Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for handling rolls (12) of web material, the rolls being of the type having a hollow core (60) on which a length of the web is wound, the core having opposite ends (68) extending axially beyond the material. The rolls are supported on a rack (10) with their axes of rotation essentially horizontal. Devices such as a general purpose programmable robot (22) having a special tool (26, 32-114) are provided for removing rolls from the rack and placing them on a transfer stand (28, 116-174) adjacent a processing apparatus (30). The transfer stand extends toward the processing apparatus and pushes a fresh roll from its chuck (174) onto the chuck (186) of the processing apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible apparatus and method are disclosed for erecting cases and packaging a series of objects (26) which may be delivered in random order on an infeed conveyor (28), including a source (40,42) of a plurality of types of cases for such objects; a controller (48) for storing and providing information on the order of such objects; a station (32) for locating such cases for insertion of such objects; a programmable robot (34), responsive to such information, the robot having an end effector with a multiple purpose tool for selecting the type of case appropriate for a particular object in the series, for erecting the case and for placing the objects into the case; and a station (46) for closing and sealing the packed case.