MXPA97002277A - Apparatus and method for the transportation of a container between processing stations of a packaged machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for use while moving a container from a first processing station to a second processing station of a packaging machine is described, which includes pliers for temporarily holding the container sealing panels in a generally closed condition, according to the invention. The container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing station. According to one embodiment of a packaging machine including the apparatus, the first processing station may be a filling station, and the second processing station may be a sealing station. According to yet another embodiment of the apparatus, a corresponding method is also contemplated

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF A CONTAINER BETWEEN PROCESSING STATIONS OF A PACKAGING MACHINE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the ation of a container from a processing station to another processing station of a packaging machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for maintaining a container in a temporary closed condition, as it is transported between the processing operations of a packaging machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Carton-based containers have been known for most of the twentieth century. Such carton-based containers include inverted V-shaped upper-end containers, top-flap and block-type. The characteristic simplicity of these recipients has helped to support their popularity as a recipient for traditional food products REF: 24437 liquids such as milk and juice, but in recent years these have also been used for containers ranging from ammunition to salts. Epsom. Cardboard boxes with an inverted V-shaped top and a partition or block type typically start as cardboard box blanks made of laminated cardboard or similar material that has a thermoplastic coating. The primordia of cardboard boxes are provided with a number of folds to facilitate folding and forming the blank into a generally rectangular container. During decades of development, packaging machine manufacturers have considered a variety of ways to form, fill and seal these containers. Today, the most prevalent packaging machines for cardboard boxes with a V-shaped upper part are adapted to receive the primordium of the cardboard box after it has been sealed laterally. The process of laterally sealing the opposite vertical edges of the carton blank primordium results in the formation of a polygonal (usually rectangular) sleeve. The sleeve is received on an adjustable mandrel wheel, which rotates the sleeve in respective positions, where the end of the sleeve extending outwardly from the mandrel is folded and sealed to form the bottom of the sleeve. paperboard. After the bottom of the carton has been formed, the carton is then removed from the mandrel and transported to a filling station, where the carton is filled with the product. Once the carton has been filled, the upper part of the carton is folded, for example, in a V-shaped upper, familiar / sealed configuration, thereby completing the packaging process. An example of a known packaging machine operating in general in accordance with these principles is described in US Patent No. 3,789,746 to Martensson et al. Other examples of such packaging machines are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,820,303 to Martensson et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,759,171 to Bruveris et al., And U.S. Patent No. 4,790,123 to Ljungstrom et al. These patents are incorporated by reference. The containers that are to be filled and sealed by the packaging machine, are indexed or graduated through it from one processing station to the next. Although a high grinding speed can contribute to the performance of the full performance of the packaging machine, this speed is limited, inter alia, by "liquid bailoteo" that occurs as an unsealed but full container is transported between the various stations of processing. The damping of liquid from the contents of the container occurs as a result of the abrupt start and stop movement of the graduation or indexing. As a result of the damping of the liquid the contents of the container may spill into the sealing regions on the top of the carton, and compromising the integrity of the subsequent sealing connection. In addition, the contents of the container can be splashed into the packaging machine, and thereby degrade the operation of the machine, for example, by imposing frequent cleaning and maintenance requirements. Additional transportation difficulties arise when the contents of the containers or the interior of the containers are sensitive to contaminants. This is particularly true for the content and / or interior of generally aseptic packages. In such cases, the contents of the container may become contaminated as the filled but unsealed container is graded or sorted from one processing station to the next, since the upper part of the container remains open for the packaging machine environment during the transportation. Similarly, if the container has been generally aseptic prior to filling, maintenance of the interior of the unfilled and unsealed container in its aseptic condition during transportation may be difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An apparatus for use is described while moving a container from a first processing station to a second processing station of a packaging machine, which helps overcome many shortcomings of the prior art. The apparatus includes pliers for temporarily holding the container sealing panels in a generally carded condition, as the container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing station. According to one embodiment of a packaging machine that includes the apparatus, the first processing station can be a filling station and the second processing station can be a top sealing station. According to yet another mode, the first processing station can be a station that helps the interior of the container to be generally aseptic. The pliers may include a first arm at least partially rotatable about a first pivot axis, and a second arm that is at least partially rotatable about a second pivot axis. The first and second arms are rotatable towards each other around their respective axes, to hold the sealing panels. Various embodiments of the apparatus can be particularly adapted for various types of containers. In V-top and partition or block type containers, the seal panels include a plurality of top fin flaps as the sealing panels that are held by the arms. When used with a V-shaped upper container, the first and second arms are of sufficient length and sufficiently spaced apart that each arm is tilted at an angle when the arms grasp and close the flap flaps. In this way, the arms do not grind the upper part of the container but rather conform to the upper inclined panels of the upper part in V. The septa or block type containers do not include the outer walls, located in the containers of V-shaped upper parts. The length of the arms and the spacing between them can thus be sufficient to allow the arms to extend horizontally when the arms grasp and close the flap flaps. The tongs can be driven in a variety of ways. According to a driving apparatus, the first and second pincers assemblies are placed on opposite sides of a vessel track. Each of the pliers assemblies includes a guide rod and a plurality of pliers which are placed for co-rotation with the guide rod. The plurality of pliers is also positioned for slidable movement along the length of the guide rod, and are moved along that length by a linear actuator. A rotational actuator rotates the guide rods to push the tongs on opposite sides of the vessel track, towards each other to hold the sealing panels on the containers placed therebetween, as the containers are moved along the path of the vessel. container from the first processing station to the second processing station. The rotational actuator rotates the guide rods to allow the tongs to uncouple the containers, when the: = containers are close to the second processing station. A method for transporting a container from a first processing station to a second processing station of a packaging machine is also described. The method includes the step of temporarily holding the container sealing panels in a generally closed condition as the container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing station. The sealing panels of the container can be held in a condition closed by the tongs, as the container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing station. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the appended detailed description when taken in conjunction with the following drawings: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container type partition or block with open top, placed between pliers, where the pliers - = tán in IJ? been retracted.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tongs and the container illustrated in Figure 1, where the pliers are in a closed state.

