Abstract: A system for forming retained container groups from an arrayed container group (ACG) via application of an adapted retainer blank to the ACG is generally provided. The system is advantageously characterized by a container conveyance apparatus for conveying arrayed container groups, a supply of retainer blanks from which retainer blanks are dispensable, and a processing station characterized by a segment of the container conveyance apparatus, a die block, for receipt of a dispensed retainer blank from the supply of retainer blanks, and a robotic arm equipped with an end of arm tool (EOAT).

Abstract: A high-speed automated ring carrier applicator system and methods of using the same are provided. The applicator system is operable to be loaded with a magazine of ring carriers and individually apply them to a plurality of individual containers for beverages, food, pharmaceuticals, or other goods. The ring carriers may include a plurality of full or partial apertures (e.g., 2 to 12, or other numbers of apertures), each with a neck-engaging locking mechanism to receive and hold a container.

Abstract: A machine for packaging multiple containers wherein a flexible carrier stock is fed across a jaw drum. A plurality of containers are moved through the machine whereby the carrier is subsequently positioned over the plurality of containers so that flexible carrier stock engages with two or more of the containers to form a package. The jaw drum and other operative components of the machine are preferably vertically adjustable to accommodate a range of container sizes and carrier configurations.

Abstract: A system for packaging two or more containers with a paperboard carrier having two or more apertures. Each aperture has a plurality of tabs formed at an inside edge thereof that bend upward when contacting a lower edge of a chime of one of the containers. The system includes a platen having apertures for pressing the carrier down uniformly onto the containers and a carrier support configured for maintaining the carrier in the flat configuration as the platen presses the carrier onto the containers substantially simultaneously. Some embodiments of the system include a one-piece manual applicator, while other embodiments include a semi-automatic apparatus that includes a carrier support with retractable carrier support plates and a linear actuator for pressing the platen and carrier down on the containers. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an engagement collar to a group of articles, which includes an application area defining a horizontal support surface for receiving a group of articles, a horizontal press plate positioned above the support surface and mounted for vertical movement relative to the support surface, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the press plate for moving the press plate relative to the support surface to apply an engagement collar to the group of articles positioned on the support surface within the application area, wherein the actuation assembly includes an actuation lever that is located below the press plate and in front of the application area to provide an ergonomic work environment.

Abstract: A packaging system for the selection, grouping and loading of varying size and/or configuration product packs into cartons as provided. The packaging system includes a selection area having a primary selector for forming an initial product pack configuration, and a secondary selector adapted to select and direct an additional grouping of products into a nested arrangement against the initial product pack so as to form a nested product pack. The nested product packs thereafter can be engaged by loader arms of a pair of opposed loading assemblies, which move the nested product packs into a series of cartons moving through the packaging machine. Thereafter, the ends of the cartons can be closed and sealed to complete the packaging of the product packs therein.

Abstract: A carrier having a plurality of apertures for holding a plurality of containers together is provided. The carrier has mutually spaced drive pins holes distributed longitudinally therealong. Each container aperture is positioned longitudinally between drive pin holes and each aperture has a centre which is longitudinally offset from a mid-point between successive drive pin holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic package device, which may include a rack and a power control box provided on the rack. The cutter blade transportation device is provided on the rack along the X axis direction. Below the cutter blade transportation device and inside the rack, lower film feeding device is provided. At the rear side of the rack, the upper film feeding device is provided. At the front end of the cutter blade transportation device and on the rack are provided a blade feeding rail and cutter blade carrying device cooperating with each other. At the rear end of the cutter blade transportation device is provided a film sealing device which cooperates with the upper film feeding device and lower film feeding device. At the rear end of the film sealing device and on the rack is provided a dragging device fitting the blade strip. At the back side of the dragging device is provided a transverse cutting device fitting the blade strip.

