Method and apparatus for transporting groups of filled beverage bottles to a beverage bottle packaging machine in a beverage bottling plant, and a method and apparatus for transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transporting groups of filled beverage bottles to a beverage bottle packaging machine in a beverage bottling plant, and a method and apparatus for transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

1 . A method of transporting groups of filled beverage bottles to a beverage bottle packaging machine, such as a beverage bottle shrink wrapping machine or a beverage bottle cartoning machine, in a beverage bottling plant, said method comprising the steps of:
 (A) feeding a first group of filled bottles into a transport system on a transport track;   (B) rotating a sole one of an at least one rotating band being disposed on a first side of said transport track;   (C) removing a first bar from a plurality of bars in a bar collecting area, said plurality of bars in said bar collecting area not being in contact with said sole rotating band;   said first bar being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a plurality of positions on said sole rotating band; 
   said sole rotating band being configured to engage said plurality of bars removed from said bar collecting area, one bar after another bar, in order to permit a plurality of bars to be engaged substantially simultaneously with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (D) engaging a first end of said first bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of a plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (E) moving said first bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track;   (F) affecting the movement of said first group of filled bottles on said transport track with said first bar;   (G) feeding a second group of filled bottles into said transport system on said transport track;   (H) removing a second bar from said plurality of bars in said bar collecting area, said second bar being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track; 
   (I) engaging a first end of said second bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track, upon a predetermined gap of space being created between said first group of filled bottles and said second group of filled bottles in order to transport groups of filled bottles to said beverage bottle packaging machine at a predetermined rate configured to minimize delays in said beverage bottle packaging machine;   (J) moving said second bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along said at least a portion of said transport track;   (K) affecting the movement of said second group of filled bottles on said transport track with said second bar and maintaining said predetermined gap of space between said first group of filled bottles and said second group of filled bottles;   (L) transporting said first group of filled bottles to said beverage bottle packaging machine;   (M) moving said first bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon said first group of filled bottles exiting said transport system;   (N) disengaging said first end of said first bar from said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (O) returning said first bar to said bar collecting area;   (P) transporting said second group of filled bottles to said beverage bottle packaging machine;   (Q) moving said second bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon said second group of filled bottles exiting said transport system;   (R) disengaging said first end of said second bar from said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (S) returning said second bar to said bar collecting area; and   (T) continuing steps G to K and P to S with a third bar and subsequent bars.   
   
   
       2 . Means for performing the method of transporting groups of filled beverage bottles to a beverage bottle packaging machine, such as a beverage bottle shrink wrapping machine or a beverage bottle cartoning machine, in a beverage bottling plant according to  claim 1 , said means comprising:
 means for feeding a first group of filled bottles into a transport system on a transport track;   means for rotating a sole one of an at least one rotating band being disposed on a first side of said transport track;   means for removing a first bar from a plurality of bars in a bar collecting area, said plurality of bars in said bar collecting area not being in contact with said sole rotating band;   said first bar being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a plurality of positions on said sole rotating band; 
   said sole rotating band being configured to engage said plurality of bars removed from said bar collecting area, one bar after another bar, in order to permit a plurality of bars to be engaged substantially simultaneously with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   means for engaging a first end of said first bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of a plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   means for moving said first bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track;   means for affecting the movement of a first group of filled bottles on said transport track with said first bar;   said means for feeding comprising means for feeding a second group of filled bottles into said transport system on said transport track;   said means for removing comprising means for removing a second bar from said plurality of bars in said bar collecting area, said second bar being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track; 
   said means for engaging comprising means for engaging a first end of said second bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track, upon a predetermined gap of space being created between a first group of filled bottles and a second group of filled bottles in order to transport groups of filled bottles into said beverage bottle packaging machine at a predetermined rate configured to minimize delays in said beverage bottle packaging machine;   said means for moving comprising means for moving said second bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along said at least a portion of said transport track;   said means for affecting comprising means for affecting the movement of a second group of filled bottles on said transport track with said second bar and maintaining a predetermined gap of space between a first group of filled bottles and a second group of filled bottles;   means for transporting a first group of filled bottles to said beverage bottle packaging machine;   means for moving said first bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a first group of bottles exiting said transport system;   means for disengaging said first end of said first bar from said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   means for returning said first bar to said bar collecting area;   said means for transporting comprising means for transporting a second group of filled bottles to said beverage bottle packaging machine;   said means for moving comprising means for moving said second bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a second group of bottles exiting said transport system;   said means for disengaging comprising means for disengaging said first end of said second bar from said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   said means for returning comprising means for returning said second bar to said bar collecting area; and   means for continuing the method with a third bar and subsequent bars.   
   