Figure 3 illustrates a manner of coupling between a pliers and a guide rod.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a container with a V-shaped upper part, with the open upper part placed between the pliers where the pliers are in a retracted state.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the tongs and the container illustrated in Figure 4, where the pliers are closed.

Figures 6-10 illustrate some of the various mechanisms that can be used to drive the pliers in Figures 1 through 5.

Figures HA-11D illustrate an exemplary sequence of activation of the pliers as they are applied to a container with a V-shaped top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The structure and operation of the tongs 20 and 30 as applied to a partition or block type container 35 are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The partition-like container 35 includes an upper portion having a plurality of reference lines defining the upper flaps 40, 45 and 50 (only three of which are visible in Figure 1) and fin flaps 55, 60, 65 and 70. Flap flaps 55, 60, 65 and 70 are ultimately sealed by, for example, heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing, during a subsequent superior sealing process. The septum-type container can be filled with product or, for example, it can be in an empty but generally aseptic condition. The tongs 20 and 30 each include a body portion 75 generally triangular. A connecting tab 80 extends from the base of the triangular body portion 75. The connection tongues fO each include a central opening 85 through which, for example, a rod can be placed. The aperture and the rod associated with each connecting lug 80 may have knurled or fluted co-operation, to allow the pliers and the respective rod to rotate from one another around the respective axes of rotation 90, 95. Alternatively the pliers 20 and 30 can rotate freely around the rods, the rotation of the tongs being effected by mechanical actuators different from the rods. According to a further embodiment, the tongs 20 and 30 can be coupled to a rod 100 in the manner illustrated in Figure 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 100 includes a plurality of tongues 105 extending therefrom. The tabs 105 facilitate the co-rotational movement of the rod 100 and the pliers 110. A plurality of bearings 115 engage the curved surface 120 of the rod 100 to allow linear translation of the pliers 110 along the length of the plunger. the rod 100. The convenience of this linear co-rotational movement will be recognized with respect to the complete assembly described below. As illustrated in Figure 1, the open, filled, and / or aseptic bulkhead container 31 is inserted between the pliers 20 and 30, while the pliers are in a retracted state. The pincer. ' 20 and 30 are then turned towards each other around their respective axes of rotation 90 and 95, towards the closed position illustrated in Figure 2. In the closed position, the tongs 20 and 30 hold the base of a wing 130. which is formed by the fin flaps 55, 60, 65 and 70, whereby the partition-like container 35 is closed and, if full, the damping of the contained product is prevented, in the sealing regions inside the Flap flaps. If the container is empty but generally aseptic, the tongs help maintain: _a hygiene of the interior of the container. The tongs 20 and 30 are then aligned in this extended position with the container 35 type septum, to a subsequent processing station in the packaging machine. Once the partition-like container 35 has been graduated or aligned to the subsequent processing station, the tongs 20 and 30 are retracted and then returned to the pre-processing station to repeat the transportation sequence. The structure and operation of the tongs 135 and 140, as applied to a container 145 with an inverted V-shaped upper part, is illustrated in FIGS.

