Abstract: An apparatus and related method for feeding/turning successive cartons along the flow path of a packaging line is provided. An intermediate conveyor section between in-line feed and take away conveyors defines the substantially horizontal flow path. A plurality of elongated O-ring belts feed and turn the cartons. A separate side running chain having a straight operative run carries a plurality of extensible fingers; one selected finger engaging and capturing a leading corner of each successive carton to assist in turning. The O-ring belts are driven at differential speed. The combined feeding and turning action of the carton, assisted by retarding engagement of the carton corner by the finger assures positive and efficient feeding/turning of the cartons. A microprocessor is provided to control the driving of stepper/servo motors for the various components. The O-ring belts are driven by the single servo motor with a plurality of increasing size pulleys on a common shaft to provide the progressive speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding/heat sealing cartons along the feed path of a cartoning line is provided. A conveyor moves the cartons past the heat sealing station where an elongated nozzle assembly forms a heated air stream directed against the carton flap and the side of the carton to activate the coating to form an adhesive. A bypass valve and duct is provided to interrupt the flow of heated air in the event that the carton does not clear the activation zone in a predetermined time. Strategically placed heat shields and coolant passages are provided to further isolate the conveyor from the heat. The nozzle includes a slotted outlet with an elongated bar closely spaced above to deflect the heated air stream when a carton is present for adhesive activation; said bar having a tapered fin to form a modified air foil along the trailing edge to divide, recombine and compact the stream when a carton is not present. The upper feed belts of the conveyor are adjustable to adapt to cartons of various heights.

Abstract: A closing method for a multi-sided paperboard carton includes sealing a cover with side edge extensions to corresponding side flanges defined by fold lines on the paperboard carton during continuous feeding of the carton along the feed path. The side flanges of the carton body are bent downward during continuous feed movement with a force sufficient to cause the flanges to fold and remain free and below a plane passing through the fold line when released. The cover is placed on the carton to lie substantially in a plane and with the edge extensions overlying the flanges. A hot air stream is directed into the half-V gap presented between each flange and associated cover side edge extension to activate an adhesive coating and the flanges are pressed against the cover for sealing. The carton is carried through the bending stage in a die having an open bottom cavity and forming blades on its side edges that engage the fold line between the side flanges and the carton side panels from below.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for sealing paperboard cartons with overlapping flanges on the side panel and cover in a continuous operation is disclosed. At least one of the flanges is an inverted U-shaped flange extending outwardly from the side of the carton as the carton is moved along a longitudinal feed path by a conveyor. Adhesive is provided between the flanges and the flanges are pressed together by upper and lower rotary members; the lower member including an inwardly projecting segment mating with the underside of the inverted U-shaped flange so that the sealing can proceed without interference with the depending portions of the U-shaped flange. The projecting segment is mounted on a disc positioned outboard of the feed path so as to provide touch contact for self centering of the carton. The segment on the lower disc is elongated in the direction of the feed path and includes a series of ridges on the pressure face to increase the sealing effect.

Abstract: A packaging machine for loading a group of primary packages such as bottles through the open ends of an open ended sleeve container (C) includes a fixed horizontally disposed base plate (50) over which a plurality of transverse parallel spaced apart metering bars (51) are movable in spaced relation to the base plate so that an open ended sleeve carton disposed in the spaces between the metering bars is slidable over the base plate together with fixed guide means (86-89) (93-96) disposed alongside the base plate for receiving primary packages from an infeed conveyor, the fixed guide means being disposed at an acute angle to the path of movement of the metering bars so that primary packages are supplied by the fixed guide means into the spaces between the metering bars and thence into the open ends of the sleeve type containers disposed therebetween.