Abstract: A case loading apparatus comprises a first conveyor for moving a plurality of articles therealong and a second conveyor for moving open-ended cases therealong. The first conveyor deposits a stacked plurality of the articles on a platen, mounted on an elevator, for movement to a lowered position whereat the articles are transferred to a receptacle. The receptacle is moved adjacent to one of the cases and is inserted therein.

Abstract: A case opening and sealing apparatus comprises a magazine having a plurality of flattened case blanks stacked therein, a conveyor underlying the magazine, and a plurality of suction cups for opening each case into tubular form for subsequent filling. Each forward case blank in the magazine is precisely ejected into proximity with the suction cups for opening purposes by a shuttle mechanism which functions to sequentially (1) engage a lower edge of the case blank to initially prevent removal thereof from the magazine, (2) move the case blank upwardly to release the lower edge thereof from the magazine, and (3) push the case blank downwardly onto the conveyor and into close proximity with the suction cups which function to open the case into tubular form.