Abstract: An automatic machine for loading and installing a telescopic lid on a shipping case is disclosed. The machine provides for bottom loading an open-top case with product which may extend slightly above the case sidewalls when loaded therein. After the machine has loaded the case and closed its bottom flaps, a pre-scored and slotted lid member in sheet form is positioned above the case and then moved onto it as as its side and end panel members are folded against the case sidewalls and joined together to form a snug fitting telescoping lid on the case.

Abstract: A device for motivating dieters to maintain a program for weight loss. A planar board with foldable portions to support it in an upright position and having printed indicia forming a plurality of spaces designating progressively the number of pounds that a dieter wishes to lose during a weight loss program. In combination with the board are foldable cartons whose size on one end are related to each space on the board. When a dieter commences a weight-reduction program, a number of cartons equalling the number of pounds to be lost are stacked against the indicia of the board to coincide with the designated spaces. For each pound that the dieter loses, he or she is entitled to remove one carton, unfold it and place it in a flat carton holder in the rear of the board.

Abstract: A method and a machine for loading articles into cases utilize indexed rotary movement of a carousel device having a series of angularly spaced platforms, with a case holding device directly above each platform. Articles are pushed onto one of the platforms at an infeed station, in the configuration they will take when packed, with an open-bottomed case held directly above. Then the platform and empty case are rotated to an offloading station, and the platform is raised up into the bottom of the case by camming action, in response to the rotation. At the offloading station, flap folders push the minor bottom flaps of the carton up into closed position, and the case is pushed off the platform onto a conveyor, which also effects closure of the leading major flap up against the minor flaps. There may be three stations, the cases being drawn from flattened, stored configuration and gripped by the case holding device at a station following the offloading station.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically stacking and progressively accumulating a plurality of identical articles so that they can be loaded as a unit into a shipping container. The apparatus comprises a pair of indexing chains guided in low-friction tracks on a descending angle and driven by sprockets which are indexed periodically by a rotary drive. A series of trays is supported between the chains, each tray being sized to accommodate a full case load of product. The descending angle of the chains is such that the trays on the upper side of the chains are always arranged horizontally to form descending accumulation stations at levels that are spaced apart by a distance equal to the height of the product. Infeed conveyor belts are located on one or both sides of the accumulation stations for bringing in the articles to be stacked, and a lateral, horizontally directed actuator is provided to transfer them from the conveyor belts to the trays.