Abstract: A method of accumulating packages and an accumulation module including a base cabinet, a rotatable accumulation dial, a hopper and picker assembly, the picker assembly extendable radially outward from a home position to a position outside of the hopper to retrieve a package and place the package on the accumulation module. The package is acted on by a first plunger from above and a stabilizing plunger from below to hold the package in place and then the package is treated by a heat stake anvil from below.

Abstract: A method for realising a package that comprises the following steps: arranging a first longitudinal edge (2) of the package in a substantially horizontal position; stacking a predefined number of ceramic tiles (T) to form a pile (P) on the 5 first longitudinal edge (2); arranging a second longitudinal edge (3) of the package on the pile (P); associating a bottom (4) of the package with a first longitudinal side of the first and of the second longitudinal edge (2,3); associating a first transversal edge (5) of the package with a first 10 transversal side of the first and of the second longitudinal edge (2,3); associating a second transversal edge (6) of the package with a second transversal side of the first and of the second longitudinal edge (2,3); rotating the package resting on the bottom (4).

Abstract: A robotic palletizer system and method include selectively operating a palletizing robot between at least a pregrouping state, in which the palletizing robot groups to-be-grouped items at a pregrouping station, and a principal grouping state, in which the palletizing robot groups to-be-grouped items at a principal grouping station. The system and method further include selectively operating a load securing machine between a securing state, in which the load securing machine at least partially secures to be grouped items grouped at the principal grouping station, and a non-operational state. The palletizing robot can be operated in the pregrouping state during at least a portion of a time interval during which the load securing machine is operating in the securing state to secure the to-be-grouped items grouped at the principal grouping station.

Abstract: A currency arranging and stacking apparatus with a hopper for receiving a plurality of paper currency bills and a bill stacker for receiving and stacking unfolded and paper currency bills in a common orientation. Between the hopper and bill stacker, the apparatus includes a currency unfolding apparatus, the currency unfolding apparatus having a vacuum belt under negative pressure for holding the paper currency bills and a wheel engaging the vacuum belt that rotates at a speed different from the vacuum belt, thereby unfolding folded paper currency bills. A currency creasing apparatus comprising a first creasing wheel and a second creasing wheel, creases the paper currency bills to prevent them from re-folding before uniform assembly in the bill stacker.

Abstract: A paper sheet bundling apparatus includes: a reel unit, in which a tape roll is set, configured to rotate the tape roll in a direction in which the tape is fed, and a direction in which the tape is wound; a tape transport unit, having a transport path provided between the reel unit and a tape bundling unit, configured to transport the tape, along the transport path, to supply the tape to the tape bundling unit when the tape bundling unit performs bundling, and to cause, when the tape bundling unit does not perform bundling, the tape to be in a stand-by state in which the tape is arranged continuously along the transport path; and specific operation execution means for executing, at a predetermined time, a specific operation of reducing tensile force in the tape arranged continuously along the transport path, when the tape bundling unit does not perform bundling.

Abstract: A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system.

Abstract: A bundled object is obtained in which a plurality of overlapped articles is sufficiently strongly bundled and it is also easy to release the bundling. A bundled object 1 is configured to include a body-to-be-bundled 3 which is made by overlapping a plurality of articles 2 and has four marginal portions 3a each extending a direction orthogonal to an overlapping direction, and a strip-shaped plastic tape 4 which bundles the body-to-be-bundled 3 by winding around the body-to-be-bundled 3 once so as to pass over the four marginal portions 3a. Then, both end portions 4a and 4b other than a winding portion of the plastic tape 4 are overlapped on each other at a position away from the body-to-be-bundled 3 and close to one marginal portion 3a, and the overlapped tape both end portions 4a and 4b are welded to each other at a plurality of welded portions H.

Abstract: A device (10, 100) for supplying notes of pecuniary value (24) to a thin-walled transport container (12) includes a stacking unit (20) for stacking the notes of pecuniary value (24) to be supplied to form a stack of notes of pecuniary value in a stacking region (26).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a paper-sheet processing apparatus includes a feed unit, a pickup unit, an inspection unit, a stacking unit, a backup drive unit, a banding unit, at least one power supply, a mode setting unit, and a fixing unit. At least one power supply supplies electric power to electrically operational parts of the extraction unit, inspection unit, stacking unit, backup drive unit, and a banding unit. The mode setting unit sets a standby mode in which electric power supply to at least one of the electrically operational parts is suspended temporarily. While the standby mode is set by the mode setting unit, the fixing unit fixes the backup to a position for setting of the standby mode.

