Abstract: An adjustable chain drive system is adapted for uses such as moving product through a conveyor system, and can be configured using a chain, belt or similar structure. Two driven sprockets are movable on a slide, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted. In one example, such adjustment allows conveyor belts to be separated by a desired distance. A drive sprocket and endless chain is used in the drive system. In one configuration, the endless chain includes an adjustable chain segment separating the first and second driven sprockets. To compensate for movement of the first and/or second driven sprockets and change in length of the adjustable chain segment between them, lengths of first and/or second secondary adjustable chain segments adjacent to the adjustable chain segment are varied.

Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.

Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.

Abstract: A compensating roller system is adapted to adjust to size variation of product moving through a conveyor system. In one example, the compensating roller system is used to control a force resulting in deflection of a conveyor belt. In a specific implementation of such an example, a first rail is configured to support a first conveyor belt. A plurality of rollers is attached to the first rail and supports a conveyor belt moving over the rollers. The attachment allows each roller to pivot independently of movement of other rollers. Each of the rollers' movement is against a bias, and allows for deflection of the conveyor belt. A second rail may be configured as the first rail, and oriented define a channel for product movement between conveyor belts carried by the first and second rails.

Abstract: Chain-drive systems and methods of operation are described that allow chain travel along a non-linear path. In one example, the chain-drive system comprises a chain guide defining a channel having at least one non-linear region. A chain, sized to move within the channel, is driven by a drive sprocket. In one example, the non-linear region could redirect the chain 180 degrees and obviate the need for an idler sprocket. In another example, two channels are defined in the chain guide, including regions wherein the channels are parallel and regions where they have an angularly skewed relationship.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags and other liners into open packaging containers. One or more engagement heads engage and position the flexible liners in preparation for their insertion into open containers using an insertion assembly. One or more of the engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum heads that are movable to open the liner for the insertion assembly. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the liners over the top edges of the open containers. Clamping assemblies can be included on the cuffing assembly to facilitate holding the liners during insertion and cuffing. The use of an engagement assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven helps to provide greater speed and operational flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags into open containers, and cuffing an open end of the flexible bags about a top edge of the open containers. The method and apparatus include a vacuum assembly having at least one movable vacuum head for engaging and positioning the flexible bags in preparation for their insertion into the open containers. An insertion assembly having a mandrel inserts the flexible bags into the open containers. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the flexible bags over the top edges of the open containers. The vacuum assembly may engage a flexible bag from a bag dispenser while the mandrel is in an extended position within the container. The method and apparatus also facilitate the use of a vacuum assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven to provide greater speed and flexibility to the bag opening, insertion and cuffing processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for vacuum engagement of flexible bags and other liners, such as for insertion into and cuffing upon packaging containers. The vacuum engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum relief ports and slotted apertures having a reticulated material therein to prevent the flexible film liners from filling the heads. The heads may be presented in opposing pairs that are misaligned to facilitate separation of opposing leaves. Also disclosed are grippers that may bear upon the liners to help in separating the liners from a dispenser. Further disclosed are inserting, cuffing, and clamping assemblies used in an insertion and cuffing apparatus that uses independent operation for greater operational flexibility and speed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags and other liners into open packaging containers. One or more engagement heads engage and position the flexible liners in preparation for their insertion into open containers using an insertion assembly. One or more of the engagement heads are preferably made with vacuum heads that are movable to open the liner for the insertion assembly. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the liners over the top edges of the open containers. Clamping assemblies can be included on the cuffing assembly to facilitate holding the liners during insertion and cuffing. The use of an engagement assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven helps to provide greater speed and operational flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting flexible bags into open containers, and cuffing an open end of the flexible bags about a top edge of the open containers. The method and apparatus include a vacuum assembly having at least one movable vacuum head for engaging and positioning the flexible bags in preparation for their insertion into the open containers. An insertion assembly having a mandrel inserts the flexible bags into the open containers. A cuffing assembly can be included for cuffing the open end of the flexible bags over the top edges of the open containers. The vacuum assembly may engage a flexible bag from a bag dispenser while the mandrel is in an extended position within the container. The method and apparatus also facilitate the use of a vacuum assembly, insertion assembly, and cuffing assembly which are independently driven to provide greater speed and flexibility to the bag opening, insertion and cuffing processes.