Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for accurately positioning a lid of a series of lids above a container flange in preparation for the heat sealing operation. The apparatus is designed to maintain the production rate of prior art filling and packaging machines while still precisely locating a lid such that little or no overhang of the lid relative to the flange of a container occurs. This is achieved by providing a start and stop type conveyor with individual conveyor plates provided with alignment lugs for urging the flange of a container and a lid into alignment. The resulting product is less vulnerable to lid damage and hence is more presentable when served to the consumer. This system is particular valuable in the packaging of individual creamer containers.

Abstract: A container chute according to the present invention utilizes movable portions which are normally biased to the closed position but may be moved outwardly to facilitate insertion of a stack of nested containers into the container chute. The container chute is normally used in automated packaging machines which use preformed nested containers. This approach simplifies the container loading operation giving the operator additional time for other responsibilities.

Abstract: The specification of the present application discloses an apparatus and method for dividing the multiple parallel output of a multi-lane container packaging machine to allow bulk packaging of a number of containers independent of the number of containers in one parallel output. This is accomplished by changing the parallel container output into a series output in which the container spacing and position relative to other containers is determined by the output rate of the multi-lane packaging machine and the speed of a second conveyor positioned at the discharge of the machine to change the parallel input of containers to a series format. A segmenting means is associated with the indexing of the multi-lane packaging machine and divides the time between successive indexes into divisions representative of the number and spacing of containers on the second conveyor.

Abstract: The specification describes a fluid dispensing piston pump that is adapted to be cleaned in places without disassembly of the pump. During the cleaning operation the piston of the pump is positioned in an area of larger diameter at the base of the cylinder such that the seal between the piston face and cylinder is broken. Seals are provided for closing the upper end of the cylinder thereby allowing steam or a cleaning fluid which is introduced through the inlet check valve to fill the cylinder and sterilize the piston face and stem members. Steam is then discharged through the outlet check valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading a stack of containers into a container chute are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support adapted to support a row of stacked containers on their sides. The chute has a container side entrance. A guide is provided to guide the pushed movement of a stack of containers from the support through the container side entrance upwardly into the chute. The stack of containers is permitted to drop after insertion into the chute. The apparatus and method may be adapted to supply containers to a filling machine, such as coffee creamer or condiment filling machines.

Abstract: The specification describes a cartoning apparatus adapted to carry out a plurality of cartoning steps which in the past have been carried out by individual independent machines. The cartoning apparatus includes a set-up station for the opening of flat carton blanks, a conveyor for advancing the opened carton blanks along the apparatus, and closure means downstream of the set-up station for closing the bottom and/or top of the carton. The closure means is adapted to both fold and tape the carton and automatically apply the required amount of tape to each carton. It includes means for applying the strip of tape extending between adjacent spaced apart cartons and a plunger member for plunging between the cartons to sever the extended strip of tape and to apply the thusly provided free tape ends to the opposing end walls of the adjacent cartons.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus adapted to heat seal a lid of a series of like lids, interconnected by severable tabs, to an open container. The apparatus comprises a driven conveyor for conveying the containers and a lid heat-sealing and tab-severance station. The containers are momentarily stationed beneath the lid heat sealing and tab severance station to press and heat seal an aligned lid onto a supported container rim. The tab which interconnects the sealed lid to the supply of series of like interconnected lids, is severed prior to the conveyor advancing the next container to be sealed.