   
       3 . A beverage bottle transportation arrangement for performing the method of  claim 1  in a beverage bottling plant; said beverage bottle transportation arrangement comprising:
 a feeding arrangement being configured to feed a first group of filled bottles into a transport system on a transport track;   a rotating arrangement being configured to rotate a sole one of an at least one rotating band being disposed on a first side of said transport track;   a removing arrangement being configured to remove a first bar from a plurality of bars in a bar collecting area, said plurality of bars in said bar collecting area not being in contact with said sole rotating band;   said first bar being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a plurality of positions on said sole rotating band; 
   said sole rotating band being configured to engage said plurality of bars removed from said bar collecting area, one bar after another bar, in order to permit a plurality of bars to be engaged substantially simultaneously with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   an engaging arrangement being configured to engage a first end of said first bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of a plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   a first moving arrangement being configured to move said first bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track;   an affecting arrangement being configured to affect the movement of a first group of filled bottles on said transport track with said first bar;   said feeding arrangement being configured to feed a second group of filled bottles into said transport system on said transport track;   said removing arrangement being configured to remove a second bar from said plurality of bars in said bar collecting area, said second bar being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track; 
   said engaging arrangement being configured to engage a first end of said second bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said plurality of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track, upon a predetermined gap of space being created between a first group of filled bottles and a second group of filled bottles in order to transport groups of filled bottles into a beverage bottle packaging machine at a predetermined rate configured to minimize delays in said beverage bottle packaging machine;   said first moving arrangement being configured to move said second bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along said at least a portion of said transport track;   said affecting arrangement being configured to affect the movement of a second group of filled bottles on said transport track with said second bar and maintaining a predetermined gap of space between a first group of filled bottles and a second group of filled bottles;   a transporting arrangement being configured to transport a first group of filled bottles to said beverage bottle packaging machine;   a second moving arrangement being configured to move said first bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a first group of bottles exiting said transport system;   a disengaging arrangement being configured to disengage said first end of said first bar from said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   a returning arrangement being configured to return said first bar to said bar collecting area;   said transporting arrangement being configured to transport a second group of filled bottles to said beverage bottle packaging machine;   said second moving arrangement being configured to move said second bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a second group of bottles exiting said transport system;   said disengaging arrangement being configured to disengage said first end of said second bar from said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   said returning arrangement being configured to return said second bar to said bar collecting area; and   a continuing arrangement being configured to continue the method with a third bar and subsequent bars.   
   
   
       4 . The method of transporting groups of filled beverage bottles to a beverage bottle packaging machine in a beverage bottling plant according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track comprises a plurality of grooves, which plurality of grooves are spaced apart at predetermined intervals;   each of said plurality of grooves is configured to accept a corresponding one of said plurality of bars and is further configured to drive said corresponding one of said plurality of bars along the length of said sole rotating, engaging band upon one of said plurality of bars being accepted into a corresponding one of said plurality of grooves;   one of (a) and (b):
 (a) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar further comprises pushing said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar; 
 said step of affecting the movement of said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar further comprises pushing said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar; and 
 (b) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar further comprises restricting the movement of said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar; and 
   said step of affecting the movement of said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar further comprises restricting the movement of said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar.   
   
