Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing a partially formed carton is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed to the machine. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing a partially formed carton is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed to the machine. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary transfer mechanism for transferring flat sleeve cartons (20) from a magazine (22) to a receiving station (23) on a conveyor (24), with opening of the cartons ready to receive end-loaded product, is characterized in that the path of suction cups (32) for holding the cartons during transfer is basically determined by a continuous stationary cam track (34) permanently engaged by a cam follower (37) on a gear segment (35) pivotally mounted on carrier means (29) rotatable by a drive shaft (26), the suction cups (32) being carried by a support shaft (30) rotatable on the carrier means and coaxial with a pinion (38) meshing with the gear segment. (35), and the support shaft being connected to a bracket (48) carrying a manifold (47) for the suction cups (32) by a crank arm (53), which is connected by a link arm (54) to a rocker arm (55) freely rotatable on the drive shaft (26).

Abstract: In a machine for feeding a partially formed carton in a conveying direction and reorienting the carton for completion, a turn-assist mechanism and related methods help to ensure that proper turning of a skewed carton is achieved in a reliable and highly efficient manner. The mechanism comprises a bed for supporting the carton, which may be skewed from a first orientation in which one of the side flaps could be folded and sealed in an upstream procedure. A conveyor includes at least one lug with a portion generally elongated in a direction transverse to the conveying and vertical directions for engaging a trailing end of the carton. This engagement helps to turn the carton to a second, squared orientation approximately 90° rotated from the first orientation so that the forming operation may be completed, such as by folding and sealing any other side flaps.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing a partially formed carton is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed to the machine. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cross sealing a continuously moving plastic tube, such as to form bags for packaging in a form-fill-seal packaging machine is disclosed, along with a related method. The tube is fed continuously between a pair of opposed sealing jaws that move toward and away from each other in a polygonal path. Substantially continuous sealing pressure is provided between the jaws during a sealing pattern of movement along the path, with the remainder of the path including a return pattern of movement away and back towards the sealing zone. Each sealing jaw is carried on a bridge extending between dual gear assemblies. The sealing pattern of movement along the path is substantially linear so as to provide highly efficient sealing. The polygonal path is established by an offset point on an output shaft/pinion; the locus defining the path being selected from the group of hypotrochoids and epitrochoids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding substantially free flowing solid product charges (P'") in a continuous vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine (10) is disclosed. Improved transitional product flow from the computerized weigher (W) to the bag former and closer is obtained by tracking and sampling the charges along the flow path. In the method, the steps include sensing the presence of the charges along the flow path at two locations, comparing each sensed charge presence to a defined time target that has previously been determined and adjusting at least one operating step in accordance with any deviation found to cause the charge or charges to approach the defined time target for optimum operation. Either a predictive time adaptive control (77) requiring operator input, or computer control (76) can be incorporated into the method. A series of product charge flow enhancers (102, 103; 131; 121) are provided along the flow path to assist in maintaining the charges within the time target.

Abstract: A multiple hopper system for improved forming of solid, flowing product into sequential batches or charges, transferring the batches between the hoppers, combination weighing/selection and discharging to a packaging machine is provided. A computer senses the batch weight and assigns the weight in sequence first to the transfer hopper, and then to the holding hopper. Both the transfer and holding hoppers participate in each computerized weighing/selection cycle. The forming hopper includes a shell and double-acting clam shell doors; the upper curved portion of each door extending into the hopper when the doors are open, thereby intercepting any late product in flight and initiating formation of the next batch. The transfer and holding hoppers also incorporate pairs of clam shell type doors. A curved transition chute is positioned below the holding hopper. The holding hopper doors slope at an angle in the direction along the closing lips of the door.

Abstract: The integrity of a seal in packaging film is monitored during packaging of loose, free flowing product and adaptive control of the packaging method/apparatus is provided in response to the determination made. The pressure being exerted between the sealing jaws upon reaching a closed position and the seal being formed is monitored and analyzed to evaluate the seal integrity in a dedicated microprocessor. An adaptive, real time signal is provided to a CPU/controller to adjust the relative product flow and packaging film movement.

Abstract: The first of the in-series hoppers of the system is carried by a scale to determine the weight of the product batch; a transfer hopper being next in line and finally a holding hopper. A computer senses the batch weight and assigns the weight in sequence first to the transfer hopper, and then to the holding hopper. Both the transfer and holding hoppers participate in each computerized weighing/selection cycle. The forming/weighing hopper includes a shell and double-acting clam shell doors; the upper curved portion of each door extending into the hopper when the doors are open, thereby intercepting any late product in flight and initiating formation of the next batch. The transfer and holding hoppers also incorporate pairs of clam shell type doors. The associated method, is characterized by forming and weighing the product in the first in-series hopper and then discharging the batch in sequence to the transfer and holding hoppers.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for feeding/turning successive cartons along the flow path of a packaging line is provided. An intermediate conveyor section between in-line feed and take away conveyors defines the substantially horizontal flow path. A plurality of elongated O-ring belts feed and turn the cartons. A separate side running chain having a straight operative run carries a plurality of extensible fingers; one selected finger engaging and capturing a leading corner of each successive carton to assist in turning. The O-ring belts are driven at differential speed. The combined feeding and turning action of the carton, assisted by retarding engagement of the carton corner by the finger assures positive and efficient feeding/turning of the cartons. A microprocessor is provided to control the driving of stepper/servo motors for the various components. The O-ring belts are driven by the single servo motor with a plurality of increasing size pulleys on a common shaft to provide the progressive speeds.