Figures 4 and 5. Container 145 with V-shaped top includes an upper portion having a plurality of reference lines defining upper flaps 1 * 0, 155, 160 and 165, and flap flaps 170, 175, 180 and 185. Fin flaps 170, 1 ^ 5, 180, and 185 are sealed to the seal by, for example, heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing, during the subsequent superior sealing process. The container 145 with V-shaped top can be filled with a product. The tongs 135 and 140 each include a body 190. The body 190 terminates in a hook or finger 195 at one end thereof and, in addition, includes an opening 200 positioned through the end of the body 190 opposite the hook 195. A rod it may extend through each of the openings 200, each of which may have knurling in cooperation to allow the respective pliers and the rod to rotate one with the other around the respective rotation axes 205 and 210. Alternatively , the tongs 135 and 140 can rotate freely around the rods, the rotation of the tongs being carried out by means of mechanical actuators different from the rods. The tongs 135 and 140 can also couple the rod in the manner shown in Figure 3.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the inverted, filled and / or generally aseptic V-shaped upper vessel 145 is inserted between the pliers 135 and 140 while the pliers are in a retracted state. The tongs 135 and 140 are then rotated towards each other around their respective rotation axes 205 and 210 towards the angular position illustrated in Figure 5. The tongs 135 and 140 are at an angle to conform to the outer inclined panel 220 of the V-shaped upper part. In this way, the tongs 135 and 140 do not deform the V-shaped upper structure of its conventional shape. In the angular position, the tongs 135 and 140 hold the base of a fin 225 which is formed by the flap flaps 170, 175, 180 and 185, thereby closing the container 145 with a V-shaped upper part and preventing the damping of the liquid of the contained product, in the sealing regions inside the flap flaps and / or helping to maintain hygiene inside the container. The tongs 135 and 140 are then aligned in this angled position with the V-shaped top container 145 towards a subsequent processing station of the packaging machine. Once the V-shaped upper vessel 145 has been aligned or graduated to the subsequent station of nodes, the tongs 135 and 140 are retracted and ?? returned to the previous processing station to repeat the transportation sequence. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus that can be used to operate the pliers in the manner previously described. The apparatus, generally shown at 300, includes a guide rod 310 having a drive arm 320 positioned at one end thereof. The actuator arm 320 is connected to an actuator 330. For example, an air cylinder by means of a rigid connection 340. The holder 350 of the pliers is slidably placed on the guide rod 310. The holder 350 of the pliers includes a plurality of pliers. pliers 360 which, for example, can be rigidly placed on it. The pliers 360 may be adapted for the particular container type, in the manner previously described with respect to the containers with an inverted V-shaped upper part and the partition type. A pin 370 extends from the bottom of the holder 350 of the pliers, engages a corresponding securing member 380. The securing member is positioned on a conveyor belt 390 which can be, for example, driven by rollers 400. The rollers 400, in turn, can be driven by servomotors in a continuous manner, as illustrated by arrow 410, or with a backward and forward movement as illustrated by the arrow 410. As shown in Figure 7, a guide rod 310, the carrier 350, the pliers 360 and the actuator 330 are positioned on either side of a vessel alignment or graduation path, illustrated by the arrow 430, along which the containers proceed from a first processing station to a second cooperative processing station, the carrier 350 and the pliers 360 are positioned as length of the guide rod 310 in, for example, a sealing station 440 with the key 370 and the counter-key 380 engaged. This is illustrated in the dotted line profile of Figure 6. The conveyor belt 390 then pushes the carrier 350 towards, for example, a filling station 450, via the securing or countercapping member 370 and the key 380 towards the position shown in Figure 8. At this point, the actuator 330 exerts a force on the rigid joint 340 to turn the actuator arm 320 towards the illustrated position. The rotation of the guide rod 310 results in a corresponding rotation of the pincer carrier 350 and the tongs 350, whereby the pliers 360 are caused to engage the sealing panels in the upper portions of any filled containers placed between them on the vessel