Abstract: A method for automatically configuring a printer in a network is provided. In practice, an unconfigured printer is communicatively coupled to the network and begins transmitting an advertising protocol. In turn, an entry, varying as a function of the advertising protocol is entered into a table. In response to reading the entry, an auto install program creates a set of print related objects and stores them for use with a print service manager. By reference to the objects, the print service manager communicates information to a broker for indicating to a set of network users that print operations can be performed with the previously unconfigured printer.

Abstract: A vastly improved folder/gluer is disclosed. This folder/gluer: is much more reliable, produces better folds, runs faster, and can be modified much easier, than prior art folder/gluers. These features are achieved by using a vacuum conveyor with overhead folding elements. Furthermore, the top of the article to be folded is never touched by another conveyor.

Abstract: A rotatable handle for a container is provided by sonic welding an inner disk to an outer strip of a handle, the disk permitting the rotation of the handle and providing a seal for the container openings through which the handle is connected.

Abstract: A continuous motion apparatus for installing handles onto cartons includes a handle dispenser and a handle conveyor. The handle conveyor comprises a track associated with an overhead belt in a pronged pick-up arm. The pick-up arm inserts through a handle and carries a handle to a surface of the carton, where a pair of rollers in a curved plow engage the handle and force it from the pick-up arm. The arm rotates in time sequence with the belt.

Abstract: A generally continuous strip of thermoplastic material is cold formed into a desired preformed configuration while retaining continuity with the generally continuous strip to form a chain of preformed configurations remaining continuous with the generally continuous strip of thermoplastic material. End portions of the chain are severed so as to form a cartridge of preformed configurations to be used in the formation of a cartridge of fitments.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles having a conveyor; means associated with the conveyor for forming groups of articles and moving the groups independently of other articles on the conveyor; means for moving the groups of articles transversely to the conveyor; an elevator for receiving said groups of articles in stacked groupings; and means for moving the stacked groupings into a carton. Means are also provided for assembling and closing the carton upon receipt of the stacked groupings.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles having a conveyor; means associated with the conveyor for forming groups of articles and moving the groups independently of other articles on the conveyor; means for moving the groups of articles transversely to the conveyor; an elevator for receiving said groups of articles in stacked groupings; and means for moving the stacked groupings into a carton. Means are also provided for assembling and closing the carton upon receipt of the stacked groupings.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the attachment of a bayonet handle having a barb head defining each end thereof to a carton blank. The apparatus comprises releasable clamping means for horizontally gripping the handles. Below the clamping means are support means for flatly maintaining carton blanks. A pair of blades, situated juxtaposed opposite sides of the clamping means, are retractable between an upward retracted position and a downward extended position near the support means. The clamping means are movable between an upper handle receiving position and a lower position near the support means by descending means.The process comprises first providing a bayonet handle. The handle is next bent in two places so that the barb heads are perpendicular to an interior section of the handle and are projecting toward respective apertures in the carton blank. Then, the handle is moved such that the barb heads are inserted into the respective apertures.

Abstract: A generally-flat bayonet handle is provided having an elongated handle section for gripping by the consumer. Extending from each terminus of the handle section is an elongated neck section having a width less than the width of the handle section. Respective ends of the bayonet handles are formed by barb heads attached to the neck sections. Each barb head has thereon at least two barbs which, when inserted into appropriately placed apertures on the sides of a soap or detergent powder carton, are ensnared on a lip of the apparatus and thereby maintain the engagement of the handle on the carton. The combination of the bayonet handle and the carton provide a novel soap or detergent powder package.

Abstract: A generally continuous strip of thermoplastic material is deformed into a desired preformed configuration, while retaining continuity with the generally continuous strip to form a chain of the configurations. The chain remains continuous with the generally continuous strip. End portions of the chain are severed so as to form a stack of preformed configurations to be used in the formation of a dispensing cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the assembly of a bayonet handle package are provided. The apparatus comprises at least one handle gripping and insertion wheel mounted on a horizontal rotatable shaft and further comprises means for driving the shaft. The wheel carries a plurality of evenly-spaced, circumferentially mounted handle clamping and insertion assemblages. The assemblages operate cyclically--that is, depending upon the assemblage position in the 360 degree rotational cycle of the wheel--to grip, bend and release the handles.The process of the invention contemplates first providing an apparatus as described. Second, the wheel begins continuous rotation to effectuate the cyclical operation of the gripping and bending assemblages. A handle is then positioned at a first location near the wheel where it is gripped by one of the rotating assemblages.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge comprising a plurality of stacked individual articles formed of rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic material, each article being fusion bonded at its periphery to adjacent articles in the stacked relationship. The cartridges are formed by passing a stack of the articles through a heating zone to fusion bond the articles one to the other without producing any visual discontinuity about the periphery of the cartridge.

Abstract: A case packing apparatus having a conveyor for moving a plurality of articles seriatim in a first direction to a location where means substantially perpendicular to the conveyor move a predetermined number of articles in the perpendicular direction into a case to form a layer within the case.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein individual plastic articles are sheared from a cartridge of such articles and conveyed mechanically through an inserter arm to a desired position.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles having a conveyor; means associated with the conveyor for forming groups of articles and moving the groups independently of other articles on the conveyor; means for moving the groups of articles transversely to the conveyor; an elevator for receiving said groups of articles in stacked groupings; and means for moving the stacked groupings into a carton. Means are also provided for assembling and closing the carton upon receipt of the stacked groupings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein individual plastic articles are sheared from a cartridge of such articles and conveyed pneumatically through a pneumatic conduit to a desired position.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge comprising a plurality of stacked individual articles formed of rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic material, each article being fusion bonded at its periphery to adjacent articles in the stacked relationship. The cartridges are formed by passing a stack of the articles through a heating zone to fusion bond the articles one to the other without producing any visual discontinuity about the periphery of the cartridge.

Abstract: An initially planar thermoplastic article which may be folded about a score line to form a corner support for use in conjunction with strapping material on packages to prevent damage thereto.

Abstract: A group of individual thermoplastic articles are arranged in a dispensing relationship by fusion-bonding individual articles to one another so as to form a cartridge for dispensing purposes.