Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques for erecting cases, and particularly example structures and example methods for use in a case erecting system using a robotic arm. A tool for use in robotic case erecting may be used in conjunction with a robotic arm. Use of the tool assists in keeping a case level as the case moves along a conveyor, where a plow closes the major flaps and a tape head tapes edges of the flaps together, thereby sealing the bottom of the case. The tool also assists in regulating the gap between the major flaps, so that the gap and/or any overlap of the flaps is minimized. Accordingly, the tool assists the robotic arm to close the case in a more precise manner.

Abstract: Techniques for product-stacking and case-packing are particularly adapted for product that is packaged in envelopes or flexibly-sided containers. Such products include may different types, such as foodstuffs, books, boxed goods, etc. In an example, a product-stacking and case-packing system may include a product-stacking assembly and a case-packing assembly. In the example, the product-stacking assembly may be configured with a plurality of pairs of flights, each pair of flights programmed to move according to operation of an associated pair servo motors, and programmed to receive and down-stack incoming product items into groups. In the example, the case-packing assembly may include a robotic arm and end-of-arm tool configured to grasp one or more groups of stacked product items, when pushed from the product-stacking assembly, and place each group of stacked product items in a case (e.g., a cardboard box).

Abstract: Flight and indexing assemblies for automated packaging systems provide better product spacing for faster and more reliable automation. In an example, a plurality of flights may include a plate- or sheet-like body with a perpendicular flange extending from an upper portion of the flight. Two adjacent flanges contain a pouch or other product to be packaged in a case. A flange constrains an upper portion of each pouch to a confined and predetermined area, thereby aiding grippers of an end-of-arm tool to grasp the pouches. A flight and product indexing assembly is configured to control spacing between adjacent flights, and to position pouches constrained between adjacent flights, so that flights position product at predetermined locations for gripping by the end-of-arm tool.

Abstract: Techniques for product-stacking and case-packing are particularly adapted for product that is packaged in envelopes or flexibly-sided containers. Such products include may different types, such as foodstuffs, books, boxed goods, etc. In an example, a product-stacking and case-packing system may include a product-stacking assembly and a case-packing assembly. In the example, the product-stacking assembly may be configured with a plurality of pairs of flights, each pair of flights programmed to move according to operation of an associated pair servo motors, and programmed to receive and down-stack incoming product items into groups. In the example, the case-packing assembly may include a robotic arm and end-of-arm tool configured to grasp one or more groups of stacked product items, when pushed from the product-stacking assembly, and place each group of stacked product items in a case (e.g., a cardboard box).

Abstract: Flight and indexing assemblies for automated packaging systems provide better product spacing for faster and more reliable automation. In an example, a plurality of flights may include a plate- or sheet-like body with a perpendicular flange extending from an upper portion of the flight. Two adjacent flanges contain a pouch or other product to be packaged in a case. A flange constrains an upper portion of each pouch to a confined and predetermined area, thereby aiding grippers of an end-of-arm tool to grasp the pouches. A flight and product indexing assembly is configured to control spacing between adjacent flights, and to position pouches constrained between adjacent flights, so that flights position product at predetermined locations for gripping by the end-of-arm tool.

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: The disclosure describes techniques for erecting cases, and particularly example structures and example methods for use in a case erecting system using a robotic arm. A tool for use in robotic case erecting may be used in conjunction with a robotic arm. Use of the tool assists in keeping a case level as the case moves along a conveyor, where a plow closes the major flaps and a tape head tapes edges of the flaps together, thereby sealing the bottom of the case. The tool also assists in regulating the gap between the major flaps, so that the gap and/or any overlap of the flaps is minimized. Accordingly, the tool assists the robotic arm to close the case in a more precise manner.

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 method of printing an image with a continuous inkjet printer system employing a jetting module including a nozzle in fluid communication with a liquid ink source and a catcher including a liquid drop contact face; wherein the liquid ink is an aqueous inkjet black ink comprising a black colorant and at least one surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m. Full color images may be printed by further employing at least second, third and fourth jetting modules and yellow, magenta and cyan inks each also comprising a surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m for each ink. The ink compositions provide for fluid properties on the drop catcher face that minimize printing defects that can occur during drop deflection during the printing of high dynamic range images at high speed.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet ink set for use in continuous inkjet printing comprising at least one cyan ink, at least one yellow ink, at least one magenta ink, and at least one black ink, wherein each ink of the ink set comprises dispersed pigment particles and at least one surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m for each ink. The invention relates to continuous ink jet printing of aqueous pigmented ink compositions recycled from main ink supply reservoirs, employing a printer with drop ejectors and a drop deflector and non-printing drop catchers capable of returning unprinted ink to the fluid delivery systems following the capture of non-printing drops. The pigmented ink jet ink compositions provide for particularly suitable fluid properties on the drop catcher face that minimize printing defects that can occur during drop deflection during the printing of high dynamic range images at high speed.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet black ink composition for use in continuous ink jet printing is provided comprising black pigment particles dispersed with a polymeric dispersant or self dispersing pigment particles without the need for a dispersant; and at least one surfactant, wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to provide the ink composition with a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m. The invention relates to continuous ink jet printing of an aqueous pigmented ink composition recycled from a main ink supply reservoir, employing a printer with a drop ejector and a drop deflector and a non-printing drop catcher capable of returning unprinted ink to the fluid delivery system following the capture of non-printing drops. The pigmented ink jet ink compositions provide for particularly suitable fluid properties on the drop catcher face that minimize printing defects that can occur during drop deflection during the printing of high dynamic range images at high speed.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet ink set for use in continuous inkjet printing comprising at least one cyan ink, at least one yellow ink, at least one magenta ink, and at least one black ink, wherein each ink of the ink set comprises dispersed pigment particles and at least one surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m for each ink. The invention relates to continuous ink jet printing of aqueous pigmented ink compositions recycled from main ink supply reservoirs, employing a printer with drop ejectors and a drop deflector and non-printing drop catchers capable of returning unprinted ink to the fluid delivery systems following the capture of non-printing drops. The pigmented ink jet ink compositions provide for particularly suitable fluid properties on the drop catcher face that minimize printing defects that can occur during drop deflection during the printing of high dynamic range images at high speed.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet black ink composition for use in continuous ink jet printing is provided comprising black pigment particles dispersed with a polymeric dispersant or self dispersing pigment particles without the need for a dispersant; and at least one surfactant, wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to provide the ink composition with a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m. The invention relates to continuous ink jet printing of an aqueous pigmented ink composition recycled from a main ink supply reservoir, employing a printer with a drop ejector and a drop deflector and a non-printing drop catcher capable of returning unprinted ink to the fluid delivery system following the capture of non-printing drops. The pigmented ink jet ink compositions provide for particularly suitable fluid properties on the drop catcher face that minimize printing defects that can occur during drop deflection during the printing of high dynamic range images at high speed.

Abstract: A method of printing an image with a continuous inkjet printer system employing a jetting module including a nozzle in fluid communication with a liquid ink source and a catcher including a liquid drop contact face; wherein the liquid ink is an aqueous inkjet black ink comprising a black colorant and at least one surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m. Full color images may be printed by further employing at least second, third and fourth jetting modules and yellow, magenta and cyan inks each also comprising a surfactant selected to provide a 10-ms dynamic surface tension of less than 54 mN/m for each ink. The ink compositions provide for fluid properties on the drop catcher face that minimize printing defects that can occur during drop deflection during the printing of high dynamic range images at high speed.