Abstract: A system assembles and conveys a stream of plate-like workpieces from a production system, such as a specialty box folder-gluer, to a strapping or tying system, as counted stacks. The system can be converted from counter-ejector mode, automatically counting and assembling workpieces of approximately the same thickness at their leading and trailing edges into stacks as they emerge from the production system, to a standard conveyor system, delivering a shingled stream of workpieces that are thicker or thinner at the leading edge, to an assembly station for counting and stacking, either manually or automatically. The system is converted from one mode to the other to accommodate the particular characteristics of the workpieces being produced.

Abstract: The disclosed squaring device utilizes an upper squaring carriage with compression belts and pneumatically actuated squaring fingers. In one embodiment, the upper squaring carriage includes at least three compression belts. At least one of the compression belts, central to the other belts, is positioned to apply direct pressure to the glued seam after the upper panels and lower panels are aligned. As a folded box reaches the end of the folding section and enters the squaring section, the moveable belt is raised so as not to apply pressure directly to the glued seam. The drive belts on either side of the seam maintain the box in compression. As the box approaches the squaring fingers, it passes a sensor that sends a signal to a programmable logic controller. At a selected time, depending on the conveyor belt speed, the controller actuates a pneumatic piston that drives a rack and pinion mechanism to rotate the squaring fingers into position to intercept the box travel.