Abstract: A packaging apparatus in an automated packaging process, for sealing a carton having minor flaps and a bottom end flap, comprising: means for holding the minor flaps in a closed position; and a cycle stop compression plate for, upon the occurrence of a cycle stop operation, folding the bottom end flap over the minor flaps and holding the bottom end flap in place until the carton is sealed.

Abstract: An loading apparatus (100) for use in a packaging machine includes a grouping conveyor (300) for conveying groups of articles (16) in a flow direction (10). The grouping conveyor (300) includes a plurality of conveyor plates (320) and grouping lugs (310) that are slidably attached to one of the plurality of conveyor plates (320) so as to be individually moveable in a transverse direction (90) to selectively extend to span the space between the grouping conveyor and a carton conveyor as needed to facilitate loading groups of the articles into cartons and to selectively retract to avoid impeding operation of the packaging machine. The grouping conveyor (300) also includes a multi-position locking mechanism (82) that releasably locks the grouping lug (310) in two transverse positions. A system of proximity sensors (530, 540) monitors the grouping conveyor (300) to ensure that the grouping lugs (310) are properly transversely positioned.

Abstract: A packaging machine (10) includes a lane assembly (12) that includes one or more lanes (L) which guide cylindrical articles (B), such as cans or bottles, across a series of substantially parallel conveyors. The lane assembly (12) includes an adjustable guide bar (34) which defines an adjustable portion (V) of the lane (L) that can be adjusted to adapt to the diameter of articles (B). The lane assembly (12) also includes lane extensions (70) that can be adjusted to control the position of rows or articles (B) as the articles (B) exit the lanes (L) onto a conveyor (20).

Abstract: A packaging apparatus in an automated packaging process, for sealing a carton having minor flaps and a bottom end flap, comprising: means for holding the minor flaps in a closed position; and a cycle stop compression plate for, upon the occurrence of a cycle stop operation, folding the bottom end flap over the minor flaps and holding the bottom end flap in place until the carton is sealed.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus (10) includes lanes (L) in which articles (C) are conveyed and grouped. Each lane (L) is defined by lane dividers (16a, 16b, 18, 20) and includes an upstream portion (12) and a downstream portion (14). The upstream portion (16) is defined by lane dividers (16a, 16b) that are substantially parallel to a first axis (X). The downstream portion (14) is defined by lane dividers (18, 20) that are substantially parallel to a second axis (Y), which is at an angle (A) with respect to the first axis (X). The width (W2) of the downstream portion (14) of each lane (L) is adjustable as an adjustable one of the lane dividers (20) that define the downstream portion (14) translates parallel to the first axis (X).

Abstract: A packaging machine (10) includes a lane assembly (12) that includes one or more lanes (L) which guide cylindrical articles (B), such as cans or bottles, across a series of substantially parallel conveyors. The lane assembly (12) includes an adjustable guide bar (34) which defines an adjustable portion (V) of the lane (L) that can be adjusted to adapt to the diameter of articles (B). The lane assembly (12) also includes lane extensions (70) that can be adjusted to control the position of rows of articles (B) as the articles (B) exit the lanes (L) onto a conveyor (20).

Abstract: An automated packaging process includes a packaging apparatus that is capable of closing cartons of various configurations, using a rotating glue gun assembly, and by providing a cycle stop operation finishing capability that allows completion of packaging processes in progress when the cycle stop operation is initiated. For cartons that have minor flaps that are substantially overlapped by a bottom end flap, a pivoting minor flap retaining guide holds the minor flaps closed while the bottom end flap is folded upwardly and over the minor flaps. The rotating glue gun assembly allows rotation of the glue nozzles to allow selective placement, spacing, and timing of the application of glue beads for gluing cartons having various configurations. By rotating the glue nozzles, the distance between the applied glue beads can be adjusted according to desired specifications, and without disabling specific glue guns for extended periods of time during the packaging run.

Abstract: A packaging machine (10) includes a lane assembly (12) that includes one or more lanes (L) which guide cylindrical articles (B), such as cans or bottles, across a series of substantially parallel conveyors. The lane assembly (12) includes an adjustable guide bar (34) which defines an adjustable portion (V) of the lane (L) that can be adjusted to adapt to the diameter of articles (B). The lane assembly (12) also includes lane extensions (70) that can be adjusted to control the position of rows of articles (B) as the articles (B) exit the lanes (L) onto a conveyor (20).

Abstract: A packaging machine (10) includes a lane assembly (12) that includes one or more lanes (L) which guide cylindrical articles (B), such as cans or bottles, across a series of substantially parallel conveyors. The lane assembly (12) includes an adjustable guide bar (34) which defines an adjustable portion (V) of the lane (L) that can be adjusted to adapt to the diameter of articles (B). The lane assembly (12) also includes lane extensions (70) that can be adjusted to control the position of rows or articles (B) as the articles (B) exit the lanes (L) onto a conveyor (20).

Abstract: A system for automatic inspection and ejection of cartons in a packaging machine includes detection elements (20, 22) for determining whether a carton (C) has assumed a predetermined configuration at a predetermined point in its path of travel. Carton ejection elements include rollers (30, 32) which are actuated to eject a carton (C) when the detection elements (20) determine that the carton has not assumed the predetermined configuration at the predetermined point in its path of travel. A synchronous relationship between a flow of cartons (C) and a flow of groups of articles (G) to be packaged is preserved at and as cartons leave the carton inspection and ejection station of a packaging machine.