Abstract: A system is disclosed for loading cases with items. An item delivery apparatus delivers a plurality of items to a location for collating the items on a collation platform. A transfer apparatus transfers a plurality of items from the collation platform to a pedestal, where the plurality of items are surrounded, on three sides, by a fence. A case movement apparatus, such as a cartesian robot moves an erected case blank in a path that sheaths, with the erected case blank, a group of items located on the pedestal. As the case blank is dropped vertically downward to sheath the group of items, the fence is moved vertically downward and out of the way of further processing of the, now loaded, case blank.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for loading cases with items comprising: an item delivery apparatus operable to deliver a plurality of items to a transfer station; a collation platform operable to support a group of items; a pedestal apparatus operable to support the group of items; a first transfer apparatus operable to transfer a plurality of items from the item delivery apparatus to the collation platform. A second transfer apparatus transfers the group of items from the collation platform to the pedestal apparatus. At least one movement rod moves the group of items. A case movement apparatus such as a six-axis robotic arm is moves an erected case in a path that sheaths a group of items located on said pedestal apparatus with an erected case. The path of the case may have a tilted position and include an arced pivoting movement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming containers from container blanks are provided. An apparatus comprises a blank holding apparatus operable to releasably hold a plurality of carton blanks in a first configuration. The apparatus also has a rotary apparatus operable to rotate an engagement device along a rotational path from a first retrieval location where the engagement device is operable to engage with and retrieve a blank from the plurality of blanks held in the blank holding apparatus, to a second operational location. The apparatus also has a movement apparatus inter-connected to the rotary apparatus. The movement apparatus is operable to move the rotary apparatus and the engagement device with the engaged blank away from the blank holding apparatus, which may be translational movement away from the blank holding apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming containers from container blanks are provided. An apparatus comprises a blank holding apparatus operable to releasably hold a plurality of carton blanks in a first configuration. The apparatus also has a rotary apparatus operable to rotate an engagement device along a rotational path from a first retrieval location where the engagement device is operable to engage with and retrieve a blank from the plurality of blanks held in the blank holding apparatus, to a second operational location. The apparatus also has a movement apparatus inter-connected to the rotary apparatus. The movement apparatus is operable to move the rotary apparatus and the engagement device with the engaged blank away from the blank holding apparatus, which may be translational movement away from the blank holding apparatus.