Abstract: In a machine for sealing forwardly traveling cartons with adhering tape lapping folded stacked flaps as top and/or bottom closure means to prevent normally projecting tape applicator means from applying to such closure means of each carton excessive inward pressure which may cause such deflection thereof as to catch into and break back out an edge portion of the carton back end wall. Movable mounted tape applicator means is projectable into a defined path of forward travel of a folded stacked flap closure of an advancing carton for depression by the latter as it travels forwad thereover for application of tape to such forwadly traveling closure. Mechanism that is alternately projectable and depressible of the tape applicator means is located initially in the path of forward travel of each such carton for depressive manipulation of this projecting applicator means upon contact by the advancing carton.

Abstract: Tape applying mechanism assembly for a carton sealing machine, which includes a movable tape cut-off means or cutter having a cutting edge and guard means protectively covering this cutting edge when the cut-off means is in a projecting idle position. A movable carrier supports tape wipe-on means in a path of advance of a carton when the assembly is mounted in the machine and it is retractable by such carton advance. Additional movable carrier means supports the cutter for motion of its cutting edge across a path of travel of the tape to the advancing carton for severance of the tape as the section of the latter of desired length is applied to the carton. Retractable guard means protectively covers the cutting edge when the cutter is in a projecting idle position intervening successive tape applying actions. Means retract the guard means for uncovering the cutting edge while the carton advances past the tape wipe-on means.

Abstract: Carton setting up and loading machine to facilitate an operator successively setting up in empty chamber-defining shape a plurality of cartons in upright position on their flat stack of bottom closing flaps folded inward and the loading of their chambers to release them to remainder of the machine for sealing of their tops and bottoms. Lateral machine bed has an entrance end and a discharge end with transport means to move a loaded carton laterally forward along a path from the former end to the latter end while sealing closed at least the folded top flaps thereof. A carton setting up and loading lateral support or table top precedes the entrance end of the machine bed adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Tape applying mechanism of carton sealing machines for feeding pressure sensitive tape having an uncoated back side and an adhesively coated face and to apply the latter to end panels of an advancing carton and lap it over the opposed longitudinal edges of folded-in side flaps of such carton. It includes means to guide the tape along a path extending toward and for lap against a wipe-on applicator cylindrical roller that is movably supported for swing toward and away from a carton travel path with the adhesively coated face exposed outward away from this roller.

Abstract: Tape sealing machine elevator head control equipment which avoids tipping up a loaded and tape-sealed carton as it is being advanced to the machine discharge end for withdrawal of its trailing end from beneath lowered and loading elevator head bearing down on this carton during the application of tape thereto. Powered means is provided to raise and lower the elevator head and to dictate the loading thereof down on the carton top as the carton is being advanced through the machine. There is also provided control means responsive to the forwardly traveling carton in the vicinity of the machine discharge end section to activate the powered means for raising the elevator head up from the carton top for a relatively short period of time sufficient to relieve the carton back end of the load of the head as this carton back end is withdrawn from therebeneath.