Abstract: An article transfer mechanism of an article transfer device comprising a support structure having a central axis, at least one engagement member extending from the support structure perpendicular to the support structure axis. The engagement member contacts an article at a first predetermined location thereon. The mechanism also includes a synchronized vacuum control system which provides vacuum to the engagement member. At least one article control member is further provided to contact the article at a second predetermined location and apply a force thereto, whereby the synchronized engagement member and article control member permit the article to be transferable at high speed.

Abstract: A continuous packaging sleever assembly and process for wrapping packaging sleeves about product groups. The assembly has a frame structure with a generally horizontal working surface, a transfer conveyor to move the product containers across the working surface, and horizontally movable flight bar structures connected to a continuous chain structure. The flight bar structures are constructed and arranged to be selectively movable in a generally perpendicular direction to the product transfer conveyor means and to separate the product containers into predetermined groups. A packaging sleeve transfer and placement structure is provided in synchronization with the flight bar structures for depositing flat packaging sleeves between adjacent flight bar structures and above the product groups. The flight bar structures simultaneously move the product groups and the individual sleeves thereon.

Abstract: A bottom lock arrangement is provided for basket carriers having opposed end panels, opposed side walls and a floor structure. The basket carriers have a center wall disposed between and parallel the side walls to provide at least two side by side cells for the carrier. The bottom lock arrangement comprises at least one connector tab extending from the center wall, and the floor structure further comprises opposed first and second floor panels. The first panel is foldably connected to one side wall and the second panel is foldably connected to the opposite side wall. The first and second panels are sized to overlap one another and they further have aligned connector slots to receive the connector tab of the center wall. Center wall connector tab configurations and cooperating aligned connector and locking slot configurations in the first and second panels are provided to yield secure bottom locking arrangments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a basket carrier of the type where each of the carrier's cells is loaded through the carrier's open bottom, the bottom being closed by the carrier's floor after the carrier has been loaded. Preferably, at least one glue tab is foldably connected to one of the floor and the center wall, the glue tab being glued to the other of the floor and the center wall after the carrier has been loaded with bottles. This securely connects the carrier's center wall to the floor which enhances the vertical support for bottles within the carrier cells, and also which aids in maintenance of squared corners for the carrier during use.

Abstract: A basket carrier fabricated from two separate blanks, one of the blanks forming the carrier's body which includes opposed side walls, opposed end walls, and a floor, and the other of the blanks forming the carrier's center wall and cell divider panels. In preferred form, the center wall blank includes end wall connector flaps by which the center wall is fixed to the carrier's end walls, and floor connector tabs by which the center wall is fixed to the body's floor.

Abstract: A device and process to facilitate the high speed placement of articles onto moving objects by coordinating the velocity of the articles with the velocity of the moving objects. The device comprises a frame structure, a rotary transfer mechanism having an intermittently oscillating center gear and having a plurality of planetary gears in rotational communication with the center gear. An article transfer mechanism is provided having activatable article holding structure and being in fixed rotational communication with at least one planetary gear to impart orbital motion to the articles being transfered. The orbital motion provided by the article transfer mechanism has at least two outwardly extending apex positions. The device has a drive source and a synchronized advancing mechanism which is constructed and arranged to oscillate the center gear at predetermined times as the article holding structure approach as an apex position of travel.

Abstract: An article control assembly and process for an article transfer mechanism of an article transfer device for moving articles to a predetermined location. The article control assembly has an articulated member for engaging the transferred articles. A synchronization structure for the articulated member is provided for controlling the movement of the articulated member with respect to the article control mechanism. The synchronization structure further has a rotational velocity control mechanism. A rotational acceleration control mechanism is further provided for the articulation member. The synchronization structure and the rotational acceleration control structure act on the articulated member to control the articles during transfer.

Abstract: The invention provides a leak detection system for filled and sealed pliable containers. The system comprises a continuous squeezing conveyor, a line conveyor and high and low fill level container content detectors located at predetermined positions. The squeezing conveyor moves a stream of containers while placing a predetermined pressure on the containers through a predetermined distance. The line conveyor is disposed adjacent the outlet end of the squeezing conveyor. The line conveyor is synchronized for receiving and transporting the container stream. The high fill level detector is disposed adjacent the squeezing conveyor outlet end. The low fill level detector is disposed adjacent the line conveyor at a predetermined distance downstream the squeezing conveyor outlet end.

Abstract: A vertical cartoner assembly and method is for placing and assembling cartons over preselected product groups moved on a conveyor. The assembly has a frame structure having an elongated circular portion and vertically disposed drive shafts each having upper and lower chain sprockets. Continuous chains engage the upper and lower sprockets, and a power drive is provided to rotate one of the drive shafts. A continuous cam rail structure is mounted to the frame spacially intermediate the continuous chains. The continuous cam rail has downwardly and upwardly sloping sections. A plurality of vertical shafts are connected to the top and bottom chains. A carton holder body structure having a vertically disposed sleeve slidingly engages at least one of the vertical shafts. The carton holder body has a rearwardly extending cam follower for movement in the cam rail structure. The carton holder body structure has a pair of adjustable outwardly extending arms for receiving an opened and partially erected carton.