

Correctly picking up the containers, moving them and positioning them during the various processing steps is of fundamental importance and generates problems that have not yet been solved in the state of the art.

Often the containers are reciprocally positioned in the container-holding tray according to a so-called "quincunx" spatial configuration, which provides staggered adjacent rows of containers, to optimize the occupation of the volumes.

This spatial disposition, although it allows to maximize the number of containers disposed in the container-holding tray, makes it difficult to pick them up, so that, in the state of the art, it is possible to pick up only a small number of containers at a time disposed in the same row, precisely because of the staggered disposition between the consecutive rows.

Consequently, the subsequent steps of filling, and possible weighing, and closing, the containers picked up are carried out at the same time only on a small number of containers.

This considerably increases the processing times of a given group of containers, since only a few can be moved at a time, reducing the overall productivity of the machine. Furthermore, this aspect considerably increases the number of movements, with a consequent increase in energy consumption, greater wear and greater overheating of the motorization units of the movement apparatuses involved.

There is therefore a need to perfect a method to move containers in a processing line which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to perfect a method to move containers in a processing line which allows to pick up, for example from a container-holding tray, and to move a plurality of containers, in particular picked up simultaneously from several parallel and consecutive rows of said tray.

In accordance with the above purposes, some embodiments concern a method to move containers in a processing line which comprises a station for storing and picking up the containers and a station at least for filling and possibly weighing the containers.

According to one embodiment, the method as above provides, in the storage and pick-up station as above, to supply a container-holding tray containing a plurality of containers disposed resting in an orderly manner, according to a pattern defined by a positioning matrix, on the container-holding tray with their mouth facing toward a bottom wall of the container-holding tray.

The method also comprises upending the containers as above disposed in the container-holding tray by means of upending means comprising an upending tray configured to couple with the container-holding tray, so as to engage, according to the same pattern defined by the positioning matrix, at least one part of the containers. The upended containers are therefore supported at the bottom by the upending tray.

According to some embodiments, the method also comprises moving, with respect to the upending tray, extraction means in order to pick up, from the upending tray, at least two containers disposed on two parallel and consecutive rows of the positioning matrix.

The extraction means are moved in a pick-up direction on a substantially horizontal plane, so that the extraction means first encounter the first container to be picked up and then the second container to be picked up, which is therefore further downstream, when the extraction means move toward the container-holding tray in the pick-up direction.

By way of a non-limiting example, of the at least two containers that are picked up, a first container is positioned in a first row and a second container is positioned in a second row, wherein the first row is more external, in the positioning matrix as above, compared to the second row, with reference to the pick-up direction as above.

According to some embodiments, the method also comprises, after the step of moving the extraction means as above, moving the two containers picked up by means of the extraction means toward the at least filling station.

This method advantageously allows to move at once a greater number of containers than those that can be moved with the methods of the state of the art, thus allowing to reduce the number of movements involved, as well as the overall movement times, and increase productivity.

In particular, it is advantageous to reduce the number of movements since this entails, in addition to a reduction in operating times, also lower energy consumption, less wear and less overheating of the motorization units of the movement apparatuses involved. This is all the more advantageous, for example, in the event the movements are carried out by means of automated or robotic apparatuses.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line to process containers comprising a station for storing and picking up containers and a station at least for filling and possibly for weighing the containers. This storage and pick-up station is provided with a container-holding tray on which a plurality of containers are able to be pre-positioned, according to a pattern defined by a positioning matrix, and with the side of the mouth facing a bottom wall of the container-holding tray. The storage and pick-up station is also provided with upending means comprising an upending tray and configured to upend at least part of the containers disposed in the container-holding tray, keeping them supported at the bottom by the upending tray according to the pattern defined by the positioning matrix.

The processing line as above comprises extraction means configured reciprocally mobile with respect to the upending tray as above in a pick-up direction which lies on a substantially horizontal plane.

According to one embodiment, the extraction means as above are conformed to pick up, from the upending tray, at least two containers disposed on two parallel and consecutive rows of the positioning matrix. Of these containers that are picked up, a first container is positioned in a first row and a second container is positioned in a second row, wherein the first row is upstream of the second row, with respect to a movement toward the container-holding tray in the pick-up direction, and to move the at least two containers as above toward the at least filling station after they have been picked up by the extraction means.

According to one embodiment, the pick-up direction as above is transverse to a respective row of containers of the positioning matrix.

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, one or more characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be varied or adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

The embodiments described here using the attached drawings concern a method to move containers C in a line <NUM> to process containers C, and a line <NUM> to process containers C which comprises at least one station <NUM> for storing and picking up the containers C and at least one station <NUM> for filling and possibly weighing the containers C, <FIG>.

Here and in the present description, the filling and possible weighing station <NUM> can be understood as a filling only station, or a filling and weighing station, of which the weighing can be carried out both before (tare) and also after the filling (gross weight), or only after the filling. In any case, the purpose of the weighing is to detect the net weight of the product which is metered into each of the containers C; typically, knowing the tare weight, for example of the single container C or of a group of containers C, it is possible to detect the gross weight, once the product has been metered into the same container C, and from here calculate the net weight of metered product by difference.

Furthermore, in the event the station <NUM> is a filling and weighing station, this expression can contemplate both the case in which the filling and weighing station is equipped with weighing means and filling means disposed in direct cooperation and proximity with each other, and also the case in which the filling and weighing station provides two zones, or sub-stations, distanced, separated or disposed far away from each other, of which a first one is provided with weighing means for weighing the tare of the containers C and a second one is provided with filling means and weighing means, for filling and weighing the quantity of product metered into each of the containers C.

In accordance with some embodiments described here, we will refer, by way of a non-limiting example, to the type of container C better visible for example in <FIG>, where the container C is configured as a flask or bottle able to contain fluid products, in particular liquids, or solid and powder or gel products. In these possible embodiments, the container C has a neck <NUM> that projects from a containing body <NUM>, and a mouth <NUM>. The neck <NUM> has at the upper part, in correspondence with the mouth <NUM>, a protruding annular edge <NUM>, while in an opposite position there is a bottom end <NUM>. It is evident that the containers C can also have other shapes and sizes, possibly even not similar or comparable to that of a flask or bottle.

