Abstract: In one example of a vertical load case packer, guide rods provide horizontal adjustment of a tipping conveyor assembly to position the tipping conveyor assembly at a desired distance from the at least one bucket assembly. In operation, an indexing assembly advances case(s) into the tipping conveyor assembly. Side belts in the tipping conveyor assembly move and grip the case(s). A pivot rotates the tipping conveyor from a position wherein an open end of a case is oriented upwardly to a position wherein the open end is oriented horizontally to receive the product. Each bucket assembly receives product and delivers it to a case. A sliding bottom plate in the bucket assembly supports horizontally loaded product and advances the product into a case. A pusher plate prevents product from withdrawing from the case as the sliding bottom plate is withdrawn and further inserts the product into the case if needed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable chain guide system is described herein. In one example, movable and stationary pieces of chain guide define a chain path. An actuator moves the movable piece of chain guide between first and second positions with respect to the stationary piece of chain guide. A length of the chain path is not changed when the movable piece of chain guide is moved between the first and second positions. This may be accomplished, for example, if the movable piece includes first and second curved segments, which contact the chain in the first and second positions of the movable piece of chain guide, respectively. In an operational example, a chain traveling the chain path may carry a flight lug, which may engage or not engage cases moving on a conveyor depending on a position of the movable piece of chain guide.

Abstract: A tape head includes a two-stage system by which a spring is tensioned. In a first stage, the spring may be partially tensioned when a case, moving along a conveyor, contacts a first application roller. The spring may be additionally tensioned when the case, continuing to move along the conveyor, contacts the second stage. In one example of the second stage, a lever is moved by contact with the moving case. Movement of the lever moves tensions the spring further. By tensioning the spring in multiple stages, assemblies and/or processes, less force is applied by the case to the first application roller. Accordingly, it is less likely to deform the case. The tensioned spring provides energy to move a second application roller around a trailing edge of the case, and thereby press a cut end of the tape against a side of the case.

Abstract: An adjustable chain drive system is adapted for uses such as moving product through a conveyor system, and can be configured using a chain, belt or similar structure. Two driven sprockets are movable on a slide, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted. In one example, such adjustment allows conveyor belts to be separated by a desired distance. A drive sprocket and endless chain is used in the drive system. In one configuration, the endless chain includes an adjustable chain segment separating the first and second driven sprockets. To compensate for movement of the first and/or second driven sprockets and change in length of the adjustable chain segment between them, lengths of first and/or second secondary adjustable chain segments adjacent to the adjustable chain segment are varied.

Abstract: A tape head includes a two-stage system by which a spring is tensioned. In a first stage, the spring may be partially tensioned when a case, moving along a conveyor, contacts a first application roller. The spring may be additionally tensioned when the case, continuing to move along the conveyor, contacts the second stage. In one example of the second stage, a lever is moved by contact with the moving case. Movement of the lever moves tensions the spring further. By tensioning the spring in multiple stages, assemblies and/or processes, less force is applied by the case to the first application roller. Accordingly, it is less likely to deform the case. The tensioned spring provides energy to move a second application roller around a trailing edge of the case, and thereby press a cut end of the tape against a side of the case.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: An automated de-banding machine which can perform by scanning the surface of the pallet to determine the number and position of bands to be removed. The machine also is capable of analyzing to determine the overlay bands from underlay bands. The overlay bands are removed first and typically fed individually to a chopper which chops the bands into pieces for recycling. The band information may be recorded and used to facilitate handling of a similar type of pallet in future operations to eliminate any stoppage for determination of retooling or adjustment.