Abstract: A paperboard multiple compartment tray-type container erectable from a blank, having a product dividing keel which provides structure as well as flexibility to the container. The container may have tapered or vertical sides. The container is formed from a die-cut and scored blank of paperboard or other sheet material, and includes locking devices which allow for mechanical forming of a multiple compartment tray without the need for adhesives.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding/heat sealing cartons along the feed path of a cartoning line is provided. A conveyor moves the cartons past the heat sealing station where an elongated nozzle assembly forms a heated air stream directed against the carton flap and the side of the carton to activate the coating to form an adhesive. A bypass valve and duct is provided to interrupt the flow of heated air in the event that the carton does not clear the activation zone in a predetermined time. Strategically placed heat shields and coolant passages are provided to further isolate the conveyor from the heat. The nozzle includes a slotted outlet with an elongated bar closely spaced above to deflect the heated air stream when a carton is present for adhesive activation; said bar having a tapered fin to form a modified air foil along the trailing edge to divide, recombine and compact the stream when a carton is not present. The upper feed belts of the conveyor are adjustable to adapt to cartons of various heights.

Abstract: A continuous vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine is disclosed, along with a related method, utilizing a synchronized product clamp for staging/settling each product batch. The film feeding, carriage driving, sealing jaw movement, as well as the clamp operation, are computer controlled. In the continuous film/tube feed mode, the sealing jaws move in a modified sine wave motion with the film; the clamp for staging the product batches moving in a similar manner, but 180.degree. out-of-phase. Each product batch is released by the clamp adjacent to the sealing jaws so that the drop to the blousing plates and eventually into the bag being formed is minimized. The clamp is vibrated to further enhance the coalescing and settling function.

Abstract: An improved stripping and sealing operation in a form, fill and seal packaging system is provided. Stepper and servo motors are computer controlled including by a 3-axis coordinator operating the X and Y motion of the sealing jaws, as well as the Y' motion of the film/tube feed. The Y motion is provided by oscillatory driving movement of the carriage to move the stripper/sealing jaws in a substantially constant modified sine wave profile. The Y' motion is variable and tracks the carriage to precisely size and form the bag. Blousing is also provided by tube/carriage relative motion also induced by varying the film/tube feed.

Abstract: An assembly and method provide a continuous supply of packaging film to a form, fill and seal packaging machine with two spindles alternately operating as the active spindle to feed the film from one roll at a time. Opposed pneumatic manifolds are operative to splice the tail-end of the film from the active roll to the head-end of the film from the standby roll. The opposed manifolds pivot in opposite directions away from the machine to provide easy access for loading. A programmable controller controls the splicing operation. Valves operated by the controller connect a vacuum source to one of the manifolds to hold the head-end at a splicing station and to the other to maintain tension on the active film after the tail-end leaves the spindle. An end-of-roll detector near the spindle triggers the tensioning function. The width of the manifold is adjustable to accommodate different width film. A photocell detector and encoder in the circuit allow tracking of the tail-end.

Abstract: A conveyor system to precisely feed articles, such as food product containers, includes a series of conveyors to phase and control the articles along the flow path for further processing downstream. A supply conveyor establishes the initial flow. A phasing conveyor receives the articles in closely spaced relationship and a photoelectric sensor detects each one of the articles at this point along the path. A variable speed motor drives the phasing conveyor in response to the sensor in order to shift each article into its proper position to match the moving segment or flight of the target conveyor. A transfer conveyor operating at the speed of the target conveyor accelerates each article to establish a gap from the next upstream article.

Abstract: A closing method for a multi-sided paperboard carton includes sealing a cover with side edge extensions to corresponding side flanges defined by fold lines on the paperboard carton during continuous feeding of the carton along the feed path. The side flanges of the carton body are bent downward during continuous feed movement with a force sufficient to cause the flanges to fold and remain free and below a plane passing through the fold line when released. The cover is placed on the carton to lie substantially in a plane and with the edge extensions overlying the flanges. A hot air stream is directed into the half-V gap presented between each flange and associated cover side edge extension to activate an adhesive coating and the flanges are pressed against the cover for sealing. The carton is carried through the bending stage in a die having an open bottom cavity and forming blades on its side edges that engage the fold line between the side flanges and the carton side panels from below.