alignment path 430. The rotation of the tong carrier 350 further causes the key 370 to disengage from the locking member 380. Since the tongs 360 are now engaged with the upper portions of the containers that are aligned or graduated along the vessel alignment track 430, the tong carrier 350 is allowed to slide along the guide rod 310 in the direction illustrated by the arrow 460, thereby keeping the filled containers at a condition temporarily sealed as they are aligned or graduated from the filling station 450 to, for example, the sealed station 440. A Once in the sealing station 440, the actuator 330 retracts the rigid connection 340, whereby the actuating arm 320 is rotated again towards the position illustrated in the broken line profile in Figure 6. At this point, the key or pin 370 is again engaged to the securing member or counter-hook 380. Rotation of the guide rod 310 back to this position causes the pliers 360 to disengage from the upper parts of the containers. and will recognize that the processing stations 440 and 450 can be any number of types of processing stations. For example, station 450 may be a station that executes a cue process to help make the container generally aseptic. Station 450 in such a case may be, for example, a UV treatment station. Station 440, for example, can be a filling station. For purposes of the following discussions, station 450 will be referred to as a sealing station, while station 440 will be referred to as a sealing station. An alternative embodiment facilitating the linear movement of the pincer carrier 350 is illustrated in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, a magnetic core cylinder such as the rod 310 is used. A macromatic core 470 is placed inside a cylinder. 480, and is magnetically coupled to the magnetic carrier 490, placed on the outside of the cylinder 480. An additional carrier 500 is coupled to the magnetic carrier 490 to form a pincer carrier 350, on which a plurality of pliers 360 are placed. supplies a compressed gas such as air into the cylinder 480 through the line 510 placed at opposite ends of the cylinder 480. The magnetic core member 470 is moved linearly along the length of the cylinder by the differential of pressure of the air supply on either side of the magnetic core member 470. Since the magnetic core member 470 is magnetically coupled to the magnetic holder 490, the pliers 360 and the pliers carrier 450 are likewise linearly moved along the length of the rod. In operation, for example, the air on either side of the magnetic core member 470 can be pressurized as the pincer carrier 350 is graded _ > aligned with the containers. Upon return, one side of the cylinder 480 can be evacuated to effect a rapid return of the carrier 350. The overload of the carrier 350 can be limited, for example, by a stop member 520. Figure 10 illustrates a mode in which the carriers 350 and their respective tongs 360 move linearly towards and away from one another in a direction illustrated by arrow 530, which is transverse to vessel alignment path 430. Such linear movement can be achieved through the use of, for example, a plurality of actuators 540, such as air cylinders, which are rigidly "• O connected to the rods 510. The tongs 360 of this embodiment can be, for example, formed as flat-faced jaws which, for example, hold the upper fin of a container with a V-shaped upper part, or can be formed from the ways previously illustrated. Figures HA-11D illustrate the general relative positions of pliers 360 and a container 550, in this case, a cardboard box with the inverted V-shaped upper part, as it is aligned iesfrom filling station 450 to the filling station. sealing 440. The cardboard box 550 is first placed in a condition with the upper part open, between the pliers 360 which are in a retracted state, and is filled in the filling station 450 through the nozzle 560. After filling, the pliers 360 are rotated to engage the upper flap 570 of the carton 550, whereby a temporary mechanical seal is made of the upper part of the carton 550. The pliers 360 can be attached to the upper part of the carton 550. the manner shown in Figure 11 B, or alternatively, in the manner illustrated in Figure 5. The carton 550 and the pliers' 60 are then aligned along the alignment path 430 of containers, has This is placed below and between a pair of sealing jaws 580 (Figure 11 C). The pliers 360 are then retracted and the container 550 is pushed upwardly so that the fin 570 is placed between the sealing jaws 580. The sealing jaws 580 then engage the fin 57n to seal it eg with heat or energy Ionic Although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, the contents of the following are reclassified as property.

