Abstract: A paperboard separating sheet (10) for separating two stacked layers of cans (11, 12) is disclosed. The sheet has a plurality of can receiving locations (13), each location having an inner opening (23) and an outer opening (24), respectively, each one of the openings being defined by a series of cuts (23, 24), respectively, in the paperboard sheet. The cuts define first, second, and third covering portions (20, 21, 22), respectively, which are joined together by a plurality of tabs (25, 26), respectively, which allow the respective covering portions to move into different planes relative to one another when the separating sheet is sandwiched between two stacked cans. In use, the third portion of the separating sheets rests on a top rim of a lower can (11), the second portion of the paperboard sheet sits between the top rim of the can and a recessed panel in which a can opening device is formed, and the first portion of the paperboard sheet covers the can opening device.

Abstract: An article packaging machine comprises a frame, a carton conveyor mounted to the frame for conveying cartons along a carton path, and an infeed conveyor assembly for grouping articles such as beverage cans into groups of predetermined size and moving them toward and into open cartons moving along the carton path. When the cartons are packed with articles, adhesive is applied to the flaps of their open ends and the flaps are folded over onto themselves. A spring biased free floating compression section has a pair of opposed compression belt assemblies that are yieldably spring biased toward each other to apply pressure to the ends of the containers to set the adhesive, thus sealing the ends of the packaged cartons shut. When the cartons are sealed, they are ejected from the packaging machine by a pair of opposed ejector belt assemblies.

Abstract: A down-article indicator which automatically adjusts for the height difference of articles, such as bottles, when article size is changed for a new run on a machine conveying articles. A pivotably mounted height sensing arm, located on one lane of the machine, down stream from an array of freely pivoting detecting arms, is connected by an adjustable mechanical linkage to a pivoting bracket holding a retro-reflective photo eye in proper location with respect to the detecting arms so that the detecting arms do not break a light beam from the photo eye during normal operation. A non-upright article will cause a detecting arm to pivot and break the light beam to stop the machine. As a new group of articles having a different height moves into the down-article indicating station, the height sensing arm automatically moves the photo eye to its proper location for the new height articles.

Abstract: A tray and sleeve carton adapted to protect delicate packaged articles, such as computer chips. The tray includes spaced integral tubular supports which contain recesses for receiving the end portions of packaged articles. Each recess has a bottom support shelf spaced from the bottom panel and a back wall spaced from the side panels, thus creating false walls which support and isolate the article from the outer structure of the carton.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the input of articles at the start-up phase of a packaging machine of the type having at least one article conveyance lane and an article grouping mechanism constructed and arranged to meter articles moving in the conveyance lane into predetermined groups, comprising:(a) at least one stop post aligned for extension into the conveyance lane, the stop post further being disposed at an infeed end of the article grouping mechanism;(b) means to actuate the stop post, whereby the stop post is extendible and retractable in the article conveyance lane, the stop post impeding travel of articles in the lane when extended and permitting travel of articles in the lane when retracted; and(c) means to coordinate actuation of the means to actuate with operation of the article grouping mechanism.

Abstract: A carton flap hold down apparatus (25) for use in seating an open-ended sleeve-type carton (40) on a carton transport conveyor (27) is disclosed. The carton flap hold down apparatus has a plurality of aligned carton flap hold down rollers (61) disposed along a common longitudinal axis and extending in the direction of a path of travel, each support roller being supported for rotation on an elongate roller support bar (65). A mounting block (67) is fastened on a framework of the carton transport conveyor with respect to a carton flap score rail (31) thereof, the mounting block being spaced from the roller support bar, and an elongate intermediate member (66) is fastened to one end of the mounting block, and fastened at the other of its ends to the roller support bar. The rollers are inclined toward the mounting block in the direction of the path of travel at an angle of 5.degree.

Abstract: A bottle carrier having a suitcase-type handle connected to the top panel by spaced fold line segments. The top panel of the carrier includes apertures adjacent the outer ends of the outer fold line segments. Tabs at the outer ends of the handle extend through the apertures into the interior of the carrier, thereby preventing tearing at the handle when lifting and carrying the carrier. The top panel is comprised of partially overlapping top panel sections, and a central tab integral with the overlapping top panel section extends through the central opening of the suitcase type handle.

Abstract: A dual pocket loader wheel assembly for use on a continuous motion packaging machine is disclosed. The dual pocket loader wheel assembly has an elongate tubular member supported for rotation on a framework positioned on the packaging machine with respect to a carton transport conveyor on the packaging machine. A drive frame is positioned at one end of the tubular member and rotatably supports a spaced pair of pocket loader wheels thereon. A drive motor assembly is positioned on the framework at the other end of the tubular member and is operably connected to a drive shaft extending through the tubular member and into the drive frame for rotating the dual pocket loader wheels about their axes. The loader wheel assembly includes a rotary actuator mounted on the framework and operably engaged with the tubular member for rotating the tubular member to reverse the position of the dual pocket loader wheels with respect to the carton transport conveyor.