Abstract: Procedure for the low-risk and zero-emission transportation of sulphur from solid sulphur deposits, in blocks of large dimensions, characterized in that it comprises the formation of blocks of sulphur, having suitable dimensions for being moved, by means of water cut techniques and the wrapping of the blocks obtained in polyethylene sheets.

Abstract: A device (10) for filling a thin-walled transport container (18) made of flexible material with notes of value is described. For this, the device (10) comprises a supply unit (12), a stacking unit (14) and a receiving unit (16) for receiving the thin-walled transport container (18). By means of a stuffing unit (20) the stacked notes of value are moved into the transport container (18) in several successive filling steps. A closing unit (22) closes the thin-walled transport container (18) after the last filling step. The receiving unit (16) comprises a contact sensor (32) which, upon contact with the bottom of the transport container (18), generates a signal that triggers the closing operation of the transport container (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging patties or other similarly shaped items into a flexible pouch. The method comprising the steps of stacking a plurality of patties by a stacker, the patties stacked on top of one another, lowering the plurality of patties into a flexible pouch, vacuuming the air out of the flexible pouch to seal the pouch, the vacuum creating an air tight seal and forming a pair of frangible or solid seals in the pouch, the frangible seals positioned adjacent to the plurality of patties. The apparatus for packaging patties into a flexible pouch, the apparatus comprising a stacker, a patty holder, a vacuum is further positioned adjacent to the patty holder, the vacuum operable to remove the air from the flexible pouch. A frangible seal creator is also provided operable to create a frangible seal on the flexible pouch.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an accumulating and strapping apparatus includes a first accumulation device configured to accumulate paper sheets, a second accumulation device, a strapping device configured to strap a bundle of the accumulated paper sheets by a tape, a base carrier provided movably up and down among a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a sheet carrier movable on the base carrier. The sheet carrier is configured to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the first accumulation device at the first position of the base carrier, move from a standby position to an advanced position at the third position of the base carrier to transfer the accumulated paper sheets to the strapping device, and move from the standby position to the advanced position at the second position of the base carrier to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the second accumulation device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an accumulating and strapping apparatus includes a first accumulation device configured to accumulate paper sheets, a second accumulation device, a strapping device configured to strap a bundle of the accumulated paper sheets by a tape, a base carrier provided movably up and down among a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a sheet carrier movable on the base carrier. The sheet carrier is configured to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the first accumulation device at the first position of the base carrier, move from a standby position to an advanced position at the third position of the base carrier to transfer the accumulated paper sheets to the strapping device, and move from the standby position to the advanced position at the second position of the base carrier to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the second accumulation device.

Abstract: A method for providing low count packages of absorbent articles in a high speed manufacturing process in which a plurality of absorbent articles are conveyed in series to the infeed of a continuously rotating stacker. The articles are sequentially inserted into cassettes disposed on the stacker such that a plurality of absorbent article containing cassettes is provided. The articles are extracted from the continuously rotating stacker by an angled extractor and packaged into low count packages.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing low count packages of absorbent articles during a high speed manufacturing process. The apparatus including a conveyor configured to serially convey a plurality of absorbent articles; a continuously rotating stacker that includes an infeed, an outfeed and a plurality of cassettes; an extraction station that includes an extractor configured to remove at least one absorbent article from at least one absorbent article containing cassette. At least a portion of the extractor is positioned at an angle to compensate for the continuous rotation of the stacker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove packing apparatus for packing gloves into a box, and to a method of packing gloves into a box, particularly to the packing of disposable medical gloves. A glove packing apparatus (1) for packing gloves into a box comprises a receptacle (26) for forming a stack of gloves to be packed, the receptacle having a perimeter wall (24, 25) for containing a stack of gloves, a floor (22) within the perimeter wall for supporting the stack of gloves, and an opening (27) opposite the floor into which additional gloves may be added to during stacking of gloves. The floor (22) is movable relative to the perimeter wall (24, 25), so that, in use, the floor may be moved relatively away from the receptacle opening (27) so that as gloves are added to said stack of gloves, the perimeter wall continues to contain the stack of gloves. The floor (22) may then be moved relatively toward the opening to remove the stack of gloves from the receptacle (26).