Claims (8)

1. CLAIMS An apparatus for use while moving a container from a first processing station to a second processing station of a packaging machine, said container includes a portion defined by a plurality of sealing panels, the apparatus is characterized because it comprises: pliers for temporarily holding the sealing panels of said container in a generally closed condition, as the container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing station. '! .
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first processing station is a filling station.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the second processing station is a station for sealing cardboard boxes. twenty-one
4. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first "processing station" is a processing station that helps to make the reci? I e generally aseptic. .c > .
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the second processing station is a filling station.
6. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is a cardboard box with the inverted V-shaped upper part, and wherein the sealing panels include a plurality of flaps of upper fin.
7. 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the pliers comprise: a.) A first arm at least partially noticeable about a first pivot axis; b) a second arm at least partially rotatable about a second pivot axis; and c) the first and second arms are rotatable one towards the third to hold the container in a vane formed from the plurality of upper flap flaps.

   3. An apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and second arms are each inclined at an angle when the first and second arms hold the fin, thereby conforming to the outer inclined panels of the container with the upper part. in the form of V.

   9. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is a container of the partition or block type. THE. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the tongs comprise:? ) a first arm at least partially rotatable about a first pivot axis; b) a second arm at least partially rotatable about a second pivot axis; ) The first and second arms are rotatable towards each other to hold the container in the seam panels.

   11. An apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the first and second arms are generally horizontal when the first and second arms hold the sealing panels.

   12. A packaging machine for filling and sealing a container, the container has an upper part defined by sealing panels, the packaging machine is characterized in that it comprises: -_) a first processing station for executing a first processing step, the first step of processing is one of a plurality of processing steps performed by the packaging machine to fill and seal the container; b) a second processing station for executing a second processing step, the second processing step is one of a plurality of processing steps executed by the packaging machine to fill and seal the container; o) the means of transport for transporting the container in a filled condition along a vessel path between the first and second processing stations; i) the holding means for temporarily holding the sealing panels of the filled container, in a generally closed condition according to the filled container is transported from the first processing station to the second processing station. L3. A packaging machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the first processing station includes filling the container in the first processing station.

   14. A packaging machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the first processing step is a step to make the container generally aseptic. '.5. A packaging machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the second processing step includes sealing the sealing panels to each other, to seal the upper part of the filled container, in the second processing station.

   6. A packaging machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the container is a cardboard box with the top part in the form of a V, where the sealing panels include a plurality of flaps of upper fin.

   17. A packaging machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the fastening means comprises pliers. L8. A packaging machine according to claim 17, characterized in that the tongs comprise: a) a first arm at least partially rotatable about a first pivot axis; b) a second arm at least partially rotatable about a second pivot axis; and c) the first and second arms are rotatable towards each other to hold the container in a flap formed from the plurality of flaps of the upper flap. L9. A packaging machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the first and second arms are each inclined at an angle when the first and second arms hold the fin, thereby conforming to the outer inclined panels of the container with upper part in V. shape 2 C . An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the container is a container or partition or block type. 2L. An apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the pliers comprise: a) a first arm at least partially rotatable about a first pivot axis; fc) a second arm at least partially rotatable about a second pivot axis; and o) the first and second arms are rotatable towards each other to hold the container in the panels ie sealed.

   22. A packaging machine according to claim 21, characterized in that the first and second arms are generally horizontal when the first and second arms temporarily hold the sealing panels. 23. A packaging machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the fastening means comprises first and second jaw members movable towards each other to hold the sealing panels.

   24. A packaging machine according to claim 23, characterized in that the first and each jaw member is movable towards one another in a generally flat manner in a direction transverse to the container path.

