Abstract: A manual pallet exchange system for exchanging a pallet on a work table of a horizontal machining center with another pallet from a storage rack or an optional set-up station. The system comprises a pallet shuttle cart which travels along a guideway that is positioned adjacent to the storage rack, the set-up station and the horizontal machining center. Receiving devices are provided on the horizontal machining center, the shuttle cart, the set-up station and each pallet storage location on the storage rack for receiving and supporting the pallet. A mechanically activated locking device provides for safely securing the pallet to the receiving devices of the storage rack, the set-up station and the shuttle cart.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding blanks particularly those constructed from corrugated cardboard. As a blank advances along a paper line pathway, a first station engages the leading edges of the blank flaps and forces the flaps into an intermediate plane. A second station controls the relative velocity of the flaps along the paper line with respect to the panels to compensate for skew that can occur at other stations. A final station completes the folding operation. The second station includes driven rollers that engage opposite sides of each of the flaps. Independently controlled motors drive these rollers in response to the velocity of the blanks along a paper line pathway and any required offset for skew compensation. The controls can be remotely located from the station. Moreover, the station can accommodate blanks of different thicknesses, position the rollers at different locations on different flaps and accommodate cartons with different widths.

Abstract: Apparatus for a paper box folding machine for folding the trailing panels of carton blanks about fold lines as the blanks travel individually and successively along a paper line. A servomotor running continuously at a relatively constant nominal angular velocity drives the input shaft to an indexer that controls, for each position of its input shaft, the angular position of its output shaft. The indexer converts continuous input from the servomotor to discontinuous motion of its output shaft. The output shaft lies below and transverse to a paper line. Radially extending fingers mounted on the output shaft are positioned below a trailing panel as the carton blank passes. The indexing means output shaft and fingers rotate rapidly so the fingers engage and fold the trailing panel and then dwell to allow the blank to exit the apparatus. Then the shaft and fingers move below the paper line to allow another blank to enter and rotate to engage a next blank in sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for folding flaps onto panels formed in folded box blanks, particularly those constructed from corrugated cardboard. As a blank advances along a paper line, a first station engages leading edges of the flaps and forces the flaps into an intermediate plane representing a partial folding operation. Then a second station controls the relative velocities of the flaps along the paper line with respect to the panels to compensate for skew that can occur in other stations. A final station completes the folding operation. The resulting fold is made about an axis, or fold line. if the flap is to be folded about a prestamped score line, the fold and score lines are coextensive. Typically the flaps are folded 180.degree. and the first station produces intermediate folds that are displaced 90.degree. from the panels.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for folding flaps onto panels formed in folded box blanks, particularly those constructed from corrugated cardboard. As a blank advances along a paper line, a first station engages leading edges of the flaps and forces the flaps into an intermediate plane representing a partial folding operation. Then a second station controls the relative velocities of the flaps along the paper line with respect to the panels to compensate for skew that can occur in other stations. A final station completes the folding operation. The resulting fold is made about an axis, or fold line. If the flap is to be folded about a prestamped score line, the fold and score lines are coextensive. Typically the flaps are folded 180.degree. and the first station produces intermediate folds that are displaced 90.degree. from the panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of folded paper boxes with a hemmed seal. One of two edges to be overlapped is skived and folded into a hem. After the edges are locally heated, blanks move individually and successfully along a conveyor for folding and sealing. Just before sealing, the hemmed edge passes between a hem holder and the conveyor to maintain the hemmed edge. The hem holder is heated to prevent the edges from cooling. In one embodiment hot air directed onto the hem from the hem holder forms an air cushion between the hem and the hem holder thereby to minimize any contact between the hem holder and the blank.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively feeding sheets from a stack of sheets in sequence along a paper line, has an endless carrier belt which advances the sheets individually and successively through a feeding zone. A vertically actuated feed gate operates between two opening positions to allow only the lowermost sheet in the stack to advance sequentially through each opening position and the opening of both positions is controlled. A stack lifter moves sequentially in a vertical path above and below the carrier belt so that the lowermost sheet advances when in contact with the carrier belt to advance a portion of the lowermost sheet in the stack through the first opening position. The apparatus also forms a second predetermined opening portion between the lifter and feed gate which moves the gripper surface through which the remaining portion of the sheet advances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method by which a single operator, at a single station, can pack pre-counted slugs of flat folded cartons, or trays, in one or more layers, in corrugated cases for discharge to a case taper several times faster than with manual packing by several operators. The "flats" are advanced in a longitudinal path on a secondary apron of a stacker, erect on one edge, pre-counted and divided into slugs, so that the single operator can slide each slug longitudinally past a one-way back stop onto a transfer table. The slug may be turned on its longitudinal axis by the operator for inspection and then compressed longitudinally by a ram against the back stop. The operator has already been presented with a single, flat, tubular case, from a stack of such cases, with the leading flaps folded back, and has manually erected the case and inserted it in a case gripper preferably poised above the table, thereby closing the minor bottom closure flaps.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a plurality of flat, collapsed, folded paper boxes which have been produced on a high speed, folder-gluer, delivered in shingled formation onto the advancing apron of a stacker, counted into slugs of about fifty each and must be packed into cases for shipment. To enable an operator to grasp individual and successive lifts of the flats between her hands and remove them for packing, the apparatus includes a secondary apron traveling at less speed than the stacker apron to raise the shingled flats upstanding on edge, hold down belts to prevent misalignment and a transversely movable segregation rod mounted on a carriage movable horizontally alongside the path of the flats. The carriage has one-way clutch rollers so that the rod will hold back the leading flat but the carriage will roll freely back to the next slug. Speed reduction mechanism may be used to advance the carriage at less speed than the apron to compress the line of flats when edge stacking is desirable or necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a plurality of flat, collapsed, folded paper boxes which have been produced on a high speed, folder-gluer, delivered in shingled formation onto the advancing apron of a stacker, counted into slugs of about fifty each and must be packed into cases for shipment. To enable an operator to grasp individual and successive lifts of the flats between her hands and remove them for packing, the apparatus includes a secondary apron traveling at less speed than the stacker apron to raise the shingled flats upstanding on edge, hold down belts to prevent misalignment and a transversely movable segregation rod mounted on a carriage movable horizontally alongside the path of the flats. The carriage has one-way clutch rollers so that the rod will hold back the leading flat but the carriage will roll freely back to the next slug. Speed reduction mechanism may be used to advance the carriage at less speed than the apron to compress the line of flats when edge stacking is desirable or necesary.