   
       5 . The method of transporting groups of filled beverage bottles to a beverage bottle packaging machine in a beverage bottling plant according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 each of said plurality of bars comprises a clip disposed on a first end of a corresponding one of said plurality of bars;   said clip is configured to clip onto said sole rotating, engaging band at any of said substantially continuous number of positions and is further configured to be driven by said sole rotating, engaging band upon said clip clipping onto said sole rotating, engaging band at any of said substantially continuous number of positions;   one of (a) and (b):
 (a) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar further comprises pushing said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar; 
 said step of affecting the movement of said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar further comprises pushing said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar; and 
   (b) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar further comprises restricting the movement of said first group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said first bar; and   said step of affecting the movement of said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar further comprises restricting the movement of said second group of filled beverage bottles on said transport track with said second bar.   
   
   
       6 . The method of transporting groups of filled beverage bottles to a beverage bottle packaging machine in a beverage bottling plant according to  claim 1  including a second sole rotating, engaging band, wherein:
 said method further comprises mechanically connecting, at least temporarily, said plurality of bars in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band;   said transport system further comprises:
 an inlet; and 
 an outlet; 
   said step of moving said first bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track further comprises moving said first bar from said inlet to said outlet of said transport system in a direction of transport; and   said step of moving said second bar with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track further comprises moving said second bar from said inlet to said outlet in said direction of transport;   one of (c) and (d):
 (c) said substantially continuous number of positions on said rotating, engaging band are each disposed at a predetermined interval away from one another along the length of said sole rotating, engaging band; and 
 said method further comprises adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of bars by engaging said first end of said second bar at a predetermined interval away from said first bar along the length of said sole rotating, engaging band; and 
 (d) said plurality of bars are configured to be engaged at any one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band; and 
 said method further comprises adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of bars by engaging said first end of said second bar at any one of said substantially continuous number of positions along the length of said sole rotating, engaging band at any distance away from said first bar; 
   said step of adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of bars further comprises adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of bars manually; and   said bar collecting area is disposed along a portion of the length of said sole rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said step of disengaging said first end of said first bar from said sole rotating, engaging band further comprises disengaging said first end of said first bar from said sole rotating, engaging band along said portion of the length of said sole rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said step of disengaging said first end of said second bar from said sole rotating, engaging band further comprises disengaging said first end of said second bar from said sole rotating, engaging band along said portion of the length of said sole rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said step of engaging a first end of said first bar further comprises engaging said first end of said first bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at a portion of said sole rotating, engaging band adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   said step of engaging a first end of said second bar further comprises engaging said first end of said second bar on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at a portion of said sole rotating, engaging band adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   said bar collecting area further comprises a bar collecting area inlet;   said method further comprises:
 rotating a first transfer wheel disposed adjacent said bar collecting area inlet on said first side of said transport track; 
 transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band; and 
 transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band; 
   said sole rotating, engaging band comprises a closed, endless loop on which said plurality of bars are configured to engage;   said second sole rotating, engaging band comprises a closed, endless loop on which said plurality of bars are configured to engage;   said sole rotating, engaging band is configured to rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to said transport track;   said second sole rotating, engaging band is configured to rotate in a second plane substantially perpendicular to said transport track;   said first plane and said second plane are substantially parallel with respect to one another;   said first plane and said second plane are substantially parallel to said direction of transport;   said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first bar further comprises transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band and said second sole rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system;   said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated further comprises transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band and said second sole rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system;   said step of moving said first bar away from said transport track further comprises moving said first bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track and with said second sole rotating, engaging band on said second side of said transport track at a position adjacent said outlet of said transport track;   said step of moving said second bar away from said transport track further comprises moving said second bar away from said transport track with said sole rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track and with said second sole rotating, engaging band on said second side of said transport track at a position adjacent said outlet of said transport track;   said sole rotating, engaging band comprises a first portion being disposed between said inlet and said outlet of said transport system and being further disposed adjacent said transport track;   said sole rotating, engaging band further comprises a second portion being disposed opposite said first portion of said sole rotating, engaging band;   said bar collecting area is disposed adjacent said second portion of said sole rotating, engaging band and adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   one of (e) and (f):
 (e) said transport track comprises a sliding or rolling surface; and 
 (f) said transport track comprises at least one driven transport element; 
   one of (g) and (h):
 (g) said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first bar further comprises automatically transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band and said second sole rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated further comprises automatically transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band and said second sole rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 (h) said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first bar further comprises manually transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band and said second sole rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated further comprises manually transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second bar from said bar collecting area to a position adjacent said sole rotating, engaging band and said second sole rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
   said plurality of bars are permanently connected to said transport system.   
   
