Abstract: A method of moving a blank in a product packaging system, the method including positioning the blank on a blank feeding assembly, the blank feeding assembly defining a first machine direction, advancing the blank from the blank feeding assembly toward a product conveyor assembly configured to move at least one product in a second machine direction, the second machine direction offset from the first machine direction, and moving the blank along a blank turning assembly, the blank turning assembly having a plurality of turning rails following at least one of a curved path and an angled path between the blank feeding assembly and the product conveyor assembly.

Abstract: A method of conveying articles. The method can comprise moving a plurality of articles in a downstream direction on one or more conveyors, each article of the plurality of articles having an orientation. The method further can comprise moving a plurality of lugs in the machine direction along at least a portion of the one or more conveyors for guiding the articles as the articles are moved in the downstream direction. The plurality of lugs can be mounted along a guide apparatus for facilitating maintaining the orientations of the articles of the plurality of articles during a least a portion of the moving the plurality of articles in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A method of moving a blank in a product packaging system, the method including positioning the blank on a blank feeding assembly, the blank feeding assembly defining a first machine direction, advancing the blank from the blank feeding assembly toward a product conveyor assembly configured to move at least one product in a second machine direction, the second machine direction offset from the first machine direction, and moving the blank along a blank turning assembly, the blank turning assembly having a plurality of turning rails following at least one of a curved path and an angled path between the blank feeding assembly and the product conveyor assembly.

Abstract: A method of conveying articles. The method can comprise moving a plurality of articles in a downstream direction on one or more conveyors, each article of the plurality of articles having an orientation. The method further can comprise moving a plurality of lugs in the machine direction along at least a portion of the one or more conveyors for guiding the articles as the articles are moved in the downstream direction. The plurality of lugs can be mounted along a guide apparatus for facilitating maintaining the orientations of the articles of the plurality of articles during a least a portion of the moving the plurality of articles in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for moving one or more products includes a conveyor belt configured to rotate along a first closed path, the conveyor belt having a body defining at least one lug receiving slot, and at least one lug belt at least partially supporting at least one lug thereon, the at least one lug belt configured to rotate along a second closed path such that the at least one lug is for being at least partially received in the at least one lug receiving slot.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies, including a carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The products generally can be grouped into a series of products, such as for forming six-packs, four-packs or other package configurations, and will be wrapped by or loaded into a series of carton blanks, after which the loaded cartons will be moved through a discharge station. The discharge station meters the loaded cartons or packages for discharge from the packaging machine.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies, including a carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The products generally can be grouped into a series of products, such as for forming six-packs, four-packs or other package configurations, and will be wrapped by or loaded into a series of carton blanks, after which the loaded cartons will be moved through a discharge station. The discharge station meters the loaded cartons or packages for discharge from the packaging machine.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies for packaging a series of products. A carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products are provided at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The carton feeding system feeds carton blanks into registration with products, which generally can be grouped to form 4, 6, 8 packs, etc. Thereafter, the product groups, with the carton blanks applied thereto, will be moved through one or more downstream folding and wrapping or packaging assemblies or stations of the packaging machine.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies for packaging a series of products. A carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products are provided at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The carton feeding system feeds carton blanks into registration with products, which generally can be grouped to form 4, 6, 8 packs, etc. Thereafter, the product groups, with the carton blanks applied thereto, will be moved through one or more downstream folding and wrapping or packaging assemblies or stations of the packaging machine.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies, including a carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The products generally can be grouped into a series of products, such as for forming six-packs, four-packs or other package configurations, and will be wrapped by or loaded into a series of carton blanks, after which the loaded cartons will be moved through a discharge station. The discharge station meters the loaded cartons or packages for discharge from the packaging machine.

Abstract: A carton feeding system is provided for feeding selected cartons from a stack of cartons contained within a carton magazine to a downstream carton conveyor such as for a product packaging machine. A carton picking device removes a selected carton from the stack of cartons within the magazine, after which the carton is engaged between a carton engaging segment of the primary segment wheel and a draw roller, which pulls the carton from the magazine and feeds the carton along a first path of travel. Thereafter, a secondary segment wheel engages and redirects a leading portion of the carton toward a second path of travel. The carton then is fed along its second path of travel toward engagement between a pair of downstream nip rolls that feed the carton into the downstream carton conveyor.

Abstract: A carton feeding system is provided for feeding selected cartons from a stack of cartons contained within a carton magazine to a downstream carton conveyor such as for a product packaging machine. A carton picking device removes a selected carton from the stack of cartons within the magazine, after which the carton is engaged between a carton engaging segment of the primary segment wheel and a draw roller, which pulls the carton from the magazine and feeds the carton along a first path of travel. Thereafter, a secondary segment wheel engages and redirects a leading portion of the carton toward a second path of travel. The carton then is fed along its second path of travel toward engagement between a pair of downstream nip rolls that feed the carton into the downstream carton conveyor.