Abstract: A system for stacking and packaging a plurality of discrete products of different sizes is provided. The system includes a stacking system having a movable lift plate, a slide plate assembly, an adjustable stop plate, and adjustable sidewalls. Layers of articles are introduced into a stack area, and movement of the lift plate and the slide plate assembly are coordinated to stack products in layers on the lift plate. The stacking system includes an adjustment assembly that allows adjustment of the position of the stop plate and/or the sidewalls relative to a frame such that the stacking system can be quickly and efficiently configured for use with layers of articles that have different depths and/or widths. In another aspect, the stacking system cooperates with a tipping system that rolls or tips stacked product to facilitate further processing or use of the product package.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.

Abstract: An assemblage of reams of paper includes a plurality of layers of reams of paper. The plurality of layers includes a first layer having a first arrangement of reams, a second layer having a second arrangement of reams disposed on top of the first layer, and a third layer having a third arrangement of reams disposed on top of the second layer. The second arrangement is different from the first arrangement so as to form interlocking first and second layers, and the third arrangement is different from the second arrangement, so as to form interlocking second and third layers.

Abstract: A case packer is adapted to convey a plurality of packages and to pack the plurality of conveyed packages in a box. The case packer includes a first conveying unit, a detector, a second conveying unit and a control unit. The first conveying unit is configured and arranged to convey the packages. The detector is configured and arranged to detect a thickness of at least one of the packages. The second conveying unit includes an accumulating portion where the packages are accumulated with the packages being partially overlaid on one another. The second conveying unit is configured and arranged to convey the packages overlaid in the accumulating portion. The control unit is configured to adjust operation of the second conveying unit based on a detected value from the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.

Abstract: A device for quickly grouping picked goods for transport. The device includes a pair of stacking bridges lying opposite each other for pushing goods containers together in a defined manner to form a layer. The stacking bridges include a plurality of parallel, finger-like conveyor belts. The goods containers are pushed together in the direction of the diagonals of their base surfaces. A lifting apparatus is provided for lowering a layer of goods containers and placing a layer onto an empty pallet. A film-wrapping apparatus is provided for wrapping a shipment of picked goods prepared for transport.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a stacking/wrapping apparatus includes a stacking device configured to stack paper sheets in a predetermined number on a stacking unit, a wrapping device configured to wrap a bundle of the stacked paper sheets by winding a band thereon, and a transport carrier configured to receive the paper sheet bundle and transport the paper sheet bundle to the wrapping device. The wrapping device includes a hand assembly, a hand drive mechanism configured to open and close the hand assembly and reciprocate the hand assembly at right angles to the stacking direction, and a band winding device configured to wind a wrapper band around the paper sheet bundle drawn into the binding position.

Abstract: A packaging system for transporting vials containing biological samples may comprise a first tray defining at least one first tray cavity; and a second tray defining at least one second tray cavity and configured to mate with the first tray. The packaging system may further comprise at least one first tray cavity and at least one second tray cavity, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity are configured to securely hold respective vials for transport, and to restrain caps on the respective vials during transport, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity oppose each other when the first tray and the second tray are mated together. The packaging system may also be configured to permit barcode scanning of vials held within the first tray cavity and the second tray cavity.

Abstract: Palletizer for depositing a preformed layer (13) of objects (14) on a pallet (15), comprising: a conveyor, equipped with an advancement means (16, M1) which advances the preformed layer of objects, and designed to impart kinetic energy to said preformed layer (13) of objects, a layer depositing tool (12), designed to deposit the preformed layer (13) of objects onto the pallet (15), and a transfer means for transferring the preformed layer (13) of objects, designed so that the entirety of said preformed layer (13) of objects leaves the conveyor and arrives on the layer depositing tool (12). The transfer means comprise said advancement means (16, M1). The conveyor is a conveyor-launcher (11) designed for launching the preformed layers (13) of objects, and the transfer means consists solely of the advancement means of the conveyor-launcher and the kinetic energy imparted by the conveyor-launcher (11).

