Abstract: A robotic end of arm tool to effectuate loaded case closure is provided. The tool includes a loaded case flap folding assembly to effectuate folding of flaps extending from a first case panel of a loaded case and, advantageously, loaded case squaring assemblies. The folding assembly includes flap engaging elements, a linkage and an actuator, the flap engaging elements operatively united with the linkage, the linkage actuatable via the actuator in furtherance of causing the flap engaging elements to engage the flaps extending from the first case panel. Flap engaging elements include a first flap engaging element for engagement with a first flap extending from the first case panel of the loaded case, and second and third flap engaging elements for engagement with second and third flaps opposingly extending from the first case panel, each of the second and third flaps adjacent the first flap.

Abstract: A case sealing device is disclosed. The case sealing device conveys a cardboard box and simultaneously closes a flap group provided on edges of opening of the cardboard box. The case sealing device includes a folding member, a drive unit, and a control unit. The folding member contacts a flap of the flap group that extends along a conveyance direction of the cardboard box and folds the flap. The drive unit moves the folding member. The control unit controls the drive unit. In operation of folding the flap, a longitudinal direction of the folding member is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction such that the folding member contacts a front edge of the flap in the conveyance direction before other portions of the flap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding device (10) for transporting an outer cardboard package (20) having folding lines and for folding at least one side flap (21) of the outer cardboard package (20). The folding device (10) comprises at least one conveyor system with a guiding unit (11) and with at least two transporting and folding shuttles (30) disposed on the guiding unit (11) for the transport of the outer cardboard packages (20) in a transport direction (TR). The at least two shuttles (30) are disposed in a row at the conveyor system and are transported in a transport direction (TR) through and/or by the conveyor system. Each shuttle (30) comprises its own, individually controllable drive (32) and further at least one folding unit (35) for folding over at least one side flap (21) of an outer cardboard package (20).

Abstract: The invention is directed to solving the problem of wrapping a bundle with cardboard without using glue to hold the cardboard flaps in place before wrapping the bundle with a heat shrink film. The problem is solved by using a mechanical fly bars to restrain the flaps of an insert while moving a bundle on a conveyor. The insert can be any material that provides structural protection to the bundle during stacking.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a preformed polypropylene bag after a bale has been inserted therein as the bale and bag traverse along a longitudinal line of travel. Left and right rotatable side flaps fold the left and right bag closure flaps onto the bale. A bottom rotatable fold plate partially folds the bag bottom closure flap and a top fold bar is extended and folds the top bag closure flap onto the bale. The bottom fold plate then folds the bag bottom closure flap onto the bale. The top and bottom bag closure flaps are sandwiched between the rotatable side flaps and the bottom fold plate and over a slack bar therebetween forming a slack portion. A heating assembly directs heat to the slack portion melting the polypropylene and a press plate is extended to the slack melted portion thereby fusing the bag closure flaps together.

Abstract: A pack, and a method and apparatus for producing the pack, comprising an outer pack and an inner pack as a sealed block with an inner blank which encloses the pack contents, the inner pack having, in the region of an inner end wall, an opening aid which can be used a number of times and, in the region of side walls of the inner pack, folding flaps which are connected to one another by thermal sealing. Folding flaps in the region of an inner rear wall of the inner blank are configured as a fin fold and are connected to one another by thermal sealing outside the region of the cigarette group to form a fin seam, the fin seam being arranged at a spacing from regions of folding flaps which cover one another multiple times, in the region of the inner side walls.

Abstract: A Closing apparatus (1) for closing packaging elements, in particular cardboard boxes, comprises conveying device (2) for conveying the packaging elements, a folding device (4) for folding down at least one section of the packaging element concerned, a first closing device (6) for closing at least one section of the packaging element concerned, arranged on a first longitudinal side of the conveying device (2), wherein the closing apparatus further comprises a second closing device (8) for closing at least a section of the packaging elements concerned that is mounted on a second longitudinal side of the conveying device (2) opposite the first longitudinal side of the conveying device (2).