In accordance with some embodiments, the storage and pick-up station <NUM> comprises, or is associated with, at least one container-holding tray <NUM>. The container-holding tray <NUM> has a bottom wall <NUM>. On the container-holding tray <NUM> there are pre-positioned a determinate number of empty containers C so as to form an ordered group of containers C according to a positioning matrix M1, <FIG>. The positioning matrix M1 is defined for example by a disposition according to a pattern of lines and columns of the containers C in the container-holding tray <NUM>. Here and in the present description, in order to identify lines or columns of the containers C we may also use the term "row" (see for example rows I, II in <FIG> and <FIG>), where by row we mean a succession of elements aligned with each other, in this specific case containers C. This pattern can for example provide that the containers C of one row are offset with respect to those of the two adjacent rows, that is, that one element of one row is disposed in the space between two elements of a subsequent or previous row, so as to optimize the spatial disposition and ensure that the container-holding tray <NUM> is able to accommodate the highest possible number of containers C. This spatial disposition of containers C, typical of this sector, is also called, in jargon, a "quincunx" disposition.

The container-holding tray <NUM> is provided with a plurality of support seatings <NUM> (see <FIG>); these support seatings <NUM> suitably reproduce the pattern of the positioning matrix M1. The support seatings <NUM>, for example, can be defined by elements projecting from the bottom wall <NUM>, or they can be disposed, or made, on the bottom wall <NUM> of the container-holding tray <NUM> according to a determinate spatial configuration, for example a "quincunx" disposition. The containers C are positioned upended in the support seatings <NUM> with the side of the mouth <NUM> facing downward, that is, toward the bottom wall <NUM>, in particular for example resting on the bottom wall <NUM>, <FIG>.

Each container C is initially upended, for example resting in a respective support seating <NUM>. In the example embodiments described here, each support seating <NUM> has a closed bottom, defined by a portion of the bottom wall <NUM>.

The support seating <NUM> can be made hollow in the bottom wall <NUM> or it can be delimited laterally by a perimeter bead that defines the shape of the support seating <NUM> and can be more or less projecting from the bottom wall <NUM> to allow the correct positioning of the container C.

In the example described here, the support seatings <NUM> are able to determine a precise and defined space where the containers C can rest, but preferably have no lateral support function for the containers C whatsoever. For example, in the "quincunx" disposition, although the containers C are not positioned in contact, they are very close to each other, self-supporting each other in case of collisions.

The container-holding tray <NUM> can be advantageously provided with a plurality of contiguous lateral walls <NUM>, so as to define a closed perimeter, and connected at the lower part to the bottom wall <NUM>. The lateral walls <NUM> surround the containers C containing them in a lateral direction. Although in the attached drawings the lateral walls <NUM> are represented defining a quadrangular shape, for example rectangular, this conformation is provided by way of a non-limiting example, since the perimeter delimited by the lateral walls <NUM> can also have another different conformation, according to requirements.

The container-holding tray <NUM> can be provided with a perimeter frame <NUM> connected to the lateral walls <NUM> and configured, for example, to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the container-holding tray <NUM>. For this purpose, the perimeter frame <NUM> can have a fret shaped, or stepped, profile that diverges from the lateral walls <NUM> toward the outside and ends with a substantially flat profile. The perimeter frame <NUM> can be configured to accommodate a closing film (not shown), which adheres to it, in order to hermetically close the container-holding tray <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the storage and pick-up station <NUM> comprises upending means <NUM> comprising an upending tray 20a configured to couple with the container-holding tray <NUM>. The upending means <NUM> can also comprise a specific movement mean <NUM>, suitable to move the upending tray 20a as needed, as explained below. The upending means <NUM> are configured to upend at least part of the containers C disposed in the container-holding tray <NUM>, keeping them supported at the bottom by the upending tray 20a, even after the upending, according to the pattern defined by the positioning matrix M1. In particular, the upending tray 20a is configured to engage a part, or all, of the containers C disposed in the container-holding tray <NUM>, cooperating with the latter to invert the spatial orientation of the containers C, so that the containers C are supported by the upending tray 20a with the side of the mouth <NUM> facing upward.

According to some embodiments, with particular reference to the attached drawings, the upending tray 20a is for example configured as an upending plate and is provided with a plurality of upending seatings <NUM> reciprocally disposed according to the configuration defined by the positioning matrix M1 and configured to receive and support respective containers C with respect to the bottom end <NUM> thereof.

The upending seatings <NUM> can be made in the thickness of the upending tray 20a and have a depth such as to advantageously allow the lateral support of the containers C when they are positioned in the upending seatings <NUM>. In the example described here, the upending seatings <NUM> have a circular section in accordance with a substantially cylindrical shape of the containers C. The upending seating <NUM> can have a slightly larger transverse size than the transverse size of the container C so as to allow its positioning to be stable, but with some play to facilitate its subsequent pick-up.

The processing line <NUM> also comprises extraction means <NUM> configured to engage at least a part of the containers C disposed on the upending tray 20a.

The extraction means <NUM> are configured reciprocally mobile with respect to the upending tray 20a in a pick-up direction W (<FIG> and <FIG>). According to possible embodiments, this pick-up direction W can be, in particular, transverse, more particularly orthogonal, to a respective row of containers C of the positioning matrix M1. In this specific case, the pick-up direction W can be transverse, more particularly orthogonal, to the perimeter of the upending tray 20a defined by the respective lateral walls.

In some embodiments, the extraction means <NUM> are conformed to pick up, from the upending tray 20a, at least two containers C disposed on two parallel and consecutive rows I, II of the positioning matrix M1, of which a first container C1 is positioned in a first row I and a second container C2 is positioned in a second row II. The first row I is more external, in the positioning matrix M1, with respect to the second row II, refering to the pick-up direction W (see for example <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to some embodiments, the extraction means <NUM> comprise, or are configured as, an extraction gripper 22a provided with a plurality of inter-spaced arms, or prongs, <NUM> parallel to each other and defining gripping inlets <NUM>, favorably with an elongated longitudinal shape, <FIG>.

