Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting skived glue, hemming and skew, and backfold of cartons by means of real time image comparison. The apparatus comprises channel sensors, means for measuring conveyor travel distance, a system controller coupled to the channel sensors, a memory for storing images, a processor coupled to the outputs of the system controller and the memory and a bad carton locator means. A known good carton is passed through the channel sensors and a reference synthetic image is stored in a memory. A test carton is passed through the channel sensors producing a real time image which is compared to the stored reference synthetic image for detecting defects.

Abstract: A paper box folding and sealing machine for forming a hemmed edge. A skiving station removes a portion of a carton blank material at the area to be hemmed. A hemming station folds the skived portion onto the blank, irons it and then opens the hem to lie in a predetermined plane that intersects the plane of the blank. Superheated air directed in a laminar-like air flow, activates a thermoplastic coating adjacent the skived portion of the area to be hemmed. Folding fingers, tack rollers and presser rollers then fold the skived portion onto the activated thermoplastic coating to form a hem that is sealed against the adjacent portion of the blank.

Abstract: For use with container production equipment, an apparatus is provided for controllably feeding a consistent stream of carton blanks in shingled form from a stack by applying constant pressure downwardly on a rotating belt which frictionally engages the top carton blanks to remove them from the stack. The preferred arrangement for removing carton blanks includes a device for applying pressure comprising an air pressure cylinder, and includes an arrangement for controlling the pressure applied to automatically maintain a constant pressure. The level of pressure applied may be adjusted to accommodate changing coefficients of friction between the feed belt and carbon blanks, and between adjacent carbon blanks, as well as to control the pressure applied to shingle a series of single carton blanks or to shingle a series of groups of two or more carbon blanks.

Abstract: A machine for folding and shaping a partition for a case which carries a plurality of articles and for inserting the partition between articles in the case. The machine includes a hopper for holding a plurality of the partitions. Each of the partitions has slot means substantially centrally thereof. Vacuum cups can grip one of the partitions and move in a direction to free the partition from the hopper. A flight conveyor includes flight means for engaging of the partition at the slot means. The flight conveyor advances the partition to a folding station where the partition is folded centrally thereof. The flight conveyor further advances the folded partition to a forming and insertion station. A case having articles therein stops at a loading station below the forming and insertion station.