Abstract: A transfer system including a frame having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, a transfer fixture connected to the upper end portion, the transfer fixture defining a channel and including an elongate transfer member positioned in the channel, the elongate transfer member including a web and a base flange connected to the web.

Abstract: A box folding apparatus operable to close the top of a box having four flaps is provided. The boxing folding apparatus includes a worktable, a feeding assembly for transporting the box from an upstream position of the worktable to a downstream position of the worktable. A first folding assembly includes a rotatable folding arm, a second folding assembly includes a stationary resisting bar inclined toward the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported, and a third folding assembly includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface intersecting with the first inclined surface. The first and second inclined surfaces extend toward and gradually close to the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported.

Abstract: A tape guide plate and finger plate assembly for the leading end portion of the carton or case sealing tape is provided in order to effectively prevent the leading end portion of the carton or case sealing tape from folding over upon itself whereby the adhesive material, disposed upon the front side surface portion of the sealing tape would effectively become stuck to itself and thereby foul further carton or case seal-ing operations. In addition, rollers are provided upon a finger plate so as to permit the sealing tape to be dispensed in a substantially frictionless or drag-free manner.

Abstract: A unit (1, 1?) for applying opening devices (2, 2?) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1?) having first conveying means (8, 8?) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2?) successively along a first path (P1, P1?); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2?) from the first path (P1, P1?) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19?) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2?) from the first conveying means (8, 8?) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19?) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19?) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates.

Abstract: A tape applying device includes a plate, front and rear swinging arms pivoted on the plate, a pressing wheel pivoted on each of the swinging arms to make an adhesive tape stick on a box, a connecting rod pivoted to both the front and the rear swing arms, a cutting mechanism interposed between the front and the rear swinging arms to sever the adhesive tape, a first restoring extension spring joined to the connecting rod, and a second restoring extension spring joined to the rear swinging arm; the front swinging arm is co-movable with the rear swinging arm and the connecting rod, and it has no extension spring directly connected thereto therefore the front pressing wheel won't produce such a reacting force as to cause a box to cave in when the box is moved rapidly onto the front pressing wheel for the adhesive tape to stick thereon.

Abstract: A case sealer has a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes into a pair of spaced-apart lateral conveyors. A floating head located over the lateral conveyors folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. A seal dispensing platform carrying a tape dispenser seals the box flaps shut.

Abstract: A case sealer has a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes into a pair of spaced-apart lateral conveyors. The lateral conveyors have converging centering conveyor belts that center the boxes and first advancing conveyor belts that open to the width of the box to be sealed. A floating head located over the lateral conveyors folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. The box is then picked up by a pair of second advancing conveyors that adjust to the width of the box. The second advancing conveyors are mounted on a seal dispensing platform carrying a tape dispenser for sealing the box flaps shut.

Abstract: A moveable tape head mechanism for a box erecting machine having a fixed guide rail and an adjustable guide rail includes a cradle which carries a tape head, the cradle being horizontally slidable between operational and loading positions to expedite replacement of a tape roll contained thereon. In the operational position, the tape head mechanism is detachably held by a pin in operational alignment with a box flap closure apparatus. The tape head mechanism is moved from the operational positional to the loading position by installing a cover plate over the tape head to compress the rollers into the tape head, disengaging the pin from its corresponding receptacle formed on the flap closure apparatus, and sliding the tape head mechanism under a frame member and outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine. When the tape head is in the loading position, the tape roll is located outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine to facilitate replacement thereof.

Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing a paper can includes processing stations arranged one behind the other along two star-shaped wheels. Packaging material from supply stores is fed to each star-shaped wheel. The two star-shaped wheels and the processing stations arranged thereto are disposed on the same machine frame. The packaging material for both star-shaped wheels are fed from a joint material supply station. Thereby, a compact construction and reduced operational procedure are achieved.

Abstract: A moveable tape head mechanism for a box erecting machine having a fixed guide rail and an adjustable guide rail includes a cradle which carries a tape head, the cradle being horizontally slidable between operational and loading positions to expedite replacement of a tape roll contained thereon. In the operational position, the tape head mechanism is detachably held by a pin in operational alignment with a box flap closure apparatus. The tape head mechanism is moved from the operational positional to the loading position by installing a cover plate over the tape head to compress the rollers into the tape head, disengaging the pin from its corresponding receptacle formed on the flap closure apparatus, and sliding the tape head mechanism under a frame member and outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine. When the tape head is in the loading position, the tape roll is located outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine to facilitate replacement thereof.

