Abstract: A machine for automated construction of a bulk bin includes an erecting and construction station, a collapsed body blank supply station and a bottom blank supply station. A body bank pick mechanism picks a collapsed body blank from the collapsed body blank supply station and moves the collapsed body blank into the erecting and constructing station. A body blank opening assembly at the erecting and constructing station opens the collapsed body blank and forms an opened body blank. A bottom blank pick mechanism picks a bottom blank from the bottom blank supply station. A conveying device moves the bottom blank to the erecting and constructing station and beneath the opened body blank. A bottom blank fixing system applies the bottom blank to the opened body blank with flaps of the bottom blank secured to side walls of the opened body blank to produce an open bulk bin structure.

Abstract: A machine for automated construction of a bulk bin includes an erecting and construction station, a collapsed body blank supply station and a bottom blank supply station. A body bank pick mechanism picks a collapsed body blank from the collapsed body blank supply station and moves the collapsed body blank into the erecting and constructing station. A body blank opening assembly at the erecting and constructing station opens the collapsed body blank and forms an opened body blank. A bottom blank pick mechanism picks a bottom blank from the bottom blank supply station. A conveying device moves the bottom blank to the erecting and constructing station and beneath the opened body blank. A bottom blank fixing system applies the bottom blank to the opened body blank with flaps of the bottom blank secured to side walls of the opened body blank to produce an open bulk bin structure.

Abstract: An automated case erecting apparatus for use in erecting case blanks includes a case blank feeder configured to hold a plurality of upstanding case blanks arranged face-to-face. The case blank feeder includes a path along which the case blanks are directed. A case erecting assembly receives a case blank from the case blank feeder at a case receiving location. The case erecting assembly includes a first arm carrying a first gripper element and a second arm carrying a second gripper element. The first arm and associated first gripper element are arranged and configured such that the first gripper element grips a first flap of the case blank. The second arm and associated second gripper element are arranged and configured such that the second gripper element grips a second flap of the case blank.

Abstract: A case forming apparatus that erects cases from knocked-down case blanks includes a first jaw and a plurality of stabilizer bars each having a first end mounted to the first jaw. The stabilizer bars are spaced radially from each other and form concentric segments of circles centered on a pivotal axis. A moveable second jaw is mounted for movement on the pivotal axis relative to the first jaw between an open position where the moveable second jaw is substantially perpendicular to the first jaw and a closed position where the moveable second jaw is substantially parallel to the first jaw. The moveable second jaw includes openings through which the stabilizer bars pass as the moveable second jaw moves between the open and closed positions. At least one of the stabilizer bars has a cross-sectional width that varies over at least one-third of a cross-sectional height of the at least one stabilizer bar.

Abstract: An automated case erecting apparatus for use in erecting case blanks includes a case blank feeder configured to hold a plurality of upstanding case blanks arranged face-to-face. The case blank feeder includes a path along which the case blanks are directed. A case erecting assembly receives a case blank from the case blank feeder at a case receiving location. The case erecting assembly includes a first arm carrying a first gripper element and a second arm carrying a second gripper element. The first arm and associated first gripper element are arranged and configured such that the first gripper element grips a first flap of the case blank. The second arm and associated second gripper element are arranged and configured such that the second gripper element grips a second flap of the case blank.