Unit for advancing containers along a conveying line and for transferring the containers from the conveying line to a weighing station and vice-versa

An operative unit (1) for advancing containers (2) along a conveying line (3) and for transferring the containers from the conveying line to at least one weighing station (4) and vice-versa, the operative unit including:

• an endless conveyor (6) passing through the weighing station (4);
• a sliding track (S) on which said containers (2) move, said sliding track being parallel to said conveyor (6);
• said unit being characterized in that it further includes:
• moving means (70) for moving said containers (2) on said sliding track (S), said moving means being removably fastened to said conveyor (6);
• a platform (8) forming a portion of said sliding track (S) situated in the region of said weighing station (4);
• driving means (40,50,10) connected to said platform for temporarily disengaging said containers (2) supported by the platform (8) from said moving means (70) and for placing said containers (2) in engagement with weighing means (11) of said weighing station (4).