Abstract: A moveable tape head mechanism for a box erecting machine having a fixed guide rail and an adjustable guide rail includes a cradle which carries a tape head, the cradle being horizontally slidable between operational and loading positions to expedite replacement of a tape roll contained thereon. In the operational position, the tape head mechanism is detachably held by a pin in operational alignment with a box flap closure apparatus. The tape head mechanism is moved from the operational positional to the loading position by installing a cover plate over the tape head to compress the rollers into the tape head, disengaging the pin from its corresponding receptacle formed on the flap closure apparatus, and sliding the tape head mechanism under a frame member and outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine. When the tape head is in the loading position, the tape roll is located outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine to facilitate replacement thereof.

Abstract: A box or carton sealer is disclosed having a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes therethrough. First and second longitudinal, laterally spaced-apart, independent gravity operated centering bars move inwardly and outwardly to center the boxes in the sealer. The centering force produced by the centering bars is proportional to the distance the box is off center in the sealer. A shiftable weight assists the respective centering bars to move laterally as required. A floating head has an inclined entry ramp for riding up over the box and lifting the floating head to a desired height as the box passes thereunder. The floating head has a sealing device for attaching the box flaps at whatever height the flaps happen to be at under the floating head.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable identifying information on the tape is disclosed. In a particular application, the apparatus replaces a labeling station and is combined with a case sealing station to seal cases with adhesive sealing tape on a conventional production line. The apparatus includes a variable image printer, and preferably a thermal printer. The thermal printer preferably includes a thermal transfer print head and a thermal transfer ribbon specially engineered to print through the release agent on the face of the tape. The tape is dispensed from a tape unwind spool and is routed past the print head with the thermal transfer ribbon positioned between the print head and the face of the tape, and the face of the tape opposite the print head. The thermal transfer ribbon is co-engineered with the tape to be compatible with the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the tape.

Abstract: A carton flap folding and sealing machine includes a separator, a conveyor, a first folding device, a second folding device, a third folding device and a sealing device. Cartons are orderly position by the separator and sent on the conveyor and moved forward to pass through the first folding device and the second folding device for a front flap and a rear flap folded down, and then through the third folding device for two side flaps folded down. Then cartons are moving into the sealing device to receive sealing operation without interruption, by means of two pairs of glue tapes disposed on a tape support frame and two pairs of upper bases and lower bases working alternately.

Abstract: A box or carton sealer is disclosed having a frame with a conveyor for moving boxes therethrough. A pair of longitudinal, laterally spaced-apart gravity operated centering bars are linked together and move inwardly and outwardly in unison to centre the boxes in the sealer. A first floating head has an inclined entry ramp for riding up over the box folding the box forward end flap inwardly. This floating head also has a pivoting arm for folding inwardly the rear end flap of the box, and diverging side bars for folding inwardly the side flaps of the box. A second floating head has an entry ramp for riding up on top of the inwardly folded flaps of the box. The second head has a tape dispenser for applying tape to the flaps at whatever height they happen to be at to tape the box shut.

Abstract: A box forming apparatus for folding and securing the bottom flaps of a box including a bottom flap folding mechanism and top pressing mechanism located above the bottom flap folding mechanism for controlling box lifting during a box folding operation. The novel features of the claimed invention allow for controlled guiding of a box frame throughout a folding and sealing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for infolding and sealing the side and end bottom flaps of a carton includes a unique bottom side flap infolding system comprising flap infolding arms mounted to rotary cylinders for automatically infolding and supporting the bottom side flaps. The rotary cylinders are actuated by a sensor which senses the presence or absence of a carton in the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a unique assembly comprising downwardly inwardly inclined rollers mounted to the conveyor side arm assemblies to urge the carton downward toward the lower sealing head to assure a complete and continuous bottom seal. The apparatus may also include transversely adjustable guardrails, a hold down flange to maintain the carton against the packing plate and a carton urging assembly for urging the carton through the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for erecting cases from flat blanks (20'). The apparatus includes a frame (42), a hopper (48), a vacuum arm (68), minor flap folders (80), major flap folders (90, 108), a case pusher bar (98), and a tape applicator (112). The frame includes a deck (54). The hopper is attached to the frame at an input end (144) of the frame. It includes guide members (58) to receive a stack of the flat blanks. The vacuum arm is attached near a feed end (124) of the hopper. The arm has vacuum suction cups (70) to pull the flat cases from the hopper into a tubular configuration against the deck. The trailing and leading minor flap folders are arranged and configured to fold the trailing and leading minor flaps, respectively, of a case after it has been pulled from the hopper. The top major flap folder is positioned above the deck near the feed end of the hopper. It folds the top major flap after