Abstract: Method contemplates: providing a set of collapsed multi-cell, crossed panel separator partitions arranged in upright position along a horizontal axis; applying vacuum grip to pull out the lead partition and move along the axis to a transfer station; relieving the pull-out vacuum grip and while supporting the partition in the upright position moving the same away from the transfer station along a second horizontal axis normal to the first axis to an opening station; applying vacuum grip to opposite sides of at least a single panel and rotating the panel to open the partition; and while the gripping force for opening is on the panel, moving the partition along a vertical axis down to an insert station and then removing the gripping force to thereby deposit the partition on the medium for which it is to serve its separating function.

Abstract: In an integrated container packing system where a mass of randomly oriented containers enter the system and are manipulated so that a partition can be inserted between groups of containers and then each group with the partition are placed in a shipping medium ready to be sent to inventory, the method of inserting the partition by relatively moving the containers and the partition in a forward direction, controlling the relative motion so that in alternately occurring periods of time, the velocity of the relative motion during one period of time is zero and during the next period of time the velocity of the relative motion gradually increases from zero to a maximum and then gradually back to zero and during each time the relative motion velocity is at zero, inserting the partition between a group of containers.

Abstract: Corrugated carton is moved between sprayers which apply water to the score lines of each major end flap and on opposite sides of the score bar about 1" up on the flap and 1" down on the panel. The major flaps are then bent into closed position and while bent, heat is applied to raise the temperature of the wet areas until the same are dry. Then, the bending means and heat are removed. Each end flap assumes a substantially closed position.

Abstract: Flat folded four-panel case is set up in a vertical takedown plane. The case is pulled out of the plane and manipulated to cause the four panels to move relative to each other so that the case assumes a diamond shape. The case is then partially erected. Next, one of the panels is held fixed (with the others being free to move) and a bottom flap is folded inwardly. This transmits forces to the panels so that the diamond shape changes to a square shape and the case is fully erected.