Abstract: A flat blank carton is provided for packaging articles or products. The flat blank carton includes a base, a top, and a rear panel, hingedly connected to one another, and pairs of upper and lower side flaps hingedly attached to the top and base panels, respectively. The upper and lower side flaps include locking projections and corresponding locking recesses that are brought into mating, locking engagement as the top panel is folded over the base panel. After loading with products, the front end flaps of the cartons can be sealed to close the cartons.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging products in a container employs an active compression assembly having pressure members which are shifted from a raised position to a lowered operational position. In the operational position, each pressure member holds a respective upper container flap against a lower container flap while an interposed adhesive sets. More specifically, with the at least one pressure member pushing upon the upper flaps, both the container and the at least one pressure member are forced to move in unison along a manufacturing line while the at least one pressure member applies pressure on the upper flaps as the adhesive sets to seal the upper flaps to the lower flaps and close the upper opening.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing flaps of a rectangular cuboid includes a pair of first flap closing guide members to guide a first flap from an open position to a closed position. A pair of second flap diverting members divert a second flap away from engaging the first flap closing guide members and a pair of second flap closing guide members that guide the second flap from an open position to a closed position. A machine having the closing apparatus and a method of closing a rectangular cuboid are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an end closure structure of a carton. The end closure structure is formed from minor end flaps and major end flaps. The apparatus includes a carton conveyor for transferring the carton in a flow direction along a carton conveyor path, a major end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the major end flaps in an outwardly upright position, a minor end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the minor end flaps in an inwardly folded position, and a gluing station for applying adhesive to the major and minor end flaps.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a folding apparatus for closing an end of an end loaded carton that includes leading and trailing side end flaps. The packaging machine includes a carton conveyor for transporting a carton in a flow direction along a carton path. The folding apparatus includes a lug assembly that has at least one folding lug that travels along an endless lug path. The folding lug travels in the flow direction and in parallel to the carton path along at least a portion of the lug path such that the folding lug can operate in concert with separation guide and a combination guide to fold the leading and trailing side end flaps in the desired sequence.

Abstract: A tape guide plate and finger plate assembly for the leading end portion of the carton or case sealing tape is provided in order to effectively prevent the leading end portion of the carton or case sealing tape from folding over upon itself whereby the adhesive material, disposed upon the front side surface portion of the sealing tape would effectively become stuck to itself and thereby foul further carton or case seal-ing operations. In addition, rollers are provided upon a finger plate so as to permit the sealing tape to be dispensed in a substantially frictionless or drag-free manner.

Abstract: A case sealer assembly comprises frame members which are fabricated from round tubular or rod stock. In this manner, water will tend to readily drain from such structures and not tend to accumulate upon such structures in order to prevent the harboring or growth of bacteria within such regions of the assembly. In addition, the case sealer assembly has knockdown capabilities as a result of comprising a plurality of subassemblies which are readily disassembled from one another in order to facilitate the cleaning of the various subassemblies as well as the overall case sealer assembly, and in addition, to facilitate maintenance or replacement of component parts. Various subassemblies of the case sealer assembly are also reversibly mounted upon the main tube frame subassembly so as to effectively render the case sealer assembly operative in either one of two different directions as may be preferred in accordance with particular manufacturing plant processing lines.

Abstract: A case sealing apparatus includes a frame structure including a case conveyance path extending from a case infeed station to a case outfeed station. First and second side conveying units extend between the infeed station and the outfeed station. The first and second side conveying units are moveable toward and away from the conveyance path for engaging opposite sides of cases to move cases of various widths from the infeed station toward the outfeed station. A lower tape head assembly is positioned along the conveyance path to apply tape to case bottoms. The lower tape head assembly is movable between a lowered position for taping and a raised position for changing tape. An upper tape head assembly is positioned along the conveyance path to apply tape to case tops. The upper tape head assembly is vertically movable to accommodate cases of various heights. A control system controls movement of the first and second side conveying unit, the upper tape head assembly and the lower tape head assembly.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a folding apparatus for closing an end of an end loaded carton that includes leading and trailing side end flaps. The packaging machine includes a carton conveyor for transporting a carton in a flow direction along a carton path. The folding apparatus includes a lug assembly that has at least one folding lug that travels along an endless lug path. The folding lug travels in the flow direction and in parallel to the carton path along at least a portion of the lug path such that the folding lug can operate in concert with separation guide and a combination guide to fold the leading and trailing side end flaps in the desired sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles such as pouches which do not have rigid structures. The method includes the steps of placing first and second sets of the articles onto spaced apart loading panels of a carton blank so that the article sets are spaced apart with an unloaded further panel of the blank disposed between the article sets, raising the spaced loading panels together with the respective sets of articles to transfer the sets of articles to the unloaded further panel so that the unloaded further panel becomes the loaded base of the carton and the loading panels become opposed side panels of the carton.

Abstract: A device for closing boxes which are each provided, at at least one end face, with at least one flap with a complementary end flap and with at least two folding lateral tabs which mutually interlock in the closure configuration with the complementary end flap, comprising, arranged laterally with respect to the direction of advancement of the boxes and one after the other, a folding element for folding the flap with respect to the box, at least one first rotating element for folding the complementary flap with respect to the flap, at least one second rotating element for inserting the complementary flap in the mouth of the box, and at least one third rotating element for interlocking the complementary flap with the lateral tabs, to completely close the box.

