Patent ID: 7389631

Claim:
An apparatus for conveying containers arranged in a plurality of superimposed rows which comprises: a conveying means for conveying the containers, arranged in at least two superimposed rows, along a horizontal path (P), and a heat-shrink station (S 1 ) for heat treating each of said; containers, said heat-shrink station (S 1 ) including a first slide surface disposed parallel to the path (P) for supporting, in a sliding manner, the containers in a bottom row; a second slide surface disposed parallel to and facing the first slide surface and for supporting, in sliding manner, the containers in a top row; and a third slide surface disposed parallel to and facing the second slide surface; a first heated channel, along which the bottom row of containers travels, said first heated channel being defined by the first slide surface and the second slide surface; a second heated channel, along which the top row of containers travels, said second heated channels being defined by the second slide surface and the third slide surface; and actuating means for cyclically moving the first and third slide surfaces in a vertical direction (D), perpendicular to the path (P), whereby the first and third slide surfaces are moved in opposite directions toward and away from the second slide surface which is disposed between the first and third slide surfaces.