Abstract: In a packaging system for handling product cases, a film removal system for removing wrapped film from product cases is provided. The film removal system includes a product conveyor system defining a conveyor path along which a product case is conveyed. A first knife pair is arranged and configured to move across the conveyor path to cut the wrapped film along cut lines extending between a bottom first side edge and a bottom second side edge of the product case. A second knife pair is arranged and configured to cut the wrapped film along cut lines extending between a bottom leading edge and a bottom trailing edge of the product case.

Abstract: A continuous, multiline packaging apparatus for continuously conveying, turning, and loading non-round bottles includes infeed conveyors which convey non-round bottles to timing screw conveyors. The timing conveyors are operable to space the bottles a predetermined distance apart and to feed the lines of spaced bottles to turning conveyors. The turning conveyors are each comprised of high and low speed conveyor chains, and guide rails. The turning conveyors first turn the bottles to an intermediate angled position and thereafter further turn the bottles to a loading position. A grouping conveyor comprising a plurality of fights cooperates with the turning conveyors to cause the bottles to form groups which are transferred to a loading device. The loading device continuously shifts the grouped bottles laterally into cartons as the bottles are continuously moved in a downstream direction.

Abstract: An accumulator apparatus for accumulating product from a production line conveyor when a downstream stoppage occurs includes cylindrical compartmented rotary drum having a plurality shelves for supporting product thereon. A loading mechanism loads product from the conveyor upon each drum shelf when the downstream stoppage occurs. An unloading mechanism unloads product from each shelf of the drum when the downstream stoppage problem has been resolved.

Abstract: A continuous downstacker apparatus is operable for continuously stacking product in a predetermined stacked pattern. The downstacker apparatus includes a pair of lowerating-pushing heads which continuously move in a vertical elliptical walking beam pattern for receiving, stacking and pushing stacked product from a stacking chamber. The product is delivered to the stacking chamber by conveyor means and the lowerating-pushing heads are shiftable on a support frame for vertical and horizontal components of movement during the stacking and pushing cycle.

Abstract: A stacker apparatus for continuously stacking articles into vertical stacks for packaging into a case includes a pair of stacking plate assemblies which are mounted on a support frame for horizontal and vertical movement relative thereto. A synchronized cam drive system continuously and successively reciprocates the stacking plate assemblies through an elliptical path of travel to continuously upstack articles fed to the apparatus. The specific operational sequence of the apparatus and its construction provides a built-in surge release and obviates the need for definite shear point.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container stacker having at least one moving member attached to an endless flexible element. The moving member delivers containers from a delivery device to a container receiving surface and moves the containers across the container receiving surface.