Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vertical cartoner which has a plurality of adjustable pockets including a primary drive motor, a servo motor and a clutch assembly for adjusting the pockets to accommodate cartons of different widths. The primary drive motor rotates a pair of sprockets which move a pair of endless chains along a predetermined pathway. When the clutch is engaged, the primary drive motor also rotates the servo motor through a pair of bevel gears. However, when the clutch is disengaged, the primary drive motor is stopped and the servo motor is energized to rotate one sprocket with respect to the other to thereby adjust the pockets to accommodate cartons of a different width.

Abstract: A vertically oriented horizontally extending carton conveyor and loading apparatus incorporates a mechanical mechanism for simultaneously adjusting the distance between a pair of longitudinally extending guide rails at a plurality of locations. The carton conveyor also includes an intermediate member and a carton finishing apparatus disposed on the intermediate member for closing and sealing operations. The mechanical mechanism simultaneously moves a first of the guide rails and the intermediate member laterally with respect to a second of the guide rails, but with the mounting member being moved one half of the distance of the first guide rail.