Abstract: A case sealer has a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes into a pair of spaced-apart lateral conveyors. A floating head located over the lateral conveyors folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. A seal dispensing platform carrying a tape dispenser seals the box flaps shut.

Abstract: A case sealer has a frame with a low friction conveyor upon which boxes are moved in series through three stages, each having an independent pair of spaced-apart, lateral conveyors that are linked together for inward and outward movement to accommodate the width of the box to be sealed. A first measuring stage measures the height, width and length of the box. A second flap folding stage has a floating head located over its lateral conveyors and is responsive to the height and width of the box and folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. When a box enters the flap folding stage, the lateral conveyors in the measuring stage open to accept the next box, and based on the speed of the lateral conveyors and the measured length of the previous box, a gate allows the next box to enter the measuring stage as soon as the previous box has cleared the measuring stage.

Abstract: A method and device for folding an end portion of a substantially elliptical-section, tubular wrapping for a group of cigarettes, whereby the end portion of the tubular wrapping is folded by forming three first and three second folded flaps located on opposite sides of a major axis of the elliptical section of the tubular wrapping; the first and second flaps being defined respectively by a respective central flap and by two respective lateral flaps, each of the second flaps being specular with a corresponding first flap, and being located between the major axis of the elliptical section and a packing wheel supporting the tubular wrapping; the first flaps being folded first, commencing with the first central flap; and the second flaps being folded subsequently, commencing with the second lateral flaps.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a box having four top flaps initially disposed in an open position. The apparatus includes a conveying system for conveying the box from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flap folding system for folding the top flaps of the box into folded and horizontal positions as the box is conveyed from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The flap folding system has a first flap folding member configured to fold a fourth top flap of the box, a second flap folding member configured to fold a second top flap of the box, and a pair of oppositely disposed side flap folding members configured to fold a first and third top flaps of the box so as to abut each other. A tape dispensing system is configured to dispense tape across at least a portion of the third and fourth top flaps of the box in order to maintain the third and fourth top flaps in abutment with each other, thereby sealing the box.

Abstract: A case sealer has a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes into a pair of spaced-apart lateral conveyors. The lateral conveyors have converging centering conveyor belts that center the boxes and first advancing conveyor belts that open to the width of the box to be sealed. A floating head located over the lateral conveyors folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. The box is then picked up by a pair of second advancing conveyors that adjust to the width of the box. The second advancing conveyors are mounted on a seal dispensing platform carrying a tape dispenser for sealing the box flaps shut.

Abstract: A self-dimensioning machine for closing upper flaps of parallelepiped boxes including a base with support surface for the boxes, a couple of drive belts placed at the two sides of the support surface for engagement with the sides of the boxes, a device for detecting the position and horizontal dimensions of the boxes for controlling the movement of the drive belts, a rod pivoted on a head above the support surface descending from a rest position to engage, straighten and partially close the front flaps of the boxes, a vertically mobile touching group for detecting the height of the boxes and successively to the head in the advancement direction of the boxes, a central longitudinal guide carried by the touching group and positioning itself in a horizontal position above the support surface at a height corresponding to the height of the boxes for completing the closing of the front flap.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus in distribution equipment. The distribution equipment is of the type which marshals or groups together a number of objects into a unit and surrounds this unit with a continuous paperboard sheet. The paperboard sheet is folded in and glued along the one longitudinal side of the unit. The apparatus includes two cam curves which are disposed substantially parallel. The apparatus further includes an endless, driven chain which is parallel with the cam curves and on which a number of carriers are disposed. Each carrier consists of at least one inward folder and one hold-down device. The inward folder is disposed to follow the first cam curve and the hold-down device is disposed to follow the second cam curve.

Abstract: In a unit by which groups of cigarettes are packed in rigid type packets, the single packet is fashioned from a flat diecut blank folded around the group. An assembly consisting of one blank and one group is directed along a predetermined path and conveyed ultimately into a folding station with the blank still presenting two lateral flaps to be bent over and flattened; the station comprises two folders each presenting a fixed shoe of helical geometry around which a belt is looped slidably and positioned to engage a respective lateral flap as the assembly advances along the relative folding path, the active branch of the loop running in a direction concurrent with that of the advancing assemblies.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for erecting a carton, and a method of and an apparatus for closing a carton. The carton has 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device.