The extraction means <NUM> can comprise, or be associated with, a specific one of the movement means <NUM>, suitable to move the extraction gripper 22a according to requirements, as explained below.

Each gripping inlet <NUM> of the extraction gripper <NUM> is configured to accommodate a plurality of containers C of the ordered group of containers C.

According to possible embodiments, the extraction means <NUM> are configured to perform at least a first relative movement of engagement with respect to the upending tray 20a on a substantially horizontal plane, in order to engage the at least one part of the group of containers C disposed in the upending seatings <NUM> of the upending tray 20a, holding the containers C engaged in the gripping inlets <NUM> of the extraction gripper <NUM>. In particular, the extraction means <NUM> are configured to pick up containers C from at least two parallel and consecutive rows I, II of containers C. Alternatively, it is not excluded that the first relative movement as above is achieved by moving the upending tray 20a with respect to the extraction gripper 22a.

Preferably, the extraction gripper 22a, thanks to its conformation, simultaneously picks up more than one container C, in particular more than two, even more particularly more than three or more, being able to pick up even all the containers C, of one row I and also more than one container C, in particular more than two, even more in particular more than three or more, being able to pick up even all the containers C, of one row II parallel and consecutive to the row I, in order to reduce the processing and movement times, as well as the number of movements. Although here we describe the pick-up from two rows I, II, it is clear that the present invention can be applied in order to pick up containers C even from more than two rows, for example three, four, five, six or even more than six, and even from all the rows of the upending tray 20a.

The extraction gripper 22a is configured to also perform at least a second relative movement with respect to the upending tray 20a so as to extract the containers C positioned in the upending seatings <NUM> from the upending tray 20a, in order to move them to the next processing station, in this specific case to the filling and possible weighing station <NUM>. In possible implementations, for this purpose the extraction gripper 22a can be moved with a lifting movement, or alternatively the extraction gripper 22a can be kept stationary and the upending tray 20a can be moved, in particular with a downward movement.

As described above, the extraction gripper 22a can be moved by means of movement means or devices <NUM> associated with it, which allow both a relative movement of it with respect to the containers C to be engaged and picked up, in the event that the extraction gripper 22a is moved with respect to the upending tray 20a, and also a movement in space in order to reach the filling and possible weighing station <NUM> of the containers C.

In accordance with some embodiments, at least in the first relative movement of engagement, the extraction gripper 22a is configured to be operationally aligned with respect to the rows, lines or columns, of the positioning matrix M1 of the upending tray 20a so that the gripping inlets <NUM> at least partly accommodate respective rows of containers C which are inserted in the gripping inlets <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In accordance with some embodiments, each arm <NUM> comprises an array of holding seatings <NUM> for the containers C disposed in a manner corresponding to the positioning matrix M1, each holding seating <NUM> being shaped to support a respective container C, <FIG>.

In accordance with some embodiments, the extraction gripper 22a comprises a transverse support <NUM> from which there depart, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transverse support <NUM>, on one side the arms <NUM> and on the other side a gripping portion, or handle, <NUM> by means of which the extraction gripper 22a can be manipulated, for example by an automated or robotic movement device.

In accordance with some embodiments, each gripping inlet <NUM> is defined between two adjacent arms <NUM> and can be substantially U-shaped, favorably elongated.

In accordance with possible embodiments, each arm <NUM> has an engagement end <NUM> which can advantageously be flared or with a lead-in shape, so as to facilitate the alignment and centering of the containers C to be engaged.

According to some embodiments described here, the containers C, when engaged by the arms <NUM> of the extraction gripper 22a, are held according to a mechanical coupling with play.

In accordance with some embodiments, shown in <FIG>, each holding seating <NUM> comprises respective support portions <NUM>, facing each other from opposite sides of a same gripping inlet <NUM>, the support portions <NUM> being made hollow on respective arms <NUM> in order to receive, resting on them, a respective container C, as shown in <FIG>. In particular, the support portions <NUM>, during use, are able to support a neck portion <NUM>, in this specific case the protruding annular edge <NUM> of the container C (<FIG>).

Each support portion <NUM> can have the shape of a circular segment, or of a portion of a polygon - for example of an octagon, a hexagon, a square or other polygon - or it can be defined by a surface subtended by a curve.

In accordance with some embodiments, the filling and possible weighing station <NUM> can comprise, or be associated in cooperation with, support means, in particular a support plate <NUM>, configured to receive the containers C from the extraction means <NUM>, in this specific case from the extraction gripper 22a, and to support the containers C at least during the filling and possible weighing operation.

Furthermore, the filling and possible weighing station <NUM> can comprise filling means <NUM> (which, for ease of representation, can be seen only in <FIG>, <FIG>), for example nozzles or similar delivery/metering means, configured to fill each of the containers C with metered quantities.

For example, <FIG> shows some embodiments in which the support plate <NUM> positions containers C with respect to filling means <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the filling and possible weighing station <NUM> can be a filling and weighing station and, for this purpose, comprise weighing means <NUM>. In this case, the support means can also be used to support the containers C during the weighing operation carried out by the weighing means <NUM> present therein.

Therefore, <FIG> show some embodiments which provide the weighing, wherein the support plate <NUM> positions containers C with respect to filling means <NUM> and also with respect to weighing means <NUM>. Alternatively, for this purpose it is also possible to directly use the extraction means <NUM>.

In both cases, in particular when the weighing is also provided, the advantage of being able to move a plurality of containers C is evident, picked up from the container-holding tray <NUM>, after suitable upending in the upending tray 20a, by the extraction means <NUM>, which are advantageously provided with the extraction gripper 22a, and moved by means of the support plate <NUM> or the extraction means <NUM> themselves, the containers C then being subjected to filling and weighing by means of the weighing means <NUM> described here.

In some embodiments that provide the weighing, the containers C can be weighed first when they are empty (tare) and subsequently when they are full (gross weight). Alternatively, they can also be weighed only when full, that is, after filling.

