Abstract: A machine for forming a carton from a carton blank using a forming cavity uses at least one gripper for gripping and transporting the carton blank toward the forming cavity along a path of travel (such as from the hopper to a transporter in a linear fashion). A plurality of grippers may be provided for gripping and transporting the carton blank toward the forming cavity along the path of travel. The or each gripper may be adapted for gripping a lateral side of the carton blank, and the gripper(s) may be connected to a transporter adapted for moving in a reciprocal fashion along a linear path of travel. The machine may also include a forming cavity adapted for being raised and lowered, as well as a low level hopper for holding the carton blanks such that each is raised to associate with the gripper(s). Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a handle system for use with finishing tools utilized to finish wallboard joints. A finishing tool may be connected to the handle system and moved relative to a wallboard joint to appropriately apply mastic over the joint. In one embodiment, the handle system includes an elongate handle body having a tear drop cross-sectional shape. The shape enables the handle body to fit ergonomically within a user's hand and improves the user's ability to resist torque tending to cause the handle body to twist and a connected finishing tool to come out of contact with wallboard during use. The handle system further includes a pivoting connector assembly that permits a connected finishing tool to rotate relative to the handle body and that has a unique pivot pin that allows mastic to flow through the handle body, through the pivoting connector assembly, and into the connected finishing tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a finisher system for finishing joints, seams or gaps in wallboard. According to an example embodiment, the finisher system comprises a finisher for dispensing mastic onto wallboard and an adapter configured for pivotally connecting the finisher to a handle. The finisher and adapter are cooperatively configured to substantially prevent sliding motion of the finisher relative to the adapter, and to ensure appropriate registration and orientation of the finisher relative to the adapter. A fluid communication path is defined within the adapter, allowing mastic to flow through the adapter. A pivot pin enables a first portion of the adapter to pivot relative to a second portion of the adapter, and defines a bore therein that permits mastic to flow through the pivot pin and between the adapter's first and second portions. The adapter is configured for attachment to a handle having a substantially tear drop shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a handle system for use with finishing tools utilized to finish wallboard joints. A finishing tool may be connected to the handle system and moved relative to a wallboard joint to appropriately apply mastic over the joint. In one embodiment, the handle system includes an elongate handle body having a tear drop cross-sectional shape. The shape enables the handle body to fit ergonomically within a user's hand and improves the user's ability to resist torque tending to cause the handle body to twist and a connected finishing tool to come out of contact with wallboard during use. The handle system further includes a pivoting connector assembly that permits a connected finishing tool to rotate relative to the handle body and that has a unique pivot pin that allows mastic to flow through the handle body, through the pivoting connector assembly, and into the connected finishing tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a finisher system for finishing joints, seams or gaps in wallboard. According to an example embodiment, the finisher system comprises a finisher for dispensing mastic onto wallboard and an adapter configured for pivotally connecting the finisher to a handle. The finisher and adapter are cooperatively configured to substantially prevent sliding motion of the finisher relative to the adapter, and to ensure appropriate registration and orientation of the finisher relative to the adapter. A fluid communication path is defined within the adapter, allowing mastic to flow through the adapter. A pivot pin enables a first portion of the adapter to pivot relative to a second portion of the adapter, and defines a bore therein that permits mastic to flow through the pivot pin and between the adapter's first and second portions. The adapter is configured for attachment to a handle having a substantially tear drop shaped cross-section.