   25. A method for transporting a container from a first processing station to a second processing station of a packaging machine, the container includes an upper portion defined by a plurality of sealing panels, the • method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: temporarily maintaining the sealing panels of said container in a generally closed condition, as the container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing station.

   26. A method according to claim 25, characterized in that the step of temporarily holding the sealing panels of the container is further defined by the temporary maintenance of the sealing panels of the container in a generally closed condition, with a plurality of pliers, according to the container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing stage. I 1. A method for filling and sealing a container with a packaging machine, the container includes an upper portion defined by a plurality of sealing panels, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) filling the container in a filling station, b ) transportation of the container to a sealing station; o) temporarily holding the sealing panels of the container in a generally closed condition, as the filled container is transported from the first filling station to the sealing station; and d) sealing the plurality of sealing panels in the sealing station. ,
8. 8. A method according to claim 27, characterized in that the step of temporarily holding the sealing panels of the filled container is further defined by the temporary maintenance of the sealing panels of the? full container in a generally closed condition, c ^ a plurality of pliers, as the container filled. It is going from the filling station to the sealed station.

   29. An apparatus for the transfer of container from a processing station to a second processing station of a packaging filling machine, the containers each include an upper portion defined by a plurality of sealing panels, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: a ) first and second pliers assemblies positioned on opposite sides of a container path, each of the pliers assemblies comprises: a guide rod having a length, a plurality of pliers positioned for co-rotation with the guide rod, and also positioned for sliding movement along the length of the guide rod; b) the linear movement means for facilitating the movement of the plurality of pliers along the length of the guide rods; 12 c 'the rotational movement means for facilitating the rotation of the guide rods, for pushing the tongs on opposite sides of the container path, towards each other to hold the plurality of container sealing panels, as said containers move along the container path from the first processing station to the second processing station, and to facilitate the rotation of the guide rods, to allow the tongs to disengage from the containers when the containers are near the second station of processing. An apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the first and second clamp assemblies each further comprise a carrier positioned for co-rotation with the guide rod, and positioned for slidable movement along the length of the guide rod, the plurality of pliers are fixed to the carrier.

   31. An apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the means of linear movement comprises: ? a) a key member or pin positioned on the operator; b! a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt; and c i an assurance member or counter-keel placed on the conveyor belt.

   32. An apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the means of linear movement comprises: a) a magnetic core cylinder such as the guide rod, the magnetic core cylinder is connected to receive a compressed gas; b) a magnetic core member positioned in the magnetic core cylinder, and movable by the compressed gas; and c) the means for magnetically coupling the pincer carrier with the magnetic core member.

   33. An apparatus for transferring containers from a first processing station to a second processing station of a packaging filling machine, the containers each include an upper portion defined by a plurality of containers. Sealing panels, the apparatus is characterized in that first and second clamp assemblies placed on opposite sides of a container path, each of the clamp assemblies comprise: a guide rod having a length of plurality of pliers positioned for movement linear along the guide rod; t > ) the first linear movement means for facilitating the movement of the plurality of pliers along the length of the guide rods; ) the second means of linear movement for moving the guide rods in a direction transverse to the container path, for pushing the tongs on opposite sides of the container path, towards each other to hold the plurality of sealing panels of the containers. containers, as said containers move along the container path from the first processing station to the second processing station, and to separate the guide rods, to allow the tongs to disengage from the containers near the second station of processing.

   34. An apparatus according to claim. 33, characterized in that the first and second clamp assembly each comprise a carrier positioned for sliding movement along the length of the guide rod, the plurality of clamps being fixed to the carrier.

   35. An apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the first means of linear movement comprises: a) a key member or pin placed on the carrier; b) a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt; and c) an assurance member or counter-keel placed on the conveyor belt.

   36. An apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the first means of linear movement comprises: a) a magnetic core cylinder such as the guide rod, the magnetic core cylinder is connected to receive a compressed gas; 1 ^ a magnetic core member positioned in the magnetic core cylinder, and movable by the compressed gas; and c) the means for magnetically coupling the pincer carrier with the magnetic core member.

   57. An apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the second means of linear movement comprises a plurality of cylinders of compressed gas.