Abstract: The invention relates to a device for overpacking a least one object using at least one blank of an appropriate material such as carton in order to form a batch. The device of the invention includes at least one carousel including at least one receptacle, and at least three work stations distributed about said carousel, said three stations including a work station with distribution means for distributing at least one blank of material to the at least one receptacle, a work station with loading means for loading said at least one object into said receptacle, and a work station with unloading means for unloading at least one assembled batch, wherein means for folding and/or closing the blank in order to form the overpacking are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing two different types of carton, and for selecting and transferring cartons to be packaged, which apparatus includes a first hopper for storing a first carton type, a second hopper for storing a second carton type, and a carton engaging device that provides a first position for engaging cartons from the first hopper and a different second position for engaging cartons from the second hopper. A transfer device transfers the cartons from its respective first or second hopper to the infeed end of a packaging machine.

Abstract: A grouping mechanism and method for grouping articles delivered to the mechanism from an infeed stream at an infeed end of a packaging machine, which mechanism comprises a pair of opposed spacer elements, each said spacer element adapted to engage at least one article from the infeed stream and to convey said article through a working reach of said mechanism and transfer means being provided to return each said spacer element along a return reach such that they are returned upstream of said working reach.