Abstract: A sleeve-type half package is closed by applying two beads of glue on each of two flaps on each end of the sleeve, folding those flaps inwardly by engagement with a nonglued strip between the beads and then folding the other two flaps at each end inwardly to engage a bead of glue on each of the two first-folded flaps at each end. The folding is done by thrust members as the half package is displaced linearly along a transport path.

Abstract: A device for folding vertical flaps of a container (1) moved along a line (100) for packaging products (3) into these containers (1) includes a (cam) member (11), guided along a cyclical trajectory (T) by support and operating means (20) cooperating with trajectory correcting means (6). The trajectory (T) includes a first part (T1), along which the (cam) member (11) moves close to container (1), upstream of said rear vertical flap (5) with respect to the container (1) movement direction (W), and a second part (T2), along which the rear vertical flap (5) is pushed. The second part (T2) is substantially parallel to the direction (W) and concordant therewith. The supporting and operating means (20) include a pulley (21) and a connecting rod (22), aimed at guiding the (cam) member (11) and a bar (13), connected thereto, along a circumference arc. The trajectory correcting means (6) include a rotating body (31), aimed at receiving slildingly the bar (13) in a seat (32) made therein.

Abstract: A carton manipulating device for rotating a carton in a packaging machine, which apparatus comprises carton pick up means adapted to engage at least one carton from the infeed stream and to convey the carton through a working reach of the apparatus and wherein the pick up means is rotatable intermittently along the working reach to cause the carton to be rotated during continuous forward movement.

Abstract: A mail-handling machine comprising at least firstly a postage-metering or “franking” module comprising at least print means for printing a postage imprint on a mail item and conveyor means for conveying said mail item along a mail item conveyor path defined by top and bottom guide plates, which conveyor means comprise at least mail item engagement means including bottom means mounted to move vertically, which engagement means are disposed at the inlet of the franking module, and secondly a mail item feed module disposed immediately upstream from the franking module and comprising at least conveyor means for conveying the mail items, and a moistener device, support means further being provided for supporting the mail items as they move between the feed module and the franking module, which support means are suitable for being moved in a manner synchronized with the vertical movement of the bottom engagement means.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a package transporting means, in particular a folding box transporting means, and a transverse pushing device comprising a plunger which can be displaced substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction of the package transporting means, by means of which a package disposed on the package transporting means can be displaced perpendicularly to the transport direction. Several plungers are thereby displaceably disposed at equal distances on an endless transport device circulating substantially parallel with respect to the transport direction of the package transporting means, wherein a cam track defines the displacement of the plungers and comprises a first section for axial extension of the plunger and a subsequent second section for axial retraction of the plunger. To enable simple and quick adaptation to the format of the folding box to be displaced, at least the first section of the cam track is formed by an adjustable abutment surface on which a first roller travels.

Abstract: A packaging machine has a folding rail 36 for guiding a prefolded bottom forming portion 14 of a container 11 fitted around a mandrel 31 from a first process station to a second process station during the movement of the mandrel 31 from the first to the second station while folding the bottom forming portion flat by contact therewith. The folding rail 36 comprises right and left two rail members 71, 72, with a clearance C formed therebetween for permitting an outer end of the prefolded bottom forming portion 14 of the container 11 fitted around the mandrel 31 to be inserted thereinto during the movement from the first to the second station. An unfolding preventing guide member 73 is disposed in the rail clearance C so as to come into contact with a required part of the bottom forming portion 14 during movement through the clearance.

Abstract: A slitter machine of the type where tab lock cases of varying height, width, and length are advanced therethrough in a product flow direction on a machine bed by a main drive motor, is presented. The slitter machine includes a frame, a centerline, a leading flap lifter and a trailing flap lifter. The leading flap lifter and trailing flap lifter are mounted are mounted to the frame on opposite sides of the centerline, and extend at an incline relative to the machine bed. Each flap lifter includes a tear drop assembly attached to a drive chain and actuated by a pair of cams to rotate the leading flap and the trailing flap toward a closed position. A chain track is disposed in each of the flap lifting assemblies, with the drive chains disposed therein. Each chain track has a first section having a first distance between the drive chains and a second section having a second distance between the drive chains. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: The base of the machine consists of three modular casings (1, 2, 3) which are aligned with one another and fixed together and inside which the synchronized systems for the various work stations are arranged. The frames of the parallel and vertical-axis belts (C1, C2) which are designed to convey the boxes (B) with a vertical arrangement are supported cantilever-fashion by the base casings, via upturned portal structures (6). The operating stations of the machine are supported by the frames of the belts or by the base casings, such that the box conveying line is free at the bottom so as to allow better cleaning and better inspection. The middle module (2) inserts the product (V) into the boxes.