Patent ID: 6945009

Claim:
An operating wheel of a packing machine ( 1 ) for packing products ( 21 ), the operating wheel ( 2 ) comprising a fixed central body ( 5 ) having a longitudinal axis ( 4 ); an annular drum ( 3 ) coaxial with said longitudinal axis ( 4 ) and surrounding said central body ( 5 ); a number of through pockets ( 8 ) carried by said annular drum ( 3 ) and each for receiving a respective said product ( 21 ); first drive means ( 18 ) for rotating said annular drum ( 3 ) in steps about said longitudinal axis ( 4 ) to feed said pockets ( 8 ) along an annular path (P) extending through a loading station ( 23 ) and an unloading station ( 25 ) for respectively loading and unloading said products ( 21 ); first and second push means ( 53 , 44 ) carried by said central body ( 5 ) and for engaging respective said pockets ( 8 ) at said loading station ( 23 ) and said unloading station ( 25 ) respectively; and second drive means ( 56 , 47 ) for imparting to said push means ( 53 , 44 ) respective substantially radial reciprocating movements to and from respective withdrawn rest positions inside said annular drum ( 3 ) and through said respective pockets ( 8 ); the operating wheel ( 2 ) being characterized in that at least said second drive means ( 56 , 47 ) are electric drive means; and by comprising a first safety device ( 58 ) for preventing said annular drum ( 3 ) from rotating about said longitudinal axis ( 4 ) when at least one of said push means ( 53 , 44 ) engages a said respective pocket ( 8 ); and a second safety device ( 59 ; 80 ) for preventing said push means ( 53 , 44 ) from moving from the respective said withdrawn positions when said annular drum ( 3 ) is rotating about said longitudinal axis ( 4 ).