Abstract: A robotic carton erector and method of use is provided by the present invention. The robotic apparatus has a pair of movable jaws with grippers mounted thereto. The apparatus has a rail and a pair of platforms, the platforms positioned downstream of the rail. The robotic apparatus grips and opens a carton and the carton is moved into contact with the rail to close the bottom minor flaps. The carton is moved in a first direction onto a first platform to close a first bottom major flap and in a second direction onto a second platform to close a second bottom major flap. The carton bottom is then sealed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting a film wrapped around a tray containing full bottles. The apparatus has a tray supporting surface formed with a pair of mirror image arcuate slots. A pair of knives are mounted to conveyor mechanisms to be driven in paths for cutting the film wrap on the bottom surface of the tray in the form of an X. A pair of adjustable side rails and a retracting stop are positioned to locate the tray for accurate film cutting. The knives travel sequentially to avoid interference as their paths intersect at the apex of each conveyor mechanism. Subsequent to cutting the film wrap, an operator is able to lift the film wrap off the tray and bottles to enable the bottles to be lifted and moved for creating a variety sales unit containing multiple drink flavors in the same tray.