Abstract: The invention relates to a device for overpacking at least one object using at least one blank of an appropriate material such as carton in order to form a batch. The device of the invention includes at least one carousel including at least one receptacle, and at least three work stations distributed about the carousel, the three stations including a work station with a distribution mechanism for distributing at least one blank of material to the at least one receptacle, a work station with a loading mechanism for loading the at least one object into the receptacle, and a work station with an unloading mechanism for unloading at least one assembled batch, wherein a mechanism for folding and/or closing the blank in order to form the overpacking are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying to a carton an endless band so that the band encircles the carton said band being of the type formed by securing a strip of material into a loop and thereby creating a join, the apparatus comprising, means to hold the band in a particular orientation, means to convey the band along a feed path in such a way that said join is maintained in a controlled orientation, means to lower the band on to the carton to be engaged about the midriff of the carton during continuous forward movement.

Abstract: A cam assembly comprises a cam plate having formed therein deeper and shallower cam tracks, a first cam follower for movement within the deeper cam track, a second cam follower for movement within the deeper and shallower cam tracks, and a drive mechanism for moving the first and second cam followers with respect to the cam tracks. The cam followers are connected to an article pick-up member. The deeper cam track includes portions engaged sequentially by the first cam follower, and the shallower cam track includes portions engaged sequentially by the second cam follower. The article pick-up member is caused to move to an outwardly extended position and to an inwardly retracted position respectively, relative to the central axis of the cam plate. The article pick-up member is also caused to move through both a like-rotational and a counter-rotational path with regard to the direction of rotation of the drive mechanism.