Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for high speed automated installation or attachment of preformed handles onto portable containers such as buckets, boxes, cartons, or pails that are moving on a conveyor system through the apparatus. A frame structure supports the apparatus. A container conveyor conveys the portable containers into and out of the apparatus. A handle sheet conveyor conveys sheets of preformed handles from storage containers into a handle magazine. Individual handles are detached from the preformed handle sheets, after which the handles are attached onto the portable containers at a high rate of speed. A slidable handle separation and insertion mechanism includes a main slide for preforming the handles prior to insertion onto the portable containers. In some embodiments the main slide is angled at approximately a 45 degree angle from the horizontal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for high speed automated installation or attachment of preformed handles onto portable containers such as buckets, boxes, cartons, or pails that are moving on a conveyor system through the apparatus. A frame structure supports the apparatus. A container conveyor conveys the portable containers into and out of the apparatus. A handle sheet conveyor conveys sheets of preformed handles from storage containers into a handle magazine. Individual handles are detached from the preformed handle sheets, after which the handles are attached onto the portable containers at a high rate of speed. A slidable handle separation and insertion mechanism includes a main slide for preforming the handles prior to insertion onto the portable containers. In some embodiments the main slide is angled at approximately a 45 degree angle from the horizontal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the on-demand seating of a lid on pre-formed containers that are carried on a continually moving conveyor. A lid press plate (20) is connected to a linear actuator (36) by a mounting assembly (17). The mounting assembly (17) transmits a seating force from the linear actuator (36) to the lid press plate (20) for seating the lid while simultaneously allowing the horizontal movement of the lid press plate (20) from a first position to a second position by a driving force resulting solely from the application of a seating pressure between the lid press plate (20) and the lid (46). The lid press plate moves at the same velocity as the pre-formed container during application of the seating pressure. The lid press plate (20) is returned to the first position by a biasing assembly (18), after removal of the seating pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automatic on-demand conveying of stacks of nested lids to a lid placer employing two powered sections for first elevating the stacks of nested lids placed on a platform assembly then, shuttling the elevated nested stack interior of a guide assembly from a first position to a second position, the guide assembly then acts as an extension of the magazine of the lid placer until a predetermined quantity of lids have been separated and placed.