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and method of multi-layer stacking of objects of different sizes on a support to form a stacked support includes providing a support handler. A support is elevated with the support handler and objects of different sizes and shapes are stacked on the support to form a stacked support. A stacked support is removed and an empty support supplied with the support handler. A placeholder is provided above the support handler. The placeholder has a first mode for receiving objects on the placeholder. The placeholder has a second mode for providing access to a support on the support handler. The placeholder is put in the first mode while the support handler removes a stacked support and supplies an empty support. The placeholder is put in the second mode when the support handler is elevating a support being stacked with articles.

Abstract: A sprinkler is designed to be stacked upon a like sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a spray tube, a sled, a projection extending from either a top or bottom surface of the sled, and a recess formed at the top or bottom surface of the sled. The recess accommodates the projection extending from the sled of the like sprinkler so that the sprinkler can be stacked with the like sprinkler.

Abstract: A sterile packaging system for use in the manufacture and sale of combination medical product preferably one that is attachable to an injection system to co-deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a tray grid comprises sterile receptacles that are removably connected, sealable and configured for use in an automated drug filling and assembly line.

Abstract: A packaging device for packing stacked soft hygienic products, e.g. sanitary napkins, panty liners or the like, into a plastic bag made of an endless film, has specific forming shoulder (21) and MD sealing unit (5) to produce a MD seal (35) at a closure edge (46) of the bag. Thus four integral side panels are available at the bag (WB) for imprinting.

Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of food items in multiple layers comprises collecting food items in a staging area in a first plurality of groups, each group having a plurality of food items. The first plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into an accumulating and storage area and thereby forming a plurality of first layer group. A second plurality of groups of food items is collected, each of the second plurality of groups having a plurality of food items. The second plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into the accumulating and storage area such that the second plurality of groups forms a plurality of second layer groups of food items superposed to the first layer groups, and thereby forming a plurality of two layer-groups. The plurality of two-layer groups of food items are displaced downwardly into a receptacle in a packing area.

Abstract: A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system to produce rolls of web material includes: a production machine (1) to produce the web material; a winder (3) to form reels (B) of web material coming from the production machine; an unwinder (20) to unwind single reels of web material produced by the winder; a group of tools for longitudinal cutting of the web material to divide the web material into strips, including members to position the tools in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of feed of the web material; a rewinder (22) to rewind the single strips into rolls; a line for packaging (9) the rolls (R); at least one shuttle (11) to transfer groups of rolls formed by the rewinder towards the packaging line; and an information system for integrated management of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging products provides for initially, vertically stacking a plurality of products during production in a transfer canister, simultaneously removing a stack of the products from the transfer canister, reorienting the stack and horizontally loading the stack into a final product package cavity. The invention has applicability to a wide range of products, particularly food products, such as refrigerated dough products. In one embodiment of the invention, the product package cavity is thermoformed as part as an overall horizontal form, fill and seal system.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus.

Abstract: Loading arrangement for loading dollies which has a transport station for placing at least two dollies one behind another along their line of transport. The loading arrangement also has movable transport element with engaging structures, which engaging structures are configured to engage and move the dollies to position the dollies at a predetermined distance from one another at a loading station. The dollies are then loaded at the same time at the loading station before the engaging structures move the dollies to a transfer station which transfers loaded dollies out of the loading arrangement.

Abstract: The machine, either in a version for open vials or in one for closed vials, has a cantilevered architecture such that at the sides of the relative conveyor line of the vials there is a substantially vertical air passage gap developing in a downwards direction and connected with a conveyor which opens into an air outlet facing externally of the machine and positioned considerably below the conveyor line. The operating organs of the machine, among which the conveyor line, are inserted in a chamber having a controlled atmosphere, to which means for forced ventilation are associated, which means generate a laminar flow of air directed from above in a downwards direction. The part of the laminar flow, which strikes the sides of the conveyor line and the vials present therein, enters, without perturbation, the air passage gap and exits from the air outlet; thus entry of polluting particles into the inlet of the vials is prevented.

Abstract: A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cassette system with cassette (17, 27, 37, 47) and method for grouping a number of flexible packs (10). It is proposed that the cassette be produced from two parts which are hinged with respect to one another, one or more flexible packs being placed in each part. The parts of the cassette with the flexible pack or flexible packs placed thereon are then moved relative to one another, and more particularly are rotated, in order thus to obtain a group of packs where the packs lie close together. The group thus obtained is then placed in an outer pack such as a box.