Abstract: A container for an electronic device having a battery and a method of maintaining electrical charge in the battery are described. The container includes a cushioning material, such as molded expanded foam, to receive and secure the device (e.g. for shipping or storage) and to position its battery charging interface near a charging terminal within the container. The charging terminal itself cushions the device, and is electrically connected to charging terminals on the top and bottom of the container, such as a plate on the top and a pogo pin on the bottom. Connecting the charging terminals to a power source supplies power to the charging terminal, hence the battery charging interface of the device either via a physical contact or wireless power transfer. The container and method may be used to deliver the electronic device fully charged to an end user.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a forming and transporting apparatus for conveying rod-like articles and for forming groups of the rod-like articles of the tobacco industry, comprising transport units, whereas a transport unit comprises a transport carriage adapted to move along a path, and a transport tray provided with a number of transport grooves adapted to hold the rod-like articles, whereas the tray is fastened to the transport carriage, whereas the transport tray is divided into two transport sections which are adapted to change the reciprocal position between an open configuration in which the transport grooves are situated substantially in one plane and a closed configuration in which the transport grooves are situated in two planes being substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A packaging system for the selection, grouping and loading of varying size and/or configuration product packs into cartons as provided. The packaging system includes a selection area having a primary selector for forming an initial product pack configuration, and a secondary selector adapted to select and direct an additional grouping of products into a nested arrangement against the initial product pack so as to form a nested product pack. The nested product packs thereafter can be engaged by loader arms of a pair of opposed loading assemblies, which move the nested product packs into a series of cartons moving through the packaging machine. Thereafter, the ends of the cartons can be closed and sealed to complete the packaging of the product packs therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for faulting a carton containing a group of articles and a method of forming a carton. The apparatus comprises an article positioning system for positioning articles into a plurality of groups of articles and moving the groups of articles along a processing path, a blank handling apparatus for conveying a plurality of carton blanks towards the plurality of groups of articles, and a folding mechanism that is downstream of the blank handling apparatus for folding a portion of the ends of each respective carton blank downwardly around the respective group of articles.

Abstract: According to one embodiment described herein, the forces of a shrink film may be measured. The method of measuring the forces may include providing a shrink film processing unit and a testing vehicle moveable within the shrink film processing unit, positioning a shrink film around the testing vehicle, processing the wrapped testing vehicle by shrinking the shrink film around the testing vehicle as the testing vehicle moves through the shrink film processing unit, and measuring the forces applied by the shrink film on the testing vehicle with one or more force sensors at multiple separate sensor positions on the exterior of the testing vehicle during processing, after processing, or both.

Abstract: An assembly for feeding objects downstream into an automated machine includes a track, a tamping location on the track, a stop disposed at the tamping location, and a forward path through the track. A spring proximate to the tamping location moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the spring, the spring cooperates with the stop to interrupt the forward path. In the second position of the spring, the spring cooperates with the stop to open the forward path to allow objects to move downstream in the track.

Abstract: To close gaps between workpieces stacked by a robot 2. A movable member 12 is provided to base members 11a, 11b so as to be movable in a stacking direction of the workpieces stacked by the robot. Adjustment members 13a, 13b are stretching in a direction of a stacking area A11 of the workpieces and are provided to the movable member 12 so as to be movable in a direction in which both members are opposing to each other. Adjustment members 14a, 14b are stretching in the direction of the stacking area A11 of the workpieces and are provided to the adjustment member 13a so as to be movable in a direction in which both members are opposing to each other. Adjustment members 15a, 15b are stretching in the direction of the stacking area A11 of the workpieces and are provided to the adjustment member 13b so as to be movable in a direction in which both members are opposing to each other.

Abstract: A method for packing tubes or cans is proposed which arrive continuously from a production line and are taken over by a transport unit by means of a grouping unit. The transport unit transports the tubes or cans in a desired formation into a retaining hoop of a strapping unit, wherein the retaining hoop is able to grip the formation in a pincer-like movement, whereupon the formation is strapped using a plastic band and transported further. The transport is achieved by means of two spike plates which are used alternately.

Abstract: A folding unit for producing packages of pourable food products from sealed packs having each a main portion and opposite end portions arranged on opposite sides of the main portion; each pack comprises a fin and a pair of flaps projecting laterally from main portion; a first movable conveying member fed with a plurality of packs and which feeds the pack along a forming path; and folder which interacts with each pack along forming path to fold relative first end fin onto the portion; the folder comprising: a first member movable along forming path together with the conveying member and defining a slot receiving, in use, end fin; and a second member movable relative to first member between a first position in which it engages at least partially slot, so as to fold end fin onto a relative end portion, and a second position in which it leaves free slot.

Abstract: A system for packaging containers within a flexible container carrier includes a generally continuous string of container carriers arranged with divisible weakened connections between adjacent individual container carriers that is fed through an applicating machine for applying the container carriers to individual containers. A cut-off device is arranged downstream of the applicating machine to selectively accelerate or decelerate the containers to separate the generally continuous string into individual container carriers.

