Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating formation of moving cylindrical articles, such as thin walled cans, into single file. The apparatus includes a plurality of diverting arms within a single filing area formed between two plate members having apertures formed therein so that air expelled through the apertures causes movement of conveyed articles not then in single file toward a peripheral guide member and movement of articles then in single file adjacent to the guide member in a direction through the single lining area substantially parallel to the guide member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for promoting preselected article orientation by elimination of unoccupied spaces in an assemblage of articles at a staging area, and, more particularly for precisely grouping cans prior to palletization thereof. The apparatus has opposite side walls, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, adjacent to a transfer surface for alternately expanding and contracting the area allotted to article staging, while the articles are being assembled to thereby cause articles to occupy unoccupied spaces and thereby enhance quantity reliability of articles within a given area.

Abstract: A material positioning and securing apparatus and process is disclosed that is particularly useful in association with a device for spirally wrapping palletized units at a wrapping station with a stretchable netting material to form a secure package. A disposable elongated material engaging member, formed from reasonably stiff and yet deformable material, is placed adjacent one side of units on a pallet at the wrapping station with the material engaging member having protruding portions oriented to extend in a direction away from the surface of the units for engagement with the netting material as the netting material is wrapped around the units.

Abstract: A material positioning and securing apparatus and method is disclosed that is particularly useful in association with a device for spirally wrapping palletized units at a wrapping station with a stretchable netting material to form a secure package. A disposable elongated material engaging member, formed from reasonably stiff and yet deformable material, is placed adjacent one side of units on a pallet at the wrapping station with the material engaging member having protruding portions oriented to extend in a direction away from the surface of the units for engagement with the netting material as the netting material is wrapped around the units.

Abstract: A material positioning and securing apparatus and method is disclosed that is particularly useful in association with a device for spirally wrapping palletized units at a wrapping station with a stretchable netting material to form a secure package. A disposable elongated material engaging member, formed from reasonably stiff and yet deformable material, is placed adjacent one side of units on a pallet at the wrapping station with the material engaging member having protruding portions oriented to extend in a direction away from the surface of the units for engagement with the netting material as the netting material is wrapped around the units.

Abstract: A sheet transfer device and method are disclosed for transferring sheets from a sheet stack to a utilization area such as a can pallet. A base unit causes pivoting of a beam about a moveable pivot point so that a sheet picked up from the sheet stack is moved upwardly for a substantial distance and then pivoted to a point above a can pallet, after which the sheet is moved downwardly and deposited on the upwardly extending tops of a horizontal layer of cans on the can pallet. Suction is supplied through a plurality of cups brought into engagement with the top sheet of a sheet stack to lift the top sheet from the stack, with the suction being terminated when the sheet is deposited on the can pallet to thereby release the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for transit of articles between a transfer surface and an adjacent separator sheet is disclosed with the apparatus having a selectively positionable and extendable bridge for providing a transitional surface between the transfer surface and the sheet and for overlapping a portion of the sheet adjacent to the transfer surface when in a first position, and for providing a clearance for placement and positioning of the sheet when in a second position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for relative movement between stacked articles and a reference surface upon which the articles are stacked. Some, or all, independently movable layers, or tiers, of the stack of articles are received by a suspending device that includes a partial enclosure connected with a high pressure air pump capable of reducing the fluid pressure to establish a pressure differential within the partial enclosure. The partial enclosure has flexible sealing strips extending from, and coextensive with, the bottom edge of movable sections of the partial enclosure, and the sealing strips are positioned adjacent to the lowest tier to be acted upon by the suspending device.

Abstract: A disposable elongated material engaging member, formed from reasonably stiff and yet deformable material, is placed adjacent one side of units on a pallet at a wrapping station with the material engaging member having protruding portions oriented to extend in a direction away from the surface of the units for engagement with the netting material as the netting material is wrapped around the units. A forming and feeder mechanism, receiving a continuous supply of the reasonably stiff material, forms the material engaging member into the desired configuration and shape, and then dispenses the thus formed member into the wrapping station where the formed member is severed from the continuous supply by the forming and feeder mechanism after the formed material at the wrapping station has been contacted by a plurality of wrapped layers of the netting material.