Abstract: The invention relates to a process for packaging cigarettes as a cigarette block, possibly wrapped in inner paper, in an outer pack which is at least partially rounded and non-scored in the side-wall region and comprises at least one blank, two outer-pack layers which extend over the entire outer periphery of the side-wall region being arranged one above the other and connected to one another along a seam, and base-closure and, if appropriate, lid-closure flaps of the at least one blank being folded over and connected, it being the case that the two layers are connected to one another, over the entirety of surface areas located opposite one another, at least in an essentially uniform connecting pattern such that stressing occurring in rounded wall regions is essentially avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring bobbins containing packaging material to, and/or removing the cores of empty bobbins from, a receiving device of a cigarette packaging machine includes a transfer station having a chassis, an axle mounted on the chassis for rotation about an axis angularly oriented with respect to the axes of incoming full bobbins, at least a first arm affixed to and angularly extending from the axle and a gripping device movably supported on each arm. Full and empty bobbins are transported to and from the transfer station with their axes of rotation oriented generally transverse to a movable support plate which may be positioned for cooperation with the gripping devices.

Abstract: A multi-tier storage unit is defined by vertical array of rotary conveyors. Independently operable transfer devices for transferring devices to be stored onto selected conveyors and retreiving stored products from the conveyors are positioned at a pair of spaced points along the sides of the storage unit. The retrieval apparatus includes one or more distributors in the form of trolley systems which operate at preselected vertical levels.

Abstract: During the packaging of articles in cartons, preparatory to shipment to consumers, the cartons are removed from filling/closing apparatus and stacked on pallets. The removal apparatus includes transporting the cartons singly to a stacking plane, orienting the cartons and then employing a robotic gripping device to move the oriented cartons to the proper stacking positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting packaging material supply reels from a storage location to a consumption station which includes a gripping mechanism for engaging the core tube of the supply reel and a support for the gripping mechanism, the support permitting the gripping mechanism to be moved in three mutually perpendicular directions. The support includes a pair of angularly arranged, pivotal contact arms which define an angle, the axis of the gripping means lying in a plane which bisects the angle between the contact arms. Deflection of both arms to preselected angular positions against a resiliant bias will be indicative of establishment of a coaxial relationship between the gripping mechanism and the core of the supply reel whereupon the gripping mechanism may be inserted into the core for engagement therewith and subsequent reel transfer.

Abstract: The packaging of articles grouped to form generally cuboid shaped package contents of variable dimensions includes the erection of carton blanks to form open-ended tubular receivers, insertion of the grouped articles into such an erected carton and folding and glueing end flaps to close the carton about the article group. The filling of the cartons with the article groups and the closing of the cartons takes place on a turret having cells which are adjustable in size to match the incoming erected carton.