Abstract: A conveyor system for grouping containers includes a first track including a first plurality of lugs, each lug having a respective gripper coupled thereto configured to drive containers along the first track and a second track configured to move a second plurality of lugs wherein each of the lugs is coupled to a respective gripper configured to receive containers from the first track, and move the containers along the second track wherein the grippers of the second track contact the container while the gripper of the first track contacts the container.

Abstract: A conveyor system for containers including a conveyor module configured to convey and meter a stream of containers, including a first star wheel configured to move a plurality of first containers along a first travel path, wherein the first containers each have a first geometric center, and wherein the first travel path is defined by the geometric center of the first containers, and a second star wheel configured to move a plurality of second containers along a second travel path, wherein the second containers each have a second geometric center, and wherein the second travel path is defined by the geometric center of the second containers.

Abstract: A gripper including a receiving end and a locking end and an absorber coupled to at least one of the ends configured to dampen contact forces imparted on the gripper, wherein the receiving end is shaped to marry a container body.

Abstract: An orientation module including a base configured to support at least one container, a camera positioned to scan the at least one container, a processor operatively connected to the camera configured to analyze an initial orientation of the container and determine a secondary orientation of the container, and a turning member positioned above the base configured to turn the corresponding container according to a command from the processor to rotate the container to the secondary orientation

Abstract: An article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier are disclosed. The carrier (90) comprises an engaging panel (12) having at least one article-engaging structure (RT1, RT2). The carrier (90) comprises a bundling structure having first and second segments. The first segment includes a first panel (14) hinged to the engaging panel (12) and abridging portion (22A, 26A) hinged to the first panel (14). The second segment includes a second panel (18A) hinged to the engaging panel (12), a third panel (18B) hinged to the second panel (18A) in overlapping position therewith and a bridge-engaging feature engaging the bridging portion (22A, 26A). The bridge-engaging feature is provided at least by the second and third panels (18A, 18B) such that art of the bridging portion (22A, 26A) is disposed between the second and third panels (18A, 18B).

Abstract: A conveyor system for containers including a conveyor module configured to convey and meter a stream of containers, including a first star wheel configured to move a plurality of first containers along a first travel path, wherein the first containers each have a first geometric center, and wherein the first travel path is defined by the geometric center of the first containers, and a second star wheel configured to move a plurality of second containers along a second travel path, wherein the second containers each have a second geometric center, and wherein the second travel path is defined by the geometric center of the second containers.

Abstract: An orientation module including a base configured to support at least one container, a camera positioned to scan the at least one container, a processor operatively connected to the camera configured to analyze an initial orientation of the container and determine a secondary orientation of the container, and a turning member positioned above the base configured to turn the corresponding container according to a command from the processor to rotate the container to the secondary orientation.

Abstract: A conveyor system for grouping containers including a conveyor module configured to convey and meter a stream of containers of various dimensions a first star wheel and a second star wheel configured to move a plurality of first containers along a first travel path, wherein the first containers each have a first geometric center, and wherein the first travel path is defined by the geometric center of the first containers, and a third star wheel and a fourth star wheel configured to move a plurality of second containers along a second travel path, wherein the second containers each have a second geometric center, and wherein the second travel path is defined by the geometric center of the second containers, wherein the first travel path and the second travel path are substantially similar.

Abstract: A conveyor system for grouping containers includes a first track including a first plurality of lugs, each lug having a respective gripper coupled thereto configured to drive containers along the first track and a second track configured to move a second plurality of lugs wherein each of the lugs is coupled to a respective gripper configured to receive containers from the first track, and move the containers along the second track wherein the grippers of the second track contact the container while the gripper of the first track contacts the container.

Abstract: A gripper including a receiving end and a locking end and an absorber coupled to at least one of the ends configured to dampen contact forces imparted on the gripper, wherein the receiving end is shaped to marry a container body.

Abstract: A grouping system for grouping containers including a track oriented in a horizontal plane, a plurality of lugs coupled moveably to the track, and a plurality of grippers, wherein each gripper is coupled to a lug, wherein the grippers are configured to move a stream of containers about the track.

Abstract: An orientation module including a base configured to support at least one container, a camera positioned to scan the at least one container, a processor operatively connected to the camera configured to analyze an initial orientation of the container and determine a secondary orientation of the container, and a turning member positioned above the base configured to turn the corresponding container according to a command from the processor to rotate the container to the secondary orientation.

Abstract: A conveyor system for grouping containers including a conveyor module configured to convey and meter a stream of containers of various dimensions a first star wheel and a second star wheel configured to move a plurality of first containers along a first travel path, wherein the first containers each have a first geometric center, and wherein the first travel path is defined by the geometric center of the first containers, and a third star wheel and a fourth star wheel configured to move a plurality of second containers along a second travel path, wherein the second containers each have a second geometric center, and wherein the second travel path is defined by the geometric center of the second containers, wherein the first travel path and the second travel path are substantially similar.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprising an orientation system for orientating an article within a package, the orientation system comprising at least one carriage (240) moveable about an endless path comprising a working reach and a return reach, a drive mechanism for propelling the at least one carriage about the endless path, an engagement member (250) for frictionally engaging with an article (B) in a package (1), the engagement member moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position wherein the engagement member is rotationally driven by a rotary drive mechanism comprising a first component (244) rotationally mounted to the carriage and a second component (234) which engages with the first component such that the first component rotates as the carriage is driven about the endless path.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprising an orientation system for orientating an article within a package, the orientation system comprising at least one carriage (240) moveable about an endless path comprising a working reach and a return reach, a drive mechanism for propelling the at least one carriage about the endless path, an engagement member (250) for frictionally engaging with an article (B) in a package (1), the engagement member moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position wherein the engagement member is rotationally driven by a rotary drive mechanism comprising a first component (244) rotationally mounted to the carriage and a second component (234) which engages with the first component such that the first component rotates as the carriage is driven about the endless path.