Abstract: An unpacking system that unpacks a box having flaps, including: an unsealing unit that cuts a proximity region where flaps facing each other in a closed state of flaps of the box come close together; a lid-opening unit that opens, at a predetermined angle exceeding 90 degrees, a predetermined flap of the flaps having been cut by the unsealing unit; and a flap cutting unit that cuts, along a side surface of the box, a base end side of the predetermined flap opened at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging assembly comprising a device for transporting a packaging means (2), in particular a carton, said device comprising a continuous conveying section (3) and a plurality of conveying elements (4, 5). The continuous conveying section (3) is oriented vertically, forming an upper run region (30) and a lower nm region (31), and the packaging means (2) is transported on the lower run region (31).

Abstract: A load port device comprises a link mechanism that has a main moving link whose one end is connected with a door holding member in a rotatable manner, a guide that bends and extends from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction and that guides one end of the main moving link, a main moving block with which the other end of the main moving link is connected in a rotatable manner and a door hoisting shaft that extends in the vertical direction and that moves the main moving block in the extending direction. The link mechanism allows the end of the main moving link to move from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction or from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction along the guide in a state that the other end of the main moving link moves to the vertical direction.

Abstract: A processing method for automatically opening a slide-open package of tobacco articles with a hinged lid; the processing method including the steps of: mechanically clamping an outer container of the package; exerting pull on the lid to rotate the lid into an open position by means of a first actuator, which contacts a top wall of the lid, and has a suction head which engages the top wall by suction; and, simultaneously and in coordination with the step of exerting pull on the lid, exerting thrust on an inner container of the package, to slide the inner container axially with respect to the outer container, by means of a second actuator, which contacts a wall of the inner container through a window formed through a corresponding wall of the outer container.

Abstract: A method of severing a band (11) which encloses a blank stack (10), wherein the band (11), preferably in the region of a band station (19), is severed by a cutting means, in particular a knife (23), and is then removed from the blank stack (10). According to the invention, it is provided that the blank stack (10) is pushed together such that the band (11) is spaced apart from the blank stack (10), at least in certain regions, and that the band (11) is then severed in the spaced-apart region by the cutting means. The invention also relates to a corresponding apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area of the metal end closure may be opened by utilizing a pull tab interconnected to a central panel, the pull tab being adapted for applying a downward force to form a first opening. Subsequently, the pull tab is rotated and the tail end lifted to form a second opening in the end closure.

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 system having an upstream module M for storing cardboard blanks, a central module C with a device for taking the blanks from the magazine, and a downstream packing and packaging module V having a station where the blanks are erected. The extractor arm is mounted on a carriage which is movable so as to move the blanks lengthwise and the arm is movable relative to the carriage by an actuating mechanism which enables the arm to articulate about an axis. The distance D between the exit edge of the magazine and the reference point of the station is fixed, and the carriage controls the movements of the blank extracted from the magazine in order to avert the risk of interference with the magazine and to position the blank in the station to enable it to be erected, and this for a whole range of forms of blanks.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flange topped by a fitting including a trap adapted to seize and drive a lid of a barrel for opening the same and two inflatable gaskets equipping the flange and the trap that are inflated for clamping the container and the lid of the barrel at the connection thereof. Contamination inside the barrel and inside the upper enclosure will only spread over small surfaces of the apparatus between the gaskets and to the connection of both parts of the barrel.

Abstract: In order to insert packages, particularly bags (10) having fragile packaging goods into containers or cartons (14), the carton (14) is held ready in a packing station (16) such that the bags (10) can be inserted into the carton (14) by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher (56). In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags (10) within the carton (14), said carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton (14) at a predetermined feed plane.

Abstract: A member for opening a rectangular cuboid includes a elongated body having an insertion section, a delamination and a folding section sequentially positioned along the longitudinal axis of the body. The insertion section includes a tapered insertion end configured for guiding the body into an opening in an end of the cuboid. The delamination section is configured to laterally displace first and second flaps of the cuboid relative to each other away from a first sealed position. The opening section has oppositely facing sidewalls to deflect the first and second flaps to a second open position at which the first and second flaps are opened past first and second sides of the cuboid. A machine having the opening member and a method of opening a rectangular cuboid are also included.

Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.

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 substantially tubular end-loadable carton (200) comprising a top wall (212), an inwardly-extending structure (X2) foldably adjoining said top wall (212) stowable in a substantially flat-face position with an underside of said top wall (212), and a top end flap (X1) connected to said inwardly-extending structure is translated in a direction (F) and a flap deflector (310) is disposed to engage and deflect the end flap (X1a) downwardly and thereby cause the inwardly-extending structure (X2a) to pivot upwardly inside the carton (200) into substantially flat-face position with the underside of the top wall (212) of the carton (200).

Abstract: A machine for packaging articles, in particular CDs, DVDs and the like, into relative containers, which are formed by a pair of substantially box-like closure members, lower (GD and upper (G2), hinged to each other along a common hinge edge (D), includes a conveying line (L), which is equipped all around with gripping and transferring devices (1). The gripping and transferring devices (1) are moved continuously and grip lateral edges of die iowa closure member (G1) of the containers (C) housed in closed condition inside a magazie (S0) and remove the containers (C) from the bottom of the magazine (S0). The gripping and transferring devices (1) transfer the containers withdrawn from the magazine (S0) to subseqaent working stations associated to the line (L).

Abstract: Cartoner machine and a method of operating same. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus or system for automatically assembling or erecting tote containers, and a corresponding method or process for practicing or implementing the assembly or erection of the tote containers, is disclosed wherein tote container workpieces are disposed in a serial array within a magazine or hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons having different height dimensions comprises cigarette carton unsealing and opening stations, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, and cigarette carton closing and re-sealing stations. A pair of plow mechanisms are disposed at the cigarette carton opening station, which comprises a two-stage cigarette carton opening station, so as to ensure the opening of each top flap member of each cigarette carton. In addition, a waxed tax stamp paper roll disposed at the tax stamp application station is indexably movable with respect to the stamping iron of the tax stamp application station so as to always ensure that the tax stamps are applied to central portions of each cigarette package of each cigarette carton indexably moved to the tax stamp application station.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons having different height dimensions comprises a cigarette carton height determination station at which the height dimension of a particular cigaratte carton is determined. Such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the programmable logic controller (PLC) controls a single servo motor and linear actuator assembly, operatively connected to a support surface along which the cartons are movably disposed, so as to control the elevational level of the support surface whereby the cigarette cartons are always disposed at the proper elevational level with respect to various implements located at different operational stations.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and the height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The programmable logic controller (PLC) automatically adjusts mechanisms located at the various stations in accordance with the height dimension data characteristic of each cigarette carton.

Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form, a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.

Abstract: A system for removing covers from shipping cassettes that are used to ship computer disk media unlatches the covers and separates them from the cassette in a single fixture position. A movable fork unlatches a top cover from a bottom cover while the cassette is rotated off of the bottom cover. This action unlatches and separates the two covers allowing the removal of the bottom cover from the cassette in one motion. The top cover is then easily lifted off of the bottom cover.

Abstract: An unsealing method for unsealing a packaging structure for a liquid container in which the packaging structure includes a covering member having an air vent sealing portion, a liquid supply sealing portion, and a connecting region which covers a connecting side of the liquid container and which connects the air vent and liquid supply scaling portions. The liquid supply sealing portion effects non-adhering sealing, and the connecting portion provides resistance against unsealing of the liquid supply portion. The covering member also has first and second regions which respectively include first and second resistance generation portions for generating resistance against unsealing. According to the unsealing method, the air vent is unsealed, the first resistance generating portion is separated from the liquid container, the liquid supply portion is unsealed, and the second resistance generating portion is separated.

Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.

