SPACING DEVICE FOR SPREADING STAMPED MATERIAL

摘要

A spacing device for spreading stamped material, especially soap bars, during transfer from a stamping means to a packaging means comprises a train (x) of at least a first (3) and last (8, 101) coupled carriages mounted for movement along an axis (19) and coupled together to allow spacing therebetween upon movement of one of the carriages. Single driving means (12, 112) are provided to move the first carriage (3) along the axis. Actuating means, such as a rack and pinion (102) or a crank lever (15), are provided intermediate the first and last carriages, and are operably connected to the first carriage (3) such that when the driving means (12, 112) moves the first carriage along the axis, the actuating means moves the last carriage (8, 101) along the axis in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first carriage, thereby spacing the train of carriages apart. A process and installation for the manufacture of packaged stamped units which employs the spacing device are also disclosed.