It should be noted that the weighing operations, possibly before the filling and after the filling, can also be carried out in specific operating units different from each other and also from the filling unit, separated and possibly correlated by means of suitable movement means, for example by moving the extraction gripper 22a itself or the support plate <NUM>, if provided. For example, in the event of a filling unit that is distinct and separate from a weighing unit, upstream and/or downstream, or also in other cases where required, there may be the need to align, at the filling unit, the containers C to be filled, supplied by the extraction gripper 22a, with respect to an array of filling means <NUM> aligned according to a given direction.

Furthermore, possibly, it is possible to provide a weighing station dedicated to measuring the weight of the empty containers C and another weighing station dedicated to measuring the weight of the containers C filled with a product or substance. Also in these embodiments, the support plate <NUM>, or the extraction gripper 22a, can be used to move and position the containers C.

According to embodiments in which the support means are configured as a support plate <NUM>, the latter is provided with a plurality of support seatings <NUM> reciprocally disposed according to the configuration defined by the positioning matrix M1, in order to receive the group of containers C moved by the extraction gripper 22a.

In particular, in this case the extraction gripper 22a carries out a first movement of alignment with respect to the support plate <NUM> so as to vertically align the containers C with the underlying support seatings <NUM> with respect to the positioning matrix M1. Furthermore, the extraction gripper 22a is configured to also perform a second movement, so that the containers C are inserted into the support seatings <NUM> (<FIG>), and then retract so as to disengage the containers C which therefore remain accommodated by the support seatings <NUM> of the support plate <NUM>. Alternatively, it is also possible for the support plate <NUM> to be moved with respect to the extraction gripper 22a.

The support seatings <NUM> can be made in the thickness of the support plate <NUM> and have a depth such as to allow the lateral support of the containers C when they are positioned therein. In the example described here, the support seatings <NUM> have a circular section in accordance with a substantially cylindrical shape of the containers C. The support seating <NUM> can have a transverse size slightly larger than the transverse size of the container C, so as to allow its positioning to be stable, but with some play to facilitate its subsequent pick-up.

In the embodiments in which there is also provided the weighing using the support plate <NUM> as a mean to make the containers C cooperate with the weighing means <NUM>, each support seating <NUM> has, on the bottom surface, an aperture <NUM> shaped to allow the cooperation with the weighing means, also suitably shaped, <FIG>. For example, the shaped aperture <NUM> can have a conformation in which three angled arms depart from a central zone, for example the arms being equally angled by about <NUM>° with respect to each other, in particular being able to assume the shape of a three-pointed star.

In the event, on the other hand, that the weighing is not provided, according to some embodiments the support plate <NUM> can be without the shaped apertures <NUM>, as for example in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the weighing means <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) comprise at least one scale 33a and at least one respective weighing plate <NUM> associated with the at least one scale 33a. The at least one scale 33a can comprise, for example, a load cell or other weight detector. A respective weighing plate <NUM> is mounted on the at least one scale 33a. At least one container C is positioned, on each occasion, on the weighing plate <NUM> in order to carry out the weighing, in particular positioned in a corresponding housing seating 34a of the weighing plate <NUM>. To this end, the at least one weighing plate <NUM> can be shaped or conformed according to requirements, as better described below, for example with a single housing seating 34a, in order to weigh only one container C at a time (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), or a plurality of housing seatings 34a in order to weigh, therefore, a plurality of containers C supported by a same weighing plate <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some embodiments, described using <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the weighing means <NUM> comprise a plurality of scales 33a and a respective plurality of weighing plates <NUM>, each operatively connected to a respective scale 33a. For example, the weighing plates <NUM> can be disposed to cooperate with one, two or more rows of containers C supplied by the support plate <NUM> for the purposes of the weighing, without being extracted from the respective support seatings <NUM> in which they are housed.

In these embodiments described using <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each scale 33a is used to weigh a single container C at a time, suitably positioned on the respective weighing plate <NUM>. In particular, in these embodiments the weighing plate <NUM> is conformed having a single housing seating 34a able to receive one container C at a time.

Furthermore, <FIG>, <FIG> show the embodiment in which the number of scales 33a, and therefore of respective weighing plates <NUM>, is lower than the number of containers C provided on the support plate <NUM>, or alternatively on the extraction gripper 22a, in particular disposed on two offset rows (for example in a "quincunx") in a manner coordinated with the offset disposition of two consecutive rows of the positioning matrix M1 defined by the support plate <NUM>. However, it is not excluded that the weighing plates <NUM> are disposed aligned, or according to other spatial configurations.

<FIG>, on the other hand, shows the embodiment in which there are provided independent weighing plates <NUM> disposed, each on a respective scale 33a, according to the configuration defined by the positioning matrix M1, in which the number of scales 33a, and therefore of respective weighing plates <NUM>, corresponds at least to the number of containers C present in two distinct rows, for example rows I and II, or more generally corresponding to a part or the totality of the number of containers C supported by the support plate <NUM> so that, in a single movement, they can all be weighed simultaneously and without being extracted from the respective support seatings <NUM> in which they are housed and manipulated individually or in rows.

In the embodiments described here, this applying both to what is described in relation to <FIG> and also in relation to <FIG>, the support plate <NUM> is configured to carry out at least a first movement of alignment with respect to the weighing means <NUM> so as to vertically align the shaped apertures <NUM> with the weighing plates <NUM> with respect to the positioning matrix M1, <FIG>. In this case, each weighing plate <NUM> is advantageously shaped, presenting a conformation mating with that of the respective shaped aperture <NUM>. Furthermore, the support plate <NUM> is configured to also perform a second movement so that the suitably shaped weighing plates <NUM> are inserted into the shaped apertures <NUM> and engage the containers C, <FIG>, to then rise again so as to disengage the weighing plates <NUM> from the respective shaped apertures <NUM>. In the case of the embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, this sequence of movements is repeated, by making the support plate <NUM> progressively advance stepwise, coordinated with the distance between the rows of containers C and the weighing plates <NUM>, with respect to the weighing means <NUM>, so that all the containers C present on the support plate <NUM> are progressively located in cooperation with the rows of weighing plates <NUM>, where they are weighed. On the other hand, in the case of the embodiments of <FIG>, this sequence of movements is performed only once, since, thanks to the presence of a number of scales 33a and respective weighing plates <NUM> at least equal to the number of containers C, all containers C can be weighed simultaneously.