Abstract: Thermoforming apparatus and methods are described. To-be-formed polymeric material may be separated initially from a mold surface by a grid or support rail, avoiding the mold surface from drawing heat away from the material while it is being heated to forming temperatures. The grid may retract into the mold when no longer needed to support the material. Plugs or inserts about which material is formed may include skirts, allowing the formed material to be shaped so as to guide coins or other objects into cavities in which the coins or objects are held for presentation or display. Profile plates associated with the molds may include non-stick material on their sides intended to abut to-be-formed polymeric sheets in order to reduce possibility of transfer of printing from the sheets to the plates and reduce undesired transfer of heat from the plates to the sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: A grouper apparatus for a packaging machine and methods of grouping items for packaging are provided. The grouper apparatus may have at least two container guides for defining lanes for receiving containers, at least one of the at least two container guides being movable, and at least one timing screw. The at least one timing screw may be positioned at least one of: between the at least two container guides; and coaxial with a corresponding one of the at least two container guides. The at least one timing screw may be adapted to receive and advance at least one lane of containers on either side thereof. A controller may be provided for controlling revolution of the at least one timing screw to provide at least one of a desired output grouping and a desired output rate of the containers.

Abstract: A process for collation shrink wrapping an object that may include a number of individual containers, preferably a number of substantially identical containers. The process may include the steps of (i) obtaining a binding tape that is a film uniaxially oriented in the machine direction (MD) and wrapping the tape around the object, (ii) sealing the ends of the now wrapped binding tape (i.e., to form a loop), (iii) obtaining a collation shrink film that may include a multimodal linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), the film being a stretched film that is uniaxially oriented in the machine direction (MD) in a draw ratio of at least 1:3, (iv) wrapping the collation shrink film around the object of step (ii), (v) heating the wrapped object of step (iv) such that the tape shrinks in its machine direction and the collation shrink film shrinks in its machine direction.

Abstract: With a random incoming axial stream of pallets of articles, there is a stack of blanks, an axial stream synchronized with pallets is formed, all of the pallets are transferred from the axial stream synchronized with pallets to constitute an axial stream that is synchronized with lots, lots are separated by empty spaces having length of one or more article lengths, whereby the spacing is thus variable and adapted to lot length, blanks are unstacked upon demand based on the pallets to constitute a synchronized stream of blanks corresponding to the stream synchronized with lots. Blanks are separated by empty spaces with length of one or more article lengths, starting from the stream synchronized with lots and the stream synchronized with blanks; each lot of articles is made to work with each blank before the blank is folded around the lot of articles and made into a single unit.

Abstract: A packaging module for wrapping packs or article groups with packaging film. The packs or article groups to be wrapped are transported in an upright position on a horizontal conveying device to a packaging station. A film wrapping device includes at least one wrapping rod extending perpendicular to the transport direction and is guided on both long sides of the horizontal conveying device by continuous traction devices. The continuous traction devices each includes guiding sections that define the position and the deflection of the continuous traction device. The corresponding guiding sections of the two parallel continuous traction devices are adjustable pair wise in the same direction in their vertical and/or horizontal position and/or in their angular position about a pivot point.

Abstract: A carrier comprising a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel connected to the first side panel by at least one first strut, and a second bottom panel connected to the second side panel by at least one second strut. At least one container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature and an opposing second retaining feature. At least a portion of the first retaining feature or the second retaining feature is disposed in the first side panel or the second side panel. A container can be retained by at least one of the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature. At least a portion of at least one of the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel is disposed between the container and the top panel.

Abstract: A packaging machine (10) comprising two or more packaging subsystems each capable of packaging articles (A) into a carton, wherein the packaging subsystems share a common source of articles (11) to be packaged and at least one transfer mechanism 5 (22) is provided for transferring articles (A) from the common source to any of the two or more packaging subsystems.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging individual beverage containers is disclosed. A package of individual beverage containers includes a plurality of beverage cartons abutted at respective edge surfaces; each beverage carton contains a plurality of individual beverage containers. The beverage cartons are secured together by at least one resilient band that is disposed over and applies a force to secure together the plurality of beverage cartons.

Abstract: A readily dividable container carrier includes a first container engaging opening, a second container engaging opening, and a handle structure located between the first container engaging opening and the second container engaging opening. The handle structure includes a first portion located toward the first container engaging opening and a second portion located toward the second container engaging opening, and a separation line between the first portion and the second portion, the separation line formed by a line of weakness along the handle structure. A method and apparatus for applying the carrier are provided.

