Abstract: A carton blank feeding and shuttle machine includes a first driven belt supported by a first plurality of pulleys and a second driven belt supported by a second plurality of pulleys, a first rod attached to the first driven belt and a second rod attached to the second driven belt. Each of the rods extend across the first and second opposing sides. At least one controller controls motions of (a) the first driven belt and (b) the second driven belt, and a plucking head is supported by the first and second rods such that the first and second driven belts create common motion to move the plucking head along a transport path and relative motion to extend and retract the plucking head. A linkage assembly includes a plurality of links configured to move a plucking head along a shaft in response to movements of the first and second belts.

Abstract: A carton feeding and shuttle machine includes first and second servo drives for driving first and second belts positioned on a plurality of pulleys, a first block attached to the first belt and supporting a first support shaft and a second block attached to the second belt and supporting a second support shaft. A controller controls the servo drives for driving the first and second belts. A linkage assembly includes a plurality of links configured to move a plucking head along a shaft in response to movements of the first and second belts. Specifically, relative movement of the first and second belts pivots first and third links about a first support shaft and second and fourth links about a second support shaft drawing a base along a slide shaft and extending the plucking head from a first position to a second position for engaging a carton blank in a carton blank stack.

Abstract: A machine for forming a carton from a carton blank. The machine includes at least one mover including a picker for picking the carton blank from the hopper and associating the carton blank with the mover. A controlled motion track is provided for moving the at least one mover and picker along a path of travel to a stationary position for engaging the carton blank in the hopper. A further aspect relates to maintaining a suction force on the carton blank during conveyance, including along a linear portion of the track associated with a lugged conveyor for assisting in erecting the blank into a carton. Another aspect relates to a rotatable bucket for receiving and supporting the product, and a controlled motion track for positioning the bucket and associated product for delivery to the carton. Related methods are also described.