According to another possible embodiment, which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the weighing plates <NUM> are mobile, and can be driven vertically to be inserted inside the shaped apertures <NUM> in order to engage the containers C. In this case, it can be provided that the support plate <NUM>, after being aligned with the weighing plates <NUM>, remains fixed, in a suitable position which allows it to interact with the weighing plates <NUM>, at least during its stay in the filling and possible weighing station <NUM>.

In the embodiments described here, in which it is provided to carry out an operation of weighing the tare, the present invention is particularly advantageous since, by moving a greater number of containers C at a time, it allows to reduce the number of times that the weighing of the tare of the containers C is performed.

In particular, in embodiments described using <FIG> and which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the weighing means <NUM> can include one or more scales 33a, each having a weighing plate <NUM> provided with a plurality of housing seatings 34a. Each of these housing seatings 34a is advantageously conformed to accommodate a respective container C, for the purpose of weighing the product that is introduced by the filling means <NUM>. For example, the weighing means <NUM> can include a single scale 33a, which supports the weighing plate <NUM> with multiple housing seatings 34a, or they can include a plurality of such scales 33a, each equipped with a weighing plate <NUM> having multiple housing seatings 34a.

In the embodiments described using <FIG>, the number of housing seatings 34a for each weighing plate <NUM> is advantageously two or more, for example three, four, five, six or even more than six. These housing seatings 34a, based on their number and on operational requirements, can also be disposed on several consecutive rows, each row being able to provide in this case two or more housing seatings 34a, for example three, four, five, six or even more than six.

In the embodiments described using <FIG>, the housing seatings 34a are disposed aligned, however it is not excluded that the housing seatings 34a can also be disposed with a "quincunx" spatial configuration, or other configuration. Depending on the disposition of the housing seatings 34a provided in the weighing plate <NUM> described using <FIG>, the support plate <NUM> that carries the containers C, or the extraction gripper 22a if the support plate <NUM> is not used, is suitably moved with respect to the weighing means <NUM>, in a manner similar to what described previously with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, so that there is coordination and alignment between the containers C and the housing seatings 34a.

Advantageously, by means of the weighing means <NUM> according to the embodiments described using <FIG>, it is possible to significantly increase the productivity of the weighing procedure, particularly in the event that the weighing also involves a step of weighing the tare and, therefore, of the entire processing cycle.

In fact, by means of the weighing plate <NUM> provided with a plurality of housing seatings 34a, it is possible to accommodate a plurality of containers C supported by the weighing plate <NUM> associated with the respective scale 33a.

With reference also to <FIG>, which shows a graph of the trend over time (x axis) of the weight (y axis) progressively detected by the scale 33a, it is possible to see that at time t0, when all the containers C are positioned in their respective housing seatings 34a and are empty, that is, before the filling, the weight detected by the scale 33a at time t0 represents the weight of all the empty containers C, that is, the tare weight, or in any case of the reference value, or zero. This tare weight is the initial weight value with respect to which the subsequent operation of weighing the first container C which is filled by means of the filling means <NUM> refers. In the graph of <FIG> the tare weight is indicated by P0, at the instant of time t0.

Subsequently, at the time t1 a quantity of product is metered into one of the containers C and a weight P1 is detected, after which at time t2 a quantity of product is metered into another one of the containers C and a weight P2 is detected, and so on, repeating these weight measurements incrementally for a number "m" of times equal to the number of housing seatings 34a of each weighing plate <NUM>, that is, equal to the number of containers C to be filled and weighed on a same scale 33a.

With the exception of the first weight detected, upstream of the start of the filling, which is the tare weight of all the "m" containers C present in the housing seatings 34a of each weighing plate <NUM> associated with a respective scale 33a, all the weights detected subsequently are gross weights. Therefore, for example, the net weight of the product metered into the first container C which is filled will be given by the difference between the gross weight P1 detected and the tare weight P0 detected initially, while the net weight of the product metered into the second container C which is filled will be given by the difference between the gross weight P2 detected and the previous gross weight P1, and so on. It is therefore possible to state that the gross weight detected in a given weighing operation, subsequent to the first operation of weighing the tare when the containers C are empty, in fact represents the reference weight with respect to which, in a subsequent operation of weighing the gross weight, the net weight of product metered in that given subsequent operation is calculated.

Therefore, in some embodiments, the progressive determination of the weight of product metered into a container C at a first filling step by means of the filling means <NUM> is carried out by means of the difference between the weight detected by the scale 33a at the first filling step and the tare weight of the containers C initially detected by the scale 33a and, subsequently, the progressive determination of the weight of product metered into a container C, at each specific filling step subsequent to the first by means of the filling means <NUM>, is carried out by means of the difference between the weight detected at the specific filling step by the scale 33a and the weight detected by the scale 33a at the immediately preceding filling step.

In general, the net weight N(i+<NUM>) of product metered into a given container C at the instant of time i+<NUM> by the filling means <NUM> will be defined by the difference between the current weight P(i+<NUM>) detected by the scale 33a and the weight P(i) detected by the same scale 33a in relation to the weighing immediately preceding the time i: <MAT> where i is a natural number ranging from <NUM> to m and m is the number of containers C which are disposed and supported in the housing seatings 34a of the respective weighing plate <NUM> associated with a scale 33a.

As a consequence of what has been described above, therefore, the graph of <FIG> can therefore be considered a "step-shaped" graph of the weight with respect to time, where each step represents an increase in weight detected by the scale 33a and the entity of each step actually corresponds to the net weight of product metered in the specific filling step; it can therefore be stated that, in some embodiments, the weighing method described here is a "step-type" weighing method.

In some embodiments, therefore, the method provides to:.

If the weighing means <NUM> comprise a plurality of scales 33a, the steps of carrying out the weighing of the tare only once and of sequentially filling and weighing the containers C of each weighing plate <NUM> can advantageously occur in parallel for each of the scales 33a provided.

As indicated above, for the purposes of determining the weight of product metered into a specific container C by means of the scale 33a, after each filling step, the net weight N(i+<NUM>) of product metered by the filling means <NUM> in an instant of time i+<NUM> is given by the difference between the weight P(i+<NUM>) detected in such instant of time i+<NUM> and the weight P(i) detected in a previous instant of time i.