Abstract: A container packaging system for containers applies an apertured plastics film carrier stock to substantially identical containers such as beverage cans having annular chimes, cylindrical side walls, and frusto-conical walls between the chimes and the side walls. The carrier stock has shaped apertures to securely retain drinks cans, food cans, bottles and similar containers, as a multi-pack unit. The carrier stock is rolled onto suitably juxtaposed containers engaging a tabbed aperture edge portion progressively from above to below the upper edge of the respective containers to be multi-packed and assumes a waveform 3D conformation to unitise the containers. The rolling method contrasts prior stretch application methods and enables cheaper and thinner carrier stock to be used.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a machine to group and join at last two articles by attaching a first packaging to form a packaging unit. The individual packaging units are joined together with an additional second packaging to form a bigger unit. The process is carried out continuously, whereby the packaging units are transposed or not.

Abstract: A method for producing a plurality of packages of liquid containers including the steps of dividing the liquid containers into groups representing the packages, applying handles to a film, wherein the film is located in a feeding area for the film, supplying one film to each of the groups of liquid containers via the feeding area, and wrapping each group of liquid containers with the film and the applied handle, thereby completing the packages.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) and a method for making packs (30) of at least two beverage containers (20) are disclosed. Using a conveyor, (15) the beverage containers (20) are fed to a station (10), at which the beverage containers (20) can be guided into a separate holding element (16). The station (10) has at least two rigid guiding elements (50), which are positioned in the station in transport direction of the beverage containers (20) in such a way that they run towards each other and thus clamp the beverage containers (20) in the holding element (16).

Abstract: A shrink film applying apparatus includes an article feed for feeding articles for shrink-wrapping at line pressure; a wrapping conveyor driven at a wrapping speed through a wrapping zone, the wrapping conveyor receiving articles from the article feed. First and second films are supplied to the wrapping zone. A plurality of flight bars are individually driven in a path at a variable speed. A sealing mechanism within the wrapping zone seals the first film to the second film at contact points to form a circumferential film unit substantially surrounding grouped articles within loops of second film and a corresponding portion of the first film, the film unit being shrinkable about the grouped articles to form a package. Related methods and subassemblies of the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invented method involves the formation of bundles of easily breakable, load bearing product containers and the use of these to form layers of product in shipping industry unit loads. The invented method is intended to avoid the use of wine cases and similar boxes in unit loads.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet and a plurality of container receiving apertures formed in the flexible sheet together with a system and method of application including an applicating machine for applying the flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw assembly that reciprocates to apply a generally continuous string of carrier stock onto a quantity of containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking a bar code in a package includes a carrier with a plurality of apertures. The carrier is formed with a plastic material containing an absorbing dye and a fluorescing dye so that a bar code on each container is not readable by a bar code scanner.

Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one feature is in the top panel that receives and holds a top portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one feature comprises an opening in the top panel and a retention feature adjacent the opening to engage at least one container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the at least one container to the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking a bar code in a package includes a carrier with a plurality of apertures. The carrier is formed with a plastic material containing an absorbing dye and a fluorescing dye so that a bar code on each container is not readable by a bar code scanner.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking a bar code in a package includes a carrier with a plurality of apertures and an opaque section. The carrier is engaged with a plurality of containers so that a bar code on each container is rotationally oriented toward a center of the resulting package and is blocked by adjacent containers and/or the opaque section of the carrier from a bar code scanner.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) and a method for making packs (30) of at least two beverage containers (20) is disclosed. By means of a conveyor means (15) the beverage containers (20) are at least fed to a station (10), at which the beverage containers (20) can be guided into a separate holding element (16). The station (10) has at least two rigid guiding elements (50), which are positioned in the station in transport direction of the beverage containers (20) in such a way that they run towards each other and thus clamp the beverage containers (20) in the holding element (16).

Abstract: An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw drum moveable between an operating position and a storage position away from the operating position. In the operating position the jaw drum is positioned with respect to the infeed to accept the plurality of containers and apply the flexible carrier to the plurality of containers. A second jaw drum may be moveable into the operating position to enable packaging of containers having different dimensions and/or packages having different configurations.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers that include a shoulder and a relatively narrower waist. The flexible carrier includes a flexible sheet having two rows of container receiving apertures formed therein. The plurality of containers are each placed into a respective container receiving aperture around the waist and are thus unitized in a package. The flexible carrier may further include an integrated handle.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a liquid beverage material with a packing apparatus for packing filled bottles and a method of operation thereof. Further, a method of manufacturing and stacking packaging units with increased stability is performed.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet and a plurality of container receiving apertures formed in the flexible sheet together with a system and method of application including an applicating machine for applying the flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw assembly that reciprocates to apply a generally continuous string of carrier stock onto a quantity of containers.