Abstract: The bag loading machine of the present invention permits bags which are manufactured in an open condition to be transferred directly from the bag making machine to a bag loader wherein a load is inserted into the bag and thereafter, the loaded bag is discharged. The bag loading machine includes a bag transfer platform which is supported to articulate about a lever as it is raised and lowered so as to move the platform between a bag receiving position for receiving a bag from a bag making machine, a bag loading position for receiving a load and a bag discharge position from which the loaded bag is discharged.

Abstract: A load orienting receptacle for a carton loading machine for use in loading lightbulbs into an open end of a carton. The receptacle has a trough in which a slipway extends to an open discharge end. The slipway has an open upper end for admitting a lightbulb to a load orienting portion thereof spaced inwardly from the discharge end. The load orienting portion has opposite sides which converge downwardly to form a downwardly directed laterally inclined chute. The opposite sides are spaced from one another a sufficient distance to support the bulbous end of a light bulb above the bottom of the trough while permitting the narrow end thereof to be laterally deflected as it passes downwardly along the chute to come to rest in the trough thereby to laterally offset the narrow end with respect to the bulbous end of the bulb prior to discharge through the open discharge end of the trough.

Abstract: A dynamic setting and tucking mechanism for setting and tucking the closure tab of a carton in a carton-closing station of a carton-loading machine is described. The mechanism includes a plurality of setting blades mounted on an endless chain for movement through the setting and tucking station and a plurality of tucking blades mounted on an endless chain for movement through the setting and tucking station. The setting blades engage the closure tab of a carton and bend it along its hinged connection with the closure flap of a carton and the tucking blades push the set tab into the opening in the end of the carton which is designed to receive the tabs.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is disclosed herein in which the conveyor is supported by a first set of rollers which will rotate on an underlying guide rail and a second set of rollers which will rotate on an overlying guide rail thereby restraining the conveyor against vertical movement. Laterally disposed guide tracks engage a third set of rollers and restrain the conveyor against lateral movement.

Abstract: Roll stock specifically designed for use in making a paper bag using automatic bag making machinery is provided wherein a first pair and a second pair of bands of adhesive material of a type which is inactive to form a bond until placed in contact with an adhesive of the same type are applied to the inner and outer faces of the web adjacent said edges thereof. The bands of the first pair are laterally spaed with respect to the bands of the second pair so as to be out of alignment with one another in successive turns of the roll stock such that the successive turns are not adhesively secured to one another.

Abstract: The improved wrap-around carton forming and loading machine of the present invention is capable of forming cartons around the articles supported by a mandrel such that upon removal of the mandrel, the carton will engage and support the article, the improved mandrel resiliently deflects selected side walls of the carton outwardly when formed thereabout to the required sleeve configuration so that upon withdrawal of the mandrel the side walls will revert to their predetermined configuration and engage the article. In addition, the mandrel has a free end about which the end flaps of the carton may be folded to a closed position corresponding to the ultimate erect configuration of the carton.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism which is particularly suitable for use in a checkout counter as described herein. The mechanism includes a bag supporting receptacle and a mount for mounting the bag supporting receptacle for pivotal movement between a first position in which it is generally horizontally oriented and aligned with the discharge end of a bag making machine and a second position in which it is disposed above a conveyor. The conveyor has discharge fingers which extend through a bag supporting receptacle as the conveyor is driven along its length to discharge a bag from the receptacle whereupon the receptacle is relocated in a position to receive a further bag.

Abstract: The checkout counter of the present invention is designed to locate an open bag in an ideal position in relation to a counter top of a packing station and to automatically deliver an open bag to the packing station from the bag dispenser which dispenses bags in a level below the optimum bag supporting position. The bag making machine is incorporated in the counter below the counter top and dispenses open bags at a level which is lower than the optimum level required for packing. An elevator mechanism is provided for receiving the bags from the bag making machine and elevating the bags to the required optimum level and the bags are transported along a support shelf at the required optimum level.