   
       7 . A method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant, said method comprising the steps of:
 (A) feeding a first group of containers into a transport system on a transport track;   (B) rotating a first one of an at least one rotating band being disposed on a first side of said transport track;   (C) removing a first elongated element from a plurality of elongated elements in an elongated element collecting area, said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area being not being in contact with said first rotating band;   said first elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating band; 
   said first rotating band being configured to engage said plurality of elongated elements removed from said elongated element collecting area, one elongated element after another elongated element, in order to permit a plurality of elongated elements to be engaged on said first side of said transport track substantially simultaneously solely with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (D) engaging a first end of said first elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (E) moving said first elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track;   (F) affecting the movement of said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element;   (G) feeding a second group of containers into said transport system on said transport track;   (H) removing a second elongated element from said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area, said second elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track; 
   (I) engaging a first end of said second elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track, upon a predetermined gap of space being created between said first group of containers and said second group of containers in order to transport groups of containers to said container handling machine at a predetermined rate configured to minimize delays in said container handling machine;   (J) moving said second elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along said at least a portion of said transport track;   (K) affecting the movement of said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element and maintaining said predetermined gap of space between said first group of containers and said second group of containers;   (L) transporting said first group of containers to said container handling machine;   (M) moving said first elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon said first group of containers exiting said transport system;   (N) disengaging said first end of said first elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (O) returning said first elongated element to said elongated element collecting area;   (P) transporting said second group of containers to said container handling machine;   (Q) moving said second elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon said second group of containers exiting said transport system;   (R) disengaging said first end of said second elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   (S) returning said second elongated element to said elongated element collecting area; and   (T) continuing steps F to K and P to S with a third elongated element and subsequent elongated elements.   
   
   
       8 . Means for performing the method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to  claim 7 , said means comprising:
 means for feeding a first group of containers into a transport system on a transport track;   means for rotating a first one of an at least one rotating band being disposed on a first side of said transport track;   means for removing a first elongated element from a plurality of elongated elements in an elongated element collecting area, said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area being not being in contact with said first rotating band;   said first elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating band; 
   said first rotating band being configured to engage said plurality of elongated elements removed from said elongated element collecting area, one elongated element after another elongated element, in order to permit a plurality of elongated elements to be engaged on said first side of said transport track substantially simultaneously solely with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   means for engaging a first end of said first elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   means for moving said first elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track;   means for affecting the movement of a first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element;   said means for feeding comprising means for feeding a second group of containers into said transport system on said transport track;   said means for removing comprising means for removing a second elongated element from said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area, said second elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track; 
   said means for engaging comprising means for engaging a first end of said second elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track, upon a predetermined gap of space being created between a first group of containers and a second group of containers in order to transport groups of containers to said container handling machine at a predetermined rate configured to minimize delays in said container handling machine;   said means for moving comprising means for moving said second elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along said at least a portion of said transport track;   said means for affecting comprising means for affecting the movement of a second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element and maintaining a predetermined gap of space between a first group of containers and a second group of containers;   means for transporting a first group of containers to said container handling machine;   means for moving said first elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a first group of containers exiting said transport system;   means for disengaging said first end of said first elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   means for returning said first elongated element to said elongated element collecting area;   said means for transporting comprising means for transporting a second group of containers to said container handling machine;   said means for moving comprising means for moving said second elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a second group of containers exiting said transport system;   said means for disengaging comprising means for disengaging said first end of said second elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   said means for returning comprising means for returning said second elongated element to said elongated element collecting area; and   means for continuing the method with a third elongated element and subsequent elongated elements.   
   