Abstract: A dual pocket loader wheel assembly for use on a continuous motion packaging machine is disclosed. The dual pocket loader wheel assembly has an elongate tubular member supported for rotation on a framework positioned on the packaging machine with respect to a carton transport conveyor on the packaging machine. A drive frame is positioned at one end of the tubular member and rotatably supports a spaced pair of pocket loader wheels thereon. A drive motor assembly is positioned on the framework at the other end of the tubular member and is operably connected to a drive shaft extending through the tubular member and into the drive frame for rotating the dual pocket loader wheels about their axes. The loader wheel assembly includes a rotary actuator mounted on the framework and operably engaged with the tubular member for rotating the tubular member to reverse the position of the dual pocket loader wheels with respect to the carton transport conveyor.

Abstract: A method for packaging flat or stacked article groups within a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton. The method comprises the steps of supplying a stream of packaging units, for example paperboard cartons, supplying at least one stream of articles, for example beverage cans; forming at least one article group, for example a group of from six to twenty-four cans, optionally placing a support base on a top surface of the article group, and loading the article group in the packaging unit. In a stacked packaging mode a second article group is formed and loaded into the packaging unit, on top of the support base on each first article group disposed in the packaging unit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article packaging machine for packaging articles such as beverage cans into open-ended containers and sealing the containers comprises a carton conveyor that defines a carton path. Open cartons are moved along the path and articles are directed in groups toward and into the cartons as they move along the path. An overhead flight assembly is provided and includes pusher lugs that engage and push the top portions of cartons along the carton path so that the cartons do not become skewed. The spacing between adjacent pusher lugs on the overhead flight assembly is adjusted automatically to accommodate relatively wider cartons or relatively narrower cartons so that human intervention is not required when setting up the machine to package different size cartons.

Abstract: A continuous motion, end loading packaging machine forms article groups of a predetermined number and configuration using a flight type article selector. The packaging machine is flexible in its ability to package articles of different heights and diameters in various product configurations. The packaging machine includes adjustable guide rails to selectively change product infeed lane widths. The machine also includes phase adjusts the selector flights, and allows for easy selector flight replacement.

Abstract: A basket-style carrier. The end panels are formed of overlapping end panel sections, the outer section of which is foldably connected to an upper portion of a central handle panel and the inner section of which is foldably connected to a lower portion of the handle panel. This results in an end panel formation which does not tend to collapse after a collapsed carrier is erected and also makes the carrier more rigid by tying in the full extent of the handle panel to the end panels.

Abstract: A continuous motion, end loading packaging machine forms article groups of a predetermined number and configuration using a flight type article selector. The packaging machine is flexible in its ability to package articles of different heights and diameters in various product configurations. The packaging machine includes adjustable guide rails to selectively change product infeed lane widths. The machine also includes phase adjusts the selector flights, and allows for easy selector flight replacement.

Abstract: An article placing assembly having a pushing mechanism constructed and arranged to engage and move articles from an article stack. The assembly has opposing pivoting gate members which cooperate to hold and release successive articles. Movable clamps further cooperate to hold the article stack as successive articles are sequentially moved from the article stack. A process is set forth for separating and removing successive articles from an article stack in a magazine.

Abstract: A wrap-around carrier having primary and secondary locks for connecting the bottom panel flaps together. The female locking openings are contained in female locking flaps which have been folded out of one of the bottom panel flaps through an angle of 180.degree.. The corresponding male locking tabs are connected to a male locking panel. The bottom panel flaps are spaced apart, with the male and female locking panels spanning the space between the flaps.

Abstract: An enclosed carrier for beverage bottles. The side and end panels taper inwardly near the top panel to provide a tight enclosure for the bottles. The dust flaps are comprised of upper and lower sections separated from each other in the corner areas of the carrier. The upper dust flap sections may be connected at a point spaced from the separated portions by a strap. Fold lines connecting the strap to the upper dust flap section allow it to be folded about an intermediate fold line in the final carrier package. The top panel may be comprised of two plies, the lower ply including end glue flaps adhered to upper end panel flaps. This eliminates an edge which may tend to snag the tops of bottles being loaded. A working score line is provided in one of the side panels to permit the blank to be folded into a flat collapsed carrier despite the fact that the top panel is narrower than the bottom panel.

Abstract: A selector assembly for dividing a continuous line of products moving along a processing path is positioned between a product infeed line and packaging machine line. As the line of products enters the selector assembly, the products are engaged by a rotating starwheel which meters the further flow of the products into a product grouping area of the selector assembly. Thereafter, the lugs of upper and lower selector belts selectively engage the line of products to divide the line of products into groups of products for packaging. The selector lugs engage the groups of products at the product infeed speed and thereafter are progressively accelerated to accelerate the groups of products up to the speed of the packaging machine line for transfer of the groups of products to the packaging machine line.

Abstract: A method for halting the function of a high speed packaging machine of the type having a conveyor based article infeed line conveying articles to a flight bar based selection line. The method is useful for performing a clean out procedure used during maintenance, and product or packaging change over. The method comprises the steps of terminating the operation of the infeed line conveyor at a predetermined position; placing an article follower behind a terminal article in each input lane; activating the operation of the infeed line conveyor whereby the articles in each input lane are conveyed to the selection line; and halting the conveyance of the article follower in the input lane prior to the selection line. An article follower and follower system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming stacked article groups, comprising the steps of supplying at least two streams of articles, each at a predetermined vertically distinct level; forming and longitudinally transporting a stream of first article groups having at least one article, at a first level; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, at a second level on top of the support base of each longitudinally moving first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently processed for packaging.