Consequently, the advantage obtained with the embodiments described using <FIG> is evident, that is, the possibility to incrementally measure, for each of the containers C, the gross weight, and from here derive the net weight N since the tare weight is known, and having advantageously performed the weighing of the tare not individually for all the "m" containers C, but only once, at the beginning of the weighing cycle. Consequently, in these embodiments m-<NUM> operations of weighing the tare and m-<NUM> movements of the containers C are not required, with considerable advantages in terms of time, less wear, less energy consumption and less overheating of the automatic movement systems used.

Another advantage that is obtained with the embodiments described using <FIG>, with respect to the state of the art which provides that each scale is provided with its own weighing plate with a single positioning seating to receive a corresponding container to be filled and weighed, is that of achieving greater weighing accuracy. In fact, using a single scale to weigh a plurality of containers C by means of the respective weighing plate <NUM> prevents the adding up of multiple measurement errors, which could occur, on the other hand, if using multiple scales. It is thus also possible to reduce errors due to the setting of the accuracy threshold of the weighing of the tare for the various scales used. Furthermore, the embodiments of the method described using <FIG> allow to have fewer measurement errors since fewer measurements are made, with the same number m of containers C to be weighed, and therefore the probability of error is lower. In particular, with the method described here, m+<NUM> measurements are actually carried out for weighing m net weights, also taking into account the weighing of the initial tare, while with the method of the state of the art, <NUM>*m measurements are carried out, implying the weighing of tare and gross weight for each of the m containers.

We also wish to point out that, in any case, using the support means, in this specific case the support plate <NUM>, can be optional. In fact, in possible embodiments, the filling and possible weighing of the containers C can occur directly by using the extraction means <NUM>, in particular the extraction gripper 22a, more particularly by moving the containers C held in position by the extraction gripper 22a in order to place them in cooperation with the filling means <NUM> and possibly with the weighing means <NUM>.

In the embodiments described here which involve the use of weighing means <NUM> with a plurality of scales 33a, each having a respective weighing plate <NUM>, conformed with a single housing seating (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) or with multiple housing seatings 34a (<FIG>), the advantage of moving a plurality of containers C picked up from the container-holding tray <NUM> is evident, possibly even all those present therein, after suitable upending in the upending tray 20a, by means of the extraction means <NUM>, advantageously provided with the extraction gripper 22a, and moved by means of the support plate <NUM> or the extraction means <NUM> themselves. This, in particular, in terms of a reduction in the number of movements of the containers C connected to the weighing operations and therefore an increase in the overall productivity of the processing line <NUM>, lower energy consumption, less overheating and wear of the respective movement means.

In accordance with some embodiments, the processing line <NUM> can comprise, downstream of the filling and possible weighing station <NUM>, other processing stations <NUM>, such as for example a station for closing or capping the containers C, a labeling station, a packing station or other stations configured to perform other operations.

The other processing stations <NUM> can require the containers C to be supported in other support means suitable to allow the specific operations performed on the containers C in a determinate station.

For example, it can be provided to transfer the containers C from the support plate <NUM> to a subsequent processing station <NUM> by means of the reciprocal interaction between the support plate <NUM> and temporary extraction means <NUM> and, moreover, the subsequent delivery of the containers C from these temporary extraction means <NUM> to another support plate <NUM> associated with the processing station <NUM>. As mentioned, instead of the support plate <NUM> it is alternatively possible to directly use the extraction means <NUM>.

By way of example only, the processing line <NUM> can therefore provide the temporary extraction means <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>), having a conformation substantially similar to, or possibly the same as, that of the extraction means <NUM> described above, in particular the extraction gripper 22a. These temporary extraction means <NUM> can be conformed to cause the extraction of the containers C from the support plate <NUM>, or from the extraction gripper 22a, keeping them suitably positioned, to then deliver them to the other support plate <NUM>. The other support plate <NUM> can be provided with containing seatings <NUM> reciprocally disposed according to the configuration defined by the positioning matrix M1. The containing seatings <NUM> can have a perforated bottom, or not.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the processing line <NUM> also comprises a plurality of movement means <NUM>, schematically shown in <FIG>, disposed at least in correspondence with the processing stations <NUM>, <NUM> in order to move in space at least the container-holding tray <NUM>, the upending tray <NUM> and the extraction gripper <NUM>, and possibly the other support plate <NUM> or alternatively the temporary extraction means <NUM>.

The movement means <NUM> can be selected from a group comprising an automated movement device, a robotic movement device, magnetic movement devices or other known devices or a combination of these devices.

The filling and possible weighing station <NUM> can comprise, or be associated with, or remotely connected to, a command and control unit <NUM> (<FIG>) configured to control and manage the functioning at least of the filling and possible weighing station <NUM>.

For example, the command and control unit <NUM> can control and command the drive of the movement means <NUM>, in particular in a manner concordant with a work cycle that is pre-set and/or selectable on each occasion, also as a function of the product to be metered and of the batch of containers C to be processed.

In accordance with some embodiments, there is also provided a method to move the containers C in the processing line <NUM>. The method provides to:.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the method also provides to move, with respect to the upending tray 20a, the extraction means <NUM> in the pick-up direction W and, by moving these extraction means <NUM>, to pick up, from the upending tray 20a, at least two containers C disposed on two parallel and consecutive rows I, II of the positioning matrix M1.

Of these containers C, a first container C is positioned in a first row I and a second container C is positioned in a second row II, wherein the first row I is more external, in the positioning matrix M1, with respect to the second row II, with reference to the pick-up direction W.

Picking up and moving such a group of containers C, comprising at least the first container C and the second container C of the two parallel and consecutive rows as defined above, allows to speed up the movement and, in general, to reduce the displacements of the containers C between the processing stations, movement times, number of movements, reduce wear, overheating and energy consumption of the movement members and increase the overall productivity of the processing line <NUM>. In fact, in this way a smaller number of movements can be sufficient to pick up, on each occasion, all the containers C disposed in the container-holding tray <NUM>.

The upending tray 20a and the container-holding tray <NUM> can be held and moved by respective gripping and movement means <NUM> which are able to move in space the upending tray 20a and the container-holding tray <NUM> according to an operating sequence that, for example, provides to:.