   
       9 . A container transportation arrangement for performing the method of  claim 7  in a container processing plant, said container transportation arrangement comprising:
 a feeding arrangement being configured to feed a first group of containers into a transport system on a transport track;   a rotating arrangement being configured to rotate a first one of an at least one rotating band being disposed on a first side of said transport track;   a removing arrangement being configured to remove a first elongated element from a plurality of elongated elements in an elongated element collecting area, said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area being not being in contact with said first rotating band;   said first elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating band; 
   said first rotating band being configured to engage said plurality of elongated elements removed from said elongated element collecting area, one elongated element after another elongated element, in order to permit a plurality of elongated elements to be engaged on said first side of said transport track substantially simultaneously solely with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at one time;   an engaging arrangement being configure to engage a first end of said first elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   a first moving arrangement being configured to move said first elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track;   an affecting arrangement being configured to affect the movement of a first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element;   said feeding arrangement being configured to feed a second group of containers into said transport system on said transport track;   said removing arrangement being configured to remove a second elongated element from said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area, said second elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track; 
   said engaging arrangement being configured to engage a first end of said second elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track, upon a predetermined gap of space being created between a first group of containers and a second group of containers in order to transport groups of containers to said container handling machine at a predetermined rate configured to minimize delays in said container handling machine;   said first moving arrangement being configured to move said second elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along said at least a portion of said transport track;   said affecting arrangement being configured to affect the movement of a second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element and maintaining a predetermined gap of space between a first group of containers and a second group of containers;   a transporting arrangement being configured to transport a first group of containers to said container handling machine;   a second moving arrangement being configured to move said first elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a first group of containers exiting said transport system;   a disengaging arrangement being configured to disengage said first end of said first elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   a returning arrangement being configured to return said first elongated element to said elongated element collecting area;   said transporting arrangement being configured to transport a second group of containers to said container handling machine;   said second moving arrangement being configured to move said second elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a second group of containers exiting said transport system;   said disengaging arrangement being configured to disengage said first end of said second elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   said returning arrangement being configured to return said second elongated element to said elongated element collecting area; and   a continuing arrangement being configured to continue the method with a third elongated element and subsequent elongated elements.   
   
   
       10 . The method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track comprises a plurality of grooves, which plurality of grooves are spaced apart at predetermined intervals; and   each of said plurality of grooves is configured to accept a corresponding one of said plurality of elongated elements and is further configured to drive said corresponding one of said plurality of elongated elements along the length of said first rotating, engaging band upon one of said plurality of elongated elements being accepted into a corresponding one of said plurality of grooves.   
   
   
       11 . The method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to  claim 10 , wherein one of (a) and (b):
 (a) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element further comprises pushing said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element;   said step of affecting the movement of said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element further comprises pushing said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element; and   (b) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element further comprises restricting the movement of said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element; and   said step of affecting the movement of said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element further comprises restricting the movement of said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element.   
   
   
       12 . The method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 each of said plurality of elongated elements comprises a clip disposed on a first end of a corresponding one of said plurality of elongated elements;   said clip is configured to clip onto said first rotating, engaging band at any of said substantially continuous number of positions and is further configured to be driven by said first rotating, engaging band upon said clip clipping onto said first rotating, engaging band at any of said substantially continuous number of positions.   
   
   
       13 . The method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to  claim 12 , wherein one of (a) and (b):
 (a) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element further comprises pushing said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element;   said step of affecting the movement of said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element further comprises pushing said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element; and   (b) said step of affecting the movement of said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element further comprises restricting the movement of said first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element; and   said step of affecting the movement of said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element further comprises restricting the movement of said second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element.   
   