Abstract: An opening device for a solid material package includes a package supporting unit for fixedly supporting a main body of a solid material package having a pair of pulling flaps, an opening unit formed from grips for gripping the pair of pulling flaps so that an opening angle formed by the pair of pulling flaps is 10° to 180°, a pair of movable pieces for supporting the grips, and pulling units for pulling the pair of movable pieces to open the package, and a moving unit for moving the package supporting unit upward in conjunction with the pulling unit such that the solid material package is caused to move upward as the movable pieces grip the pulling flaps with the grips and the pulling units pull the movable pieces within the opening angle to peel off a seal section of the solid material package to discharge the solid material from the package.

Abstract: A box opener that includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal dimension. The shaft supports a box broaching wedge, operatively supported by the end of the shaft. The wedge narrowing from a base that is at least 2 cm (0.79 in) in dimension transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the shaft to a blunt edge spaced from the base by at least 2 cm (0.79 in).

Abstract: A flap pull tool used in conjunction with a separate closure in fastening containers having a pair of upper entry-exit flaps and at least one lower entry-exit flap. The closure includes an upper member, a lower member and a connector disposed between and attached to both the lower and upper member. In use the closure's connector is positioned between the container's closed upper flaps. The flap pull tool comprises an elongated arm having at one end a handle for gripping and at an opposite end a catch means for engaging a portion of the container's lower flap and lifting the lower flap against the closed upper flaps, at which point a portion of the closure's lower member is inserted beneath the lower flap. The lower flap is then released onto the lower member and the connector is moved against the edge of the lower flap, which is sufficient to fasten the container.

Abstract: Improvements in high-speed machines for inserting sheets into envelopes include a first apparatus for pre-opening envelopes after they are pulled from a hopper and before a blade-like envelope flap opener fully opens them. The first apparatus includes a roller and a roller housing having a top part that defines a small space between them through which a flap-including longitudinal edge of an envelope passes. The edge is constrained to form a curvature as it passes through the small space, causing the flap to open at least to some extent. A second improvement in pre-openers includes a cut out formed in an envelope support plate and a rigid deflector positioned in the path of the envelopes as they leave the hopper. The envelope flaps are partly opened as they are deflected below the plane of the support plate. A third improvement includes a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in an envelope-supporting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for seating and unseating cassette lids from cassettes include utilizing two upright guides that are spaced apart by a distance that causes each guide to project between a cassette and a flap of a cassette lid. Outwardly facing surfaces of the guides are sloped such that the guides have an increasing cross sectional area with approach toward a base of the device. In an unseating operation, downward pressure is applied to the cassette lid, causing the flaps of the cassette to follow the sloped contour of the outwardly facing guide surfaces. The configuration of the guides causes the flaps to separate from the downwardly moving cassette. When the pressure is relaxed, material memory causes the lid to return to its original shape, sliding up the guides while the cassette remains in place. For some cassettes, structure for retaining the cassette in position may be beneficial.

Abstract: A unitary panel sorting and packing machine receives vinyl siding panels from an extruded production line. The machine includes a panel receiving section which includes lifting and flipper arms for selectively inverting panels for packing efficiency. From the panel receiving section, the panels are transferred to a panel accumulation section. The machine also includes a box folding section for folding corrugated paper box blanks along predetermined score lines. The box folding section is preferably parallel and adjacent to the panel receiving section and the panel accumulation section and includes retractable arms which selectively position the box in a ready position for packing panels therein. After the box is full, conveyor mechanisms carry the box from the box folding section through a box lid glue applying station and then into a box end folding and gluing station. This machine can substantially reduce repetitive stress caused injury to the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically closing and/or opening of the envelope closing flap for any sized envelope when stacked together. This device makes use of a vacuum transfer device using suction cups along with a drive roller and camming device for selectively gripping and moving individual envelopes through the system. The envelopes, if open, will be stacked upright in a feed tray and, if closed, will be stacked inverted in the feed tray and will be passed to two main drive rollers as a burst of air is emitted from a wedge to change the orientation of the closing flap from a first position to a second position. This can be used for opening or closing of such flaps. The device also includes a housing with multiple rollers powered therein along with a connecting rod assembly and cam member for selectively supplying vacuum to the pivotally movable suction powered vacuum transfer device.