摘要 |
Holders (20) for articles such as newly-formed packets or groups of cigarettes are used to constrain and protect the articles while being conveyed by handling apparatus (22), e.g. in a packing machine (10). Holders (20) of similar external shape, adapted to interface with the handling apparatus, may be provided with differing internal features (28), adapted for receiving different articles, so that the articles may be readily conveyed by the same apparatus. The apparatus may be employed at the exit end of a cigarette packing machine to maintain the shape of newly-formed packets in a packet stabilising region. This region may comprise a reservoir including a series of compartmented drums (24,26) in which each compartment receives a line of abutting holders which is indexed in an axial direction during rotation of the drums.
|