Abstract: An automated de-banding machine which can perform by scanning the surface of the pallet to determine the number and position of bands to be removed. The machine also is capable of analyzing to determine the overlay bands from underlay bands. The overlay bands are removed first and typically fed individually to a chopper which chops the bands into pieces for recycling. The band information may be recorded and used to facilitate handling of a similar type of pallet in future operations to eliminate any stoppage for determination of retooling or adjustment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags and other liners into open packaging containers. One or more engagement heads engage and position the flexible liners in preparation for their insertion into open containers using an insertion assembly. One or more of the engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum heads that are movable to open the liner for the insertion assembly. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the liners over the top edges of the open containers. Clamping assemblies can be included on the cuffing assembly to facilitate holding the liners during insertion and cuffing. The use of an engagement assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven helps to provide greater speed and operational flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for vacuum engagement of flexible bags and other liners, such as for insertion into and cuffing upon packaging containers. The vacuum engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum relief ports and slotted apertures having a reticulated material therein to prevent the flexible film liners from filling the heads. The heads may be presented in opposing pairs that are misaligned to facilitate separation of opposing leaves. Also disclosed are grippers that may bear upon the liners to help in separating the liners from a dispenser. Further disclosed are inserting, cuffing, and clamping assemblies used in an insertion and cuffing apparatus that uses independent operation for greater operational flexibility and speed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags and other liners into open packaging containers. One or more engagement heads engage and position the flexible liners in preparation for their insertion into open containers using an insertion assembly. One or more of the engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum heads that are movable to open the liner for the insertion assembly. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the liners over the top edges of the open containers. Clamping assemblies can be included on the cuffing assembly to facilitate holding the liners during insertion and cuffing. The use of an engagement assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven helps to provide greater speed and operational flexibility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which includes a method and apparatus for the removal of carton bundles from where they are stacked, such as on pallets, re-positions the carton bundles relative to a carton holding structure such as a hopper, removes the restraining strap(s) from each bundle and feeds the bundle or cartons onto a hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the feeding and accumulation of bottles in an air conveyance system, which has a swing-arm air conveyor with a flexible guide joint which allows the efficient conveyance of bottles from a single-lane source of bottles to a plurality of recipient air conveyors for accumulation and handling. The swing-arm air conveyor also includes a second flexible guide joint which provides for the delivery of the bottles to the recipient air conveyors in a direction parallel to the direction of the single-line source of bottles. The apparatus and method is also used for the conveyance of bottles from a plurality of feed air conveyors to a single-lane recipient air conveyor. The flexible guide joint allows the swing-arm air conveyor to be pivoted while still maintaining a continuous chamber through which bottles are conveyed.

Abstract: A cuffing assembly for flexible bags inserted into a receiving open carton includes cuffing fingers at each carton corner. The fingers are movable between a retracted position for insertion into a bag and an extended position in which they can overlap the carton corners. Air is discharged through air outlets adjacent the outer ends of the cuffing fingers to minimize frictional forces between the bag and cuffing fingers to prevent tearing of the bag as the cuff is being formed and during subsequent retraction of the cuffing fingers.

Abstract: A staging hopper for supplying packaging blanks includes a first conveyor positioned downstream of a second conveyor. The first conveyor supports and periodically transfers packaging blanks in a primary group of blanks to a blank delivery position. A second conveyor supports and intermittently transfers packaging blanks in a secondary group of blanks onto the first conveyor. The top edges of the secondary group of blanks rest at an angle against the primary group of blanks to define a longitudinal gap between the lower edges of the blanks in the primary and secondary groups. Photosensors are provided to detect the presence and absence of packaging blanks within the longitudinal gap. In addition to advancing the primary group of blanks, the first conveyor advances the forward blanks in the secondary group across the gap toward the primary group. The photosensors detect the presence of these blanks as their lower edges move across the gap.

Abstract: A cuffing assembly for flexible bags inserted into a receiving open carton includes paired cuffing fingers that span each carton corner. The fingers are movable between a retracted position for insertion into a bag and an extended position in which they can overlap the outer surfaces adjacent to each carton corner. Diagonal clamp forces can be applied to the cuffed bag between the fingers of each pair as required.

Abstract: A machine for feeding individual flexible trays from an inclined nested stack to a conveyor or other appropriate surface below the stack. Vacuum heads are mounted to arms that pivot about a horizontal axis spaced from an upper transverse edge of an inclined hopper holding the nested stack. The lower end of the inclined hopper is open for engagement by vacuum heads at the ends of the pivoted arms. The vacuum heads are pivoted by the arms to engage successive trays adjacent a lower transverse edge of the hopper. The arms are then pivoted back with the vacuum heads adhered to a tray, stripping the tray from the stack and pivoting it to a substantially horizontal position where it is released to fall to a surface below. A guide may be employed to direct movement of the tray downwardly.

Abstract: A holder assembly is described for releasably receiving and supporting successive groups of containers in a case packing machine. The machine is operable to move successive groups vertically downward from a first station to the holder assembly at a second station. Subsequently the containers are forced downwardly again from the holder assembly to a case packing station below. The holder assembly functions to group received containers into defined rectangular clusters. The holder assembly also permits vertical movement of the containers while holding them in the rectangular array. Rotary mechanisms enable selective inversion of the holders and containers supported within.