   
       14 . The method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 said method further comprises mechanically connecting, at least temporarily, said plurality of elongated elements in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band;   said transport system further comprises:
 an inlet; and 
 an outlet; 
   said step of moving said first elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track further comprises moving said first elongated element from said inlet to said outlet of said transport system in a direction of transport; and   said step of moving said second elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track further comprises moving said second elongated element from said inlet to said outlet in said direction of transport.   
   
   
       15 . The method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to claim  24 , wherein:
 one of (c) and (d):
 (c) said substantially continuous number of positions on said rotating, engaging band are each disposed at a predetermined interval away from one another along the length of said first rotating, engaging band; and 
 said method further comprises adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of elongated elements by engaging said first end of said second elongated element at a predetermined interval away from said first elongated element along the length of said first rotating, engaging band; and 
 (d) said plurality of elongated elements are configured to be engaged at any one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band; and 
 said method further comprises adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of elongated elements by engaging said first end of said second elongated element at any one of said substantially continuous number of positions along the length of said first rotating, engaging band at any distance away from said first elongated element; 
   said step of adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of elongated elements further comprises adjusting the spacing between each of said plurality of elongated elements manually; and   said elongated element collecting area is disposed along a portion of the length of said first rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet.   
   
   
       16 . The method of transporting groups of containers to a container handling machine in a container processing plant according to  claim 15  including a second rotating, engaging band, wherein:
 said step of disengaging said first end of said first elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band further comprises disengaging said first end of said first elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band along said portion of the length of said first rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said step of disengaging said first end of said second elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band further comprises disengaging said first end of said second elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band along said portion of the length of said first rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said step of engaging a first end of said first elongated element further comprises engaging said first end of said first elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at a portion of said first rotating, engaging band adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   said step of engaging a first end of said second elongated element further comprises engaging said first end of said second elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at a portion of said first rotating, engaging band adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   said elongated element collecting area further comprises an elongated element collecting area inlet;   said method further comprises:
 rotating a first transfer wheel disposed adjacent said elongated element collecting area inlet on said first side of said transport track; 
 transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band; and 
 transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band; 
   said first rotating, engaging band comprises a closed, endless loop on which said plurality of elongated elements are configured to engage;   said second rotating, engaging band comprises a closed, endless loop on which said plurality of elongated elements are configured to engage;   said first rotating, engaging band is configured to rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to said transport track;   said second rotating, engaging band is configured to rotate in a second plane substantially perpendicular to said transport track;   said first plane and said second plane are substantially parallel with respect to one another;   said first plane and said second plane are substantially parallel to said direction of transport;   said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first elongated element further comprises transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system;   said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated further comprises transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system;   said step of moving said first elongated element away from said transport track further comprises moving said first elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track and with said second rotating, engaging band on said second side of said transport track at a position adjacent said outlet of said transport track;   said step of moving said second elongated element away from said transport track further comprises moving said second elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track and with said second rotating, engaging band on said second side of said transport track at a position adjacent said outlet of said transport track;   said first rotating, engaging band comprises a first portion being disposed between said inlet and said outlet of said transport system and being further disposed adjacent said transport track;   said first rotating, engaging band further comprises a second portion being disposed opposite said first portion of said first rotating, engaging band;   said elongated element collecting area is disposed adjacent said second portion of said first rotating, engaging band and adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   one of (e) and (f):
 (e) said transport track comprises a sliding or rolling surface; and 
 (f) said transport track comprises at least one driven transport element; 
   one of (g) and (h):
 (g) said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first elongated element further comprises automatically transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated further comprises automatically transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 (h) said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first elongated element further comprises manually transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 said step of transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated further comprises manually transferring, with said first transfer wheel, said second elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
   said plurality of elongated elements are permanently connected to said transport system.   
   
