Abstract: A cartoning method including the steps of: feeding blanks from a single magazine through a single blank feeder in a first direction; forming an array of at least two blanks from the fed blanks and thereafter transporting the array for forming, loading and closing via respective robot kinetics of at least two axis motion. Carton blanks and cartons travel through a path. Robots below the path transport the cartons. Robots above the path facilitate carton forming, loading and closing. Methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable pouch machine comprises a vertical sealer module forms transverse seals between two plies of a pouch web to partially define a plurality of pouches. Rollers selectively tension and relax the web on the vertically oriented wheel, allowing them to drop away from heated lands on emergency and cycle stops. A filler wheel has a plurality of adjustable gripper units mounted directly thereon for transporting independent separate pouches cut from the pouch web. An adjustable knife is selectively provided with changeable knife hub sets to handle a variety of pouch sizes where a filler wheel alternately first fills and seals pouches in a train. Gear linkage accommodates variation in distance between hubs of different sets. Various embodiments, apparatus and methods are described.