The extraction gripper 22a therefore carries out at least a first relative movement of engagement (pick-up direction W, <FIG> and <FIG>) with respect to the upending tray 20a in order to engage the at least one part of the group of containers C disposed in the upending seatings <NUM> of the upending tray 20a, holding the containers C engaged in the gripping inlets <NUM>, <FIG>. It is also possible that, alternatively, the upending tray 20a is moved in accordance with the first relative movement of engagement with respect to the extraction gripper 22a.

Once the containers C are engaged, a second relative movement can be carried out, for example transverse, and in particular orthogonal, to the pick-up direction W, between the extraction gripper 22a and the upending tray 20a in order to extract the containers C from the latter. In possible implementations, for example, the extraction gripper 22a can also carry out at least a second relative movement of lifting, transverse, and in particular orthogonal, to the pick-up direction W, with respect to the upending tray 20a so as to extract from the upending tray 20a the containers C held in the gripping inlets <NUM>, in order to move them to the next processing station, <FIG>. Or, alternatively, the extraction gripper <NUM> can be kept stationary and the upending tray 20a can be moved, in particular with a movement of descent transverse, and in particular orthogonal, to the pick-up direction W.

Subsequently, the method provides to move the containers C toward the filling and possible weighing station <NUM>, in particular toward the support plate <NUM>, if provided, in order to deposit the containers C in the respective support seatings <NUM> of the support plate <NUM>, <FIG>. Then, the filling (<FIG>), or the filling and weighing (<FIG>) can be carried out, for example using the support plate <NUM> most suited to the purpose, if provided (<FIG> or <FIG>). The support plate <NUM> is, in any case, conformed in such a way as to allow the filling and possible weighing of the containers C without these being extracted and/or removed from the support plate <NUM> itself, with an evident advantage in terms of operating time and with a lower number of movements. As already described above, as an alternative to the support plate <NUM>, it is possible to directly use the extraction gripper 22a.

If the weighing is carried out, possibly before (tare weighing) and after the filling (see <FIG> and <FIG>), the support plate <NUM>, if provided, is moved toward the weighing means <NUM>, otherwise the extraction gripper 22a can be used directly.

In the embodiments described using <FIG>, one or more rows of containers C present in the support plate <NUM> are aligned with respective scales 33a of the weighing means <NUM> so that the shaped apertures <NUM>, in correspondence with one or more given rows of containers C to be weighed, are aligned with respective weighing plates <NUM>. The latter are shaped to pass through the shaped apertures <NUM> and cooperate with the containers C to determine the weight of the containers C or the weight of the product contained therein after the filling carried out by means of suitable filling means <NUM>, <FIG>.

When one or more rows of containers C present in the support plate <NUM> are vertically aligned with respective weighing plates <NUM>, the support plate <NUM> and the weighing plates <NUM> carry out a movement that brings them close to each other so that the weighing plates <NUM> are inserted into the respective shaped apertures <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> (<FIG>) in order to carry out the weighing operation, and a subsequent movement that takes them away from each other so that the weighing plates <NUM> are released from the respective shaped apertures <NUM> of the support plate <NUM>. In a preferred solution, shown in <FIG>, the support plate <NUM> is mobile while the weighing plates <NUM> are fixed; the support plate <NUM> moves toward the weighing plates <NUM> so that the weighing plates <NUM> are inserted into the respective shaped apertures <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> in order to carry out the weighing operation, and moves away from the weighing plates <NUM> so as to extract the weighing plates <NUM> from the respective shaped apertures <NUM> of the support plate <NUM>. However, we do not exclude embodiments in which, on the other hand, the weighing plates <NUM> are vertically mobile to engage the containers C through the shaped apertures <NUM>. In any case, in the embodiments described in which the support plate <NUM> is used for weighing purposes, the containers C can be partly or completely released from the support plate <NUM>. In the case of complete release, we mean that the lower plane of each container C ends on the upper plane of the support plate <NUM>.

As indicated above, in other embodiments, instead of the support plate <NUM>, the extraction means <NUM>, in particular the extraction gripper 22a, move the containers C toward the at least filling station <NUM> to cooperate with the filling means <NUM> provided in the at least filling station <NUM>, providing to vertically align the rows of containers C present in the extraction gripper 22a with the filling means <NUM>. If the at least filling station <NUM> is also a filling and weighing station, the extraction gripper 22a is moved also toward the weighing means <NUM> associated with the filling and weighing station. In this case, it is provided to vertically align the rows of containers C present in the extraction gripper 22a with respective weighing means <NUM> so as to align the containers C with corresponding shaped weighing plates <NUM> of the weighing means <NUM>.

In the embodiments described using <FIG>, on the other hand, the support plate <NUM>, or alternatively the extraction means, in particular the extraction gripper 22a, move a group of containers C to be filled and weighed with respect to the weighing means <NUM> provided with the weighing plate <NUM> which has the multiple housing seatings 34a. In this case, a number of containers C, disposed for example along one row and advantageously equal to the number of housing seatings 34a, are positioned there, after which a single weighing operation is carried out in order to measure the total tare, weighing all the containers C present in the housing seatings 34a of the weighing plate <NUM>. Subsequently, by means of the filling means <NUM>, the product is progressively metered into each of the containers C, measuring the weight on each occasion, as described above with reference to <FIG>. The above operations of positioning a group of containers C in the housing seatings 34a, initial weighing of the tare, progressive filling of each container C of the given group and corresponding weighing of the gross weight in order to calculate, by difference, the net weight of product metered into the specific filled container C are repeated as many times as the rows of containers C to be weighed, or a submultiple of the number of rows of containers C to be weighed, also based on the number and disposition of the housing seatings 34a provided on the weighing plate <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Furthermore, we wish to point out that in the embodiments in which, instead of the support plate <NUM>, the extraction means <NUM>, in particular the extraction gripper 22a, are used directly to move the containers C, it is preferable that, for the purposes of the weighing by means of the weighing means <NUM>, the containers C be suitably released from the extraction gripper 22a so as not to distort the weight or transmit vibrations during the weighing step itself.

