Abstract: A method wherein a strip of flat plastic carriers having openings therein for application to groups of containers is moved from a source to a feed drum for delivering a strip of carriers to an applicator apparatus, a trough interposed between the source and the feed drum. Electrical heaters are provided beneath the trough. A strip of carriers is moved through the trough such as to heat the carriers from the underside thereof. The temperature of the heaters is controlled such that the strip of carriers is conditioned to compensate for ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a strip of carriers for delivery to an apparatus for applying a can carrier to successive groups of cans from a strip of carriers on a roll where the strip is fed from the roll to an applicator comprising a cleaning device interposed between the roll and the applicator. The cleaning device includes opposite cleaning brushes between which the strip of carriers is moved such that dirt, dust and material plate-out is removed from the surfaces of the strip.