Abstract: A method of sleeving two or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The method can include feeding successive packages of smoking articles to a plurality of bundling pocket guides each configured to receive two or more packages. A first package can be placed into one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides. A second package can be placed into the one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides containing the first package such that the first and second packages are adjacent to one another within the bundling pocket guide to form a bundle of packages. Successive bundles of packages can be fed to a sleeve folding station. The bundle of packages can be moved against a blank of sleeve material into a folding pocket. The blank of sleeve material can be folded around the bundle of packages to form a sleeve around the bundle of packages.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a feeding unit including a support surface inclined with respect to a vertical direction and a stacking surface substantially perpendicular to the support surface, a plurality of paper sheets being stacked on the stacking surface in such a manner that the paper sheets are inclined along the support surface, a pick up mechanism configured to pick up the paper sheets from a side of the stacking surface of the feeding unit, a conveying path configured to convey the picked up paper sheets, an inspection device configured to inspect the conveyed paper sheet, and an accumulation unit configured to accumulate the inspected paper sheets.

Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base.

Abstract: A device for processing mail items, having: at least one stacking device for forming a bundle of superimposed mail items and moving it from a forming position to a loading position; one or more robots for removing the bundles in the loading position and moving them into a covering position; one or more covering devices for placing upside down containers over the bundles in the covering position, so the bundles of mail items are housed inside the containers; a conveying system supplied by the covering devices with bundles of mail items covered with respective upside down containers; and a turnover device for turning the containers over through 180°, so the containers are positioned with their respective openings facing upwards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a stack of food products in a storage container, and a method therefor. The apparatus comprises a first gate moveable between an open and a closed position that drops a row of food products onto a second gate moveable between an open and a closed position. The second gate receives multiple rows of food products and once a predetermined number of rows have been received, the second gate opens to release the rows of food products into the storage container below it. As the first gate shifts from the open to the closed position, it can advance, at least in part, a subsequent row of food products onto the first gate for later release onto the second gate. The area defined by the second gate and the first gate is a temporary staging area which can increase in height after receiving subsequent rows of food products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing packs of a food that comes in slices, in particular individually packaged processed cheese slices. The pack of food is put together from two uniform product stacks of food slices. The first product stack is transported via a first feed segment, and the second product stack is transported via a second feed segment, in each case horizontally by means of a transport means at transport speed. The feed segments are guided over one another in parallel in a collection area, and the upper feed segment ends at a sliding edge that defines a collection point, whereby means for synchronization are adjusted such that a product stack that arrives via the sliding edge is neatly placed onto the product stack that is transported to the lower feed segment.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-layer loading of food items such as frankfurters in a receptacle includes the steps of displacing groupings of frankfurters along a staging area, allowing the frankfurters to drop downwardly by gravity to an accumulation and storage area until at least two layers of frankfurters are accumulated and allowing the double layer of frankfurters to drop downwardly into a packing receptacle in a packing area.

Abstract: A twin layer packaging machine is disclosed for packing cartons with articles such as beverage cans in two layers, a top layer overlying a bottom layer. The packaging machine has a selector flight defining selector bays, a can flight defining can bays, and a carton flight transporting cartons to be packed, all synchronously movable with each other. A single infeed assembly at the upstream end of the machine directs first groups of cans into selector bays on the selector flight, sweeps them into adjacent can bays, and directs second groups of cans into the same selector bays, all on the same level. The selector flight and the second groups of cans in its selector bays then ramps up to an elevated level, from where the second groups of cans are swept from the selector bays into the adjacent can bays atop the already loaded first groups of cans. The thus staged twin layer cans are then pushed into open cartons on the carton flight, whereupon the cartons are closed and sealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. Specifically, the present invention uses a robot to place items from a fixed infeed elevation either above or, alternatively, below the height of the finished load. A four-sided compression mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.

Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of articles in a container. The method can include providing a container having a body and defining an interior chamber, providing a stack of articles comprising snack pieces having a convex surface, inserting the stack of articles at least partially into the interior chamber, and reorienting the leading article by forcing the leading article against the inner surface such that the convex surface of the article cooperates with the inner surface.