At the end of the filling and possible weighing operation, it can be provided to transfer the containers C, filled and possibly weighed, from the support plate <NUM>, or from the extraction gripper 22a, to a subsequent processing station <NUM>. In this way, the support plate <NUM>, or the extraction gripper 22a, without containers C, can return to the previous filling and possible weighing station <NUM> to receive other containers C to be filled and possibly weighed. The transfer to the subsequent processing station <NUM> can be achieved through the reciprocal interaction between the support plate <NUM>, or the extraction gripper 22a, and the temporary extraction means <NUM>, <FIG>; and the subsequent delivery of the containers C to the other support plate <NUM>, <FIG>, associated with the processing station <NUM>. Support plate <NUM>, or alternatively extraction gripper 22a, temporary extraction means <NUM> and other support plate <NUM> can be moved in a relative manner with respect to each other. For example, the temporary extraction means <NUM> can be fixed and the support plate <NUM>, or the extraction gripper 22a, can be moved by suitable automated movement means in order to engage the temporary extraction means <NUM> and thus determine the transfer of the containers C to the latter. At this point, once the support plate <NUM>, or the extraction gripper 22a, has moved away in order to return to the previous filling and possible weighing station <NUM>, in a similar manner the other support plate <NUM> can be moved, by suitable automated movement means, in order to in turn engage the temporary extraction means <NUM> which temporarily support the containers C, and thus determine the transfer of the containers C to the other support plate <NUM>.

In accordance with possible embodiments, according to the method described, it is provided to move at least the container-holding tray <NUM>, the upending tray 20a, the extraction gripper 22a, possibly the support plate <NUM> and possibly the other support plate <NUM>, or alternatively the temporary extraction means <NUM>, by means of robotic automated movement means, for example anthropomorphic.

Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the weighing method described here can comprise a step of checking or inspecting, by means of optical acquisition means, in particular of images or videos, in order to check for the presence or absence of containers C and/or the correct number of containers C and/or the correct position of the containers C.

For this purpose, at least one suitable optical inspection assembly <NUM> can be provided (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) associated with the filling and possible weighing station <NUM>, and possibly also with the storage and pick-up station <NUM>, for example comprising a video camera or similar optical or video inspection mean. The optical inspection assembly <NUM> can be advantageously connected to the command and control unit <NUM>, to which it supplies acquisition signals that are processed to provide feedback on the check carried out; optionally, the command and control unit <NUM>, as a function of the outcome of the check, can supply a signal or warning to an operator, whether an automated, robotized or human operator, to possibly intervene and solve a problem, for example of a possible lack of containers C or incorrect positioning.

The optical inspection assembly <NUM> can be suitably positioned over a zone of interest to be inspected where there is a group of containers C to be transported, filled and possibly weighed, so that a visual area of the optical inspection assembly <NUM> can inspect this group of containers C.

In particular, this checking or inspecting step can be carried out in relation to the containers C picked up by the extraction means (<FIG>), or to verify the correct transfer of containers C from the extraction means <NUM> to the support plate <NUM> (<FIG>) or also in relation to the disposition of the containers C on the weighing plates <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>).

For example, according to one possible implementation, this checking step by means of the optical inspection assembly <NUM> can be carried out when the extraction means <NUM> pick up a group of containers C from the upending tray 20a (see <FIG>). In this case, the checking or inspecting step can be advantageously aimed at verifying whether or not the extraction means <NUM> have picked up all the containers C.

According to another example, which can be combined with the other examples described here, the checking or inspecting step can be carried out if the containers C are transferred by the extraction means <NUM> to the support plate <NUM>, also in this case for example to verify the presence of all the containers C (see <FIG>).

In accordance with yet another example, which can also be combined with the other examples described here, the checking or inspecting step can be carried out when the extraction means <NUM>, or the support plate <NUM>, position the containers C on a respective weighing plate <NUM> of the weighing means <NUM>, in order to check that all the containers C are disposed in the respective positioning seatings 34a (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>). In this case, therefore, it is advantageously possible to check the presence of containers C on the respective positioning seatings 34a, in order to verify that no containers C are missing with respect to those picked up. Possibly, in this case, it is also possible to verify the correct positioning of the containers C with respect to the positioning seatings 34a, to prevent them from being in an unfavorable position for the weighing and/or filling.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of steps and/or parts may be made to the method to move containers in a processing line and to the respective processing line as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of a method to move containers in a processing line and respective processing line, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claim 1:
Method to move containers (C) in a processing line (<NUM>) that comprises a station (<NUM>) for storing and picking up said containers (C) and a station (<NUM>) at least for filling said containers (C), said method providing, in said storage and pick-up station (<NUM>), to:
- supply a container-holding tray (<NUM>) containing a plurality of said containers (C) disposed resting in an orderly manner, according to a pattern defined by a positioning matrix (M1), on said container-holding tray (<NUM>) with their mouth (<NUM>) facing toward a bottom wall (<NUM>) of said container-holding tray (<NUM>),
- upend said containers (C) disposed in said container-holding tray (<NUM>) by means of upending means (<NUM>) comprising an upending tray (20a) configured to couple with said container-holding tray (<NUM>) so as to engage, according to said pattern defined by said positioning matrix (M1), at least one part of said containers (C), said upended containers (C) being supported at the bottom by said upending tray (20a),
said method being characterized in that it also provides to move, with respect to said upending tray (20a), extraction means (<NUM>) to pick up, from said upending tray (20a), at least two containers (C) disposed in two parallel and consecutive rows (I, II) of said positioning matrix (M1), of which a first container (C1) of said at least two containers (C) is positioned in a first row (I) and a second container (C2) of said at least two containers (C) is positioned in a second row (II), wherein said extraction means (<NUM>) are moved in a pick-up direction (W) on a substantially horizontal plane, so that the extraction means (<NUM>) first encounter the first container (C1) to be picked up and then the second container (C2) to be picked up, which is therefore further downstream, when said extraction means (<NUM>) move toward the container-holding tray (<NUM>) in the pick-up direction (W), and subsequently to move said at least two containers (C) picked up with said extraction means (<NUM>) toward said at least filling station (<NUM>).