Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags into open containers, and cuffing an open end of the flexible bags about a top edge of the open containers. The method and apparatus include a vacuum assembly having at least one movable vacuum head for engaging and positioning the flexible bags in preparation for their insertion into the open containers. An insertion assembly having a mandrel inserts the flexible bags into the open containers. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the flexible bags over the top edges of the open containers. The vacuum assembly may engage a flexible bag from a bag dispenser while the mandrel is in an extended position within the container. The method and apparatus also facilitate the use of a vacuum assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven to provide greater speed and flexibility to the bag opening, insertion and cuffing processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags into open containers, and cuffing an open end of the flexible bags about a top edge of the open containers. The method and apparatus include a vacuum assembly having at least one movable vacuum head for engaging and positioning the flexible bags in preparation for their insertion into the open containers. An insertion assembly having a mandrel inserts the flexible bags into the open containers. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the flexible bags over the top edges of the open containers. The vacuum assembly may engage a flexible bag from a bag dispenser while the mandrel is in an extended position within the container. The method and apparatus also facilitate the use of a vacuum assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven to provide greater speed and flexibility to the bag opening, insertion and cuffing processes.

Abstract: A rack packer for loading containers onto a rack comprises a loading station, a transfer station, an elevator, and a rack positioning means. The loading station receives and supports successive incoming rows of vertically oriented identical containers. The transfer station is positioned adjacent to the loading station. A starwheel at the transfer station is rotatably mounted about a transfer axis parallel to the successive rows of containers at the loading station. The starwheel has multiple sets of radial arms extending from the transfer axis to support individual containers of each row. The starwheel moves successive rows of containers from their vertical positions at the loading station upwardly to horizontal positions above the loading station. The elevator is located adjacent to the starwheel to receive multiple rows of horizontally oriented containers from the starwheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for erecting a carton having laminated corner structures. A multi-sectioned corner flap is folded progressively between an outer guide in the form of a longitudinal row of rollers and a spiraling row of conical rollers that accurately pinches a bent corner edge of the corner flap structure against the end panel to which it is joined in the carton blank. Surface-to-surface contact between the glued portions of the corner flap and the end panel is prevented until the folding action has been accurately completed.

Abstract: A machine for placing groups of containers, preferably bottles, into cases. Successive groups of bottles are moved horizontally to a first station where they are releasably suspended on escapement bars. The bottles are suspended at enlarged neck flanges adjacent their finishes. A cam mechanism moves the bars apart to release bottles allowing them to be moved vertically downward to a second station. The bottles are releasably received within one of two horizontally movable chutes at the second station. The chutes are also pivotable relative to one another so that the bottles may be inverted piror to being loaded into a case at a case packing station below. The two chutes are reciprocated horizontally relative to the first station so one chute may be unloaded into an awaiting case while the remaining chute is being loaded through operation of the escapement mechanism. Each chute may be inverted as the chutes are horizontally reciprocated.

Abstract: An apparatus for indexing groups of identical containers into patterns in which the component containers are spaced from one another for the purpose of receiving container separating partitions. The containers include bottom edges that define open spaces when the containers are held in a closed group with adjacent containers touching one another. Tapered lugs of the apparatus are urged inwardly between the containers to separate and index them into partition receiving patterns. This is accomplished by longitudinal conveyor assemblies as the partitions are moved to a partition receiving station. The containers are held in the partition receiving pattern by the tapered lugs which remain in position between the containers until after a partition is placed between the containers of the pattern. The tapered lugs are slotted to receive portions of the partitions.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically forming and laminating flaps of individual carton blanks as the blanks are moved along a prescribed longitudinal path. The mechanism includes a hopper for supplying individual carton blanks to a conveyor that leads along the prescribed path away from the hopper. A vacuum head is movably located below the hopper to remove successive blanks therefrom. The suction head moves the individual blanks downwardly into engagement with the conveyor. Lugs on the conveyor move the successive carton blanks along the path toward a flap folding mechanism. The flaps are folded over onto the carton blank in two separate steps. Firstly, the flaps are folded upwardly to a substantially 90 degree orientation with the remainder of the blank. This is done by a pair of pivoted arms on opposite sides of the conveyor. As the carton blank continues to move along the conveyor, the upwardly folded flaps are engaged and folded on downwardly into engagement with the remainder of the blank.