   
       17 . A container transportation arrangement for transporting containers in a container processing plant, said container transportation arrangement comprising:
 a feeding arrangement being configured to feed a first group of containers into a transport system on a transport track;   a rotating arrangement being configured to rotate a first one of an at least one rotating band being disposed on a first side of said transport track;   a removing arrangement being configured to remove a first elongated element from a plurality of elongated elements in an elongated element collecting area, said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area being not being in contact with said first rotating band;   said first elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating band; 
   said first rotating band being configured to engage said plurality of elongated elements removed from said elongated element collecting area, one elongated element after another elongated element, in order to permit a plurality of elongated elements to be engaged on said first side of said transport track substantially simultaneously solely with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at one time;   an engaging arrangement being configure to engage a first end of said first elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   a first moving arrangement being configured to move said first elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along at least a portion of said transport track;   an affecting arrangement being configured to affect the movement of a first group of containers on said transport track with said first elongated element;   said feeding arrangement being configured to feed a second group of containers into said transport system on said transport track;   said removing arrangement being configured to remove a second elongated element from said plurality of elongated elements in said elongated element collecting area, said second elongated element being:
 positionally adjustable; and 
 configured to be engaged at a substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track; 
   said engaging arrangement being configured to engage a first end of said second elongated element on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track, upon a predetermined gap of space being created between a first group of containers and a second group of containers in order to transport groups of containers to said container handling machine at a predetermined rate configured to minimize delays in said container handling machine;   said first moving arrangement being configured to move said second elongated element with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track along said at least a portion of said transport track;   said affecting arrangement being configured to affect the movement of a second group of containers on said transport track with said second elongated element and maintaining a predetermined gap of space between a first group of containers and a second group of containers;   a transporting arrangement being configured to transport a first group of containers to said container handling machine;   a second moving arrangement being configured to move said first elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a first group of containers exiting said transport system;   a disengaging arrangement being configured to disengage said first end of said first elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   a returning arrangement being configured to return said first elongated element to said elongated element collecting area;   said transporting arrangement being configured to transport a second group of containers to said container handling machine;   said second moving arrangement being configured to move said second elongated element away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track upon a second group of containers exiting said transport system;   said disengaging arrangement being configured to disengage said first end of said second elongated element from said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track;   said returning arrangement being configured to return said second elongated element to said elongated element collecting area; and   a continuing arrangement being configured to continue transporting containers with a third elongated element and subsequent elongated elements.   
   
   
       18 . The container transportation arrangement for transporting containers in a container processing plant according to  claim 17 , wherein:
 said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track comprises a plurality of grooves, which plurality of grooves are spaced apart at predetermined intervals;   each of said plurality of grooves is configured to accept a corresponding one of said plurality of elongated elements and is further configured to drive said corresponding one of said plurality of elongated elements along the length of said first rotating, engaging band upon one of said plurality of elongated elements being accepted into a corresponding one of said plurality of grooves; and   one of (a) and (b):
 (a) said first elongated element further is configured to push a first group of containers on said transport track; 
 said second elongated element is configured to push a second group of containers on said transport track; and 
 (b) said first elongated element is configured to restrict the movement of a first group of containers on said transport track; and 
 said second elongated element is configured to restrict the movement of a second group of containers on said transport track. 
   
   
   
       19 . The container transportation arrangement for transporting containers in a container processing plant according to  claim 17 , wherein:
 each of said plurality of elongated elements comprises a clip disposed on a first end of a corresponding one of said plurality of elongated elements;   said clip is configured to clip onto said first rotating, engaging band at any of said substantially continuous number of positions and is further configured to be driven by said first rotating, engaging band upon said clip clipping onto said first rotating, engaging band at any of said substantially continuous number of positions;   one of (a) and (b):
 (a) said first elongated element further is configured to push a first group of containers on said transport track; 
 said second elongated element is configured to push a second group of containers on said transport track; and 
 (b) said first elongated element is configured to restrict the movement of a first group of containers on said transport track; and 
 said second elongated element is configured to restrict the movement of a second group of containers on said transport track. 
   
