Abstract: An apparatus for infolding and sealing the side and end bottom flaps of a carton includes a unique bottom side flap infolding system comprising flap infolding arms mounted to rotary cylinders for automatically infolding and supporting the bottom side flaps. The rotary cylinders are actuated by a sensor which senses the presence or absence of a carton in the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a unique assembly comprising downwardly inwardly inclined rollers mounted to the conveyor side arm assemblies to urge the carton downward toward the lower sealing head to assure a complete and continuous bottom seal. The apparatus may also include transversely adjustable guardrails, a hold down flange to maintain the carton against the packing plate and a carton urging assembly for urging the carton through the apparatus.

Abstract: A carton erector apparatus for setting up foldable carton blanks. The apparatus includes a carton blank storage section, a carton blank setup section and a bottom flap folding section. A carriage assembly delivers a setup carton from the setup section into the bottom flap folding section. Means is provided to selectively control the distance that the carriage assembly travels into the bottom flap folding section during each cycle.

Abstract: In an apparatus for sealing the top flaps of a carton having a tape head assembly for applying a strip of self-adhesive sealing tape that extends along the upper portions of the leading and trailing end panels and across the top flaps, a tab forming device for forming a pull tab at a trailing end portion of the strip of sealing tape. The tab forming device includes a housing member having a cavity formed therein in facing relationship to the trailing end portion of the strip of sealing tape. A suction created in the cavity draws the trailing end portion thereinto so as to cause the adhesive surface of the trailing end portion to fold upon itself and form a pull tab. A means for controlling the dispensing of the tape from the roll is provided which includes a spool member which is biased into receiving contact with the outer portion of the roll.

Abstract: A carton erector apparatus for setting up folding carton blanks and folding their bottom flaps. The apparatus includes a carton blank storage section, a carton blank set-up section and a bottom flap folding section. The carton blank storage section includes a magazine assembly for storing and urging knocked-down carton blanks towards the carton set-up section. The carton set-up section includes a carton opening assembly comprising a pivot arm assembly pivotally secured to the folding arm assembly. The pivot arm assembly is movable between first and second positions respectively parallel and perpendicular to the folding arm assembly. A grasping arrangement is secured to the pivot arm assembly to grasp the side panel of the forward carton in the magazine assembly such that movement of the pivot arm assembly and the folding arm assembly into their second positions is effective to set-up the carton blank into a tubular form.

Abstract: A carton erector apparatus for setting up folding carton blanks and unfolding their bottom flaps. The apparatus includes a carton blank storage section, a carton blank set-up section and a bottom flap folding section. The carton blank storage section includes a magazine assembly for storing and urging knocked-down carton blanks towards the carton set-up section. The carton set-up section includes a carton opening assembly mounted on a substantially horizontal carriage plate movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the carton blanks in the magazine assembly. A pivot arm assembly is pivotally secured to the folding arm assembly and is movable between first and second position respectively parallel and perpendicular to the folding arm assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically sealing random sized cartons having directly connected and positive acting arm control mechanisms acting on both ends of each arm to provide pure transverse motion of the side arms. The apparatus also includes novel lift means for raising and lowering the sealing means and preventing any wobble or lateral movement thereof. Means are provided for synchronizing the operation of both mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a strip of sealing tape to seal the bottom flaps of a low profile five panel carton comprising a frame structure defining a generally horizontal carton transporting surface; a tape applying means mounted to said fame structure; a bottom trailing tape engaging wipe down means; a directing means mounted to said frame structure for directing a trailing end portion of the strip of tape onto the top surface of the main panel of the carton adjacent the vertical surface of a trailing side panel and a top trailing tape engaging wipe down means mounted to said frame structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the foldable flaps of cartons of random sizes by applying a self-adhesive tape material along the edges of the flaps having improved assemblies for automatically infolding the trailing minor flaps and for controlling the positioning of the flap folding assembly at or above the upper edge of the carton. The assembly for infolding the trailing minor flap includes a kicker arm assembly which incorporates a kicker arm member mounted for sliding longitudinally along a generally horizontal axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The assembly for controlling the positioning of the flap folding assembly includes a brake assembly for selectively retaining the flap folding assembly in a fixed position, a control means for controlling the brake assembly and an actuator assembly for activating the control means.

Abstract: An endless belt tracking and tensioning arrangement which includes a control arrangement associated with one of the rollers to both maintain the tension in the endless belt and to provide a means of adjustment to such roller to compensate for imbalance of the tension forces on the endless belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining the bottom flaps of a carton in their infolded position prior to sealing, in a manner which permits filling of the carton.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing the foldable flaps of cartons. The apparatus includes an improved modular frame structure to support the sealing heads and the carton handling assemblies. The apparatus further includes an improved lift assembly to raise and lower the top sealing head assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically sealing cartons which includes a mechanism for automatically infolding the leading and trailing top flaps prior to the application of the adhesive material.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically sealing random sized cartons which includes an improved mechanism to automatically move the carton centering side arms towards and away from the carton.