Abstract: A device for erecting a folding carton and for holding the folding carton. The device includes a table formed of an elongated input segment and an elongated output segment. The segments are hinged together tandemwise. An anchor support member supports an input end of the input segment. An output support underlies an output end portion of the output segment. The anchor support member moves between a lowered position in which the segments of the table form a V-shape and a raised position in which the segments of the table are substantially horizontally aligned. Lower end flap of the carton engage the segments when in lowered position to partially fold the lower end flaps. The lower end flaps are further folded when the segments are advanced from the lowered position to the raised position. Side flap folding members are hingedly mounted on opposite sides of the table.

Abstract: A machine for forming a slug of edgewise supported flat articles. The machine includes a table above which the articles of the slug are accumulated. Paired conveyor belt means advance the articles in shingle fashion past an edge of the table. One of the belt means has a portion parallel to and at substantially the level of the table for rapidly advancing lower edges of the articles away from the other of the belt means and onto the table. An upper backstop supports the articles on the table and on said belt portion. The articles are urged toward the backstop means to form the slug. The upper backstop is advanced from said edge of the table as the slug of articles forms on the table. Control of the slug is transferred from the upper backstop to an auxiliary backstop. Upright fingers are advanced into engagement with a last article in the slug so that the slug is held between the fingers and the auxiliary backstop.

Abstract: A machine for assisting in the support of a load. A suction head having a downwardly facing opening supports the load. A conduit is connected to the hollow interior of the suction head and suction is impressed on the conduit so that the load can be held at the opening. A cable supports the suction head. A pressure cylinder is provided with a piston connected to urge the cable upwardly to support the suction head and the load. Fluid under pressure can be supplied to the cylinder at two selected pressures, one selected pressure being sufficient to substantially counterbalance the weight of the load and of the suction head, the other selected pressure being a lesser pressure sufficient to substantially counterbalance the weight of the suction head. A pressure operated switch is connected to be actuated by pressure in the conduit. Operation of the switch impresses the first selected pressure on the cylinder when the opening in the suction head is closed by the load and there is a reduced pressure in the conduit.