   
   
       20 . The container transportation arrangement for transporting containers in a container processing plant according to  claim 17  including a second rotating, engaging band, wherein:
 each of said plurality of elongated elements is configured to mechanically connect, at least temporarily, in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band;   said transport system further comprises:
 an inlet; and 
 an outlet; 
   said first elongated element is configured to move from said inlet to said outlet of said transport system in a direction of transport;   said second elongated element is configured to move from said inlet to said outlet in said direction of transport;   one of (c) and (d):
 (c) said substantially continuous number of positions on said rotating, engaging band are each disposed at a predetermined interval away from one another along the length of said first rotating, engaging band; and 
 said first end of said second elongated element is configured to engage with said first rotating, engaging band at a predetermined interval away from said first elongated element along the length of said first rotating, engaging band and is further configured to adjust the spacing between said first elongated element and said second elongated element; and 
 (d) said plurality of elongated elements are configured to be engaged at any one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band; and 
 said first end of said second elongated element is configured to engage with said first rotating, engaging at any one of said substantially continuous number of positions along the length of said first rotating, engaging band at any distance away from said first elongated element and is further configured to adjust the spacing between said first elongated element and said second elongated element; 
   spacing between each of said plurality of elongated elements is configured to be adjusted manually;   said elongated element collecting area is disposed along a portion of the length of said first rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said first elongated element is configured to be disengaged from said first rotating, engaging band along said portion of the length of said first rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said second elongated element is configured to be disengaged from said first rotating, engaging band along said portion of the length of said first rotating, engaging band rotationally downstream of said outlet;   said first end of said first elongated element is configured to be engaged on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at a portion of said first rotating, engaging band adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   said first end of said second elongated element is configured to be engaged on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track in one of said substantially continuous number of positions on said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track at a portion of said first rotating, engaging band adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   said elongated element collecting area further comprises an elongated element collecting area inlet;   said container transportation arrangement comprises a first transfer wheel disposed adjacent said elongated element collecting area inlet on said first side of said transport track, which first transfer wheel is configured to rotate;   said first transfer wheel is configured to transfer said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band;   said first transfer wheel is configured to transfer said second elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band;   said first rotating, engaging band comprises a closed, endless loop on which said plurality of elongated elements are configured to engage;   said second rotating, engaging band comprises a closed, endless loop on which said plurality of elongated elements are configured to engage;   said first rotating, engaging band is configured to rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to said transport track;   said second rotating, engaging band is configured to rotate in a second plane substantially perpendicular to said transport track;   said first plane and said second plane are substantially parallel with respect to one another;   said first plane and said second plane are substantially parallel to said direction of transport;   said first transfer wheel is configured to transfer said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system;   said first transfer wheel is configured to transfer said second elongated from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system;   said first elongated element is configured to be moved away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track and with said second rotating, engaging band on said second side of said transport track at a position adjacent said outlet of said transport track;   said second elongated element is configured to be moved away from said transport track with said first rotating, engaging band on said first side of said transport track and with said second rotating, engaging band on said second side of said transport track at a position adjacent said outlet of said transport track;   said first rotating, engaging band comprises a first portion being disposed between said inlet and said outlet of said transport system and being further disposed adjacent said transport track;   said first rotating, engaging band further comprises a second portion being disposed opposite said first portion of said first rotating, engaging band;   said elongated element collecting area is disposed adjacent said second portion of said first rotating, engaging band and adjacent said inlet of said transport system;   one of (e) and (f):
 (e) said transport track comprises a sliding or rolling surface; and 
 (f) said transport track comprises at least one driven transport element; 
   one of (g) and (h):
 (g) said first transfer wheel is configured to automatically transfer said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 said first transfer wheel is configured to automatically transfer said second elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 (h) said first transfer wheel is configured to manually transfer said first elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
 said first transfer wheel is configured to manually transfer said second elongated element from said elongated element collecting area to a position adjacent said first rotating, engaging band and said second rotating, engaging band above said inlet of said transport system; and 
   said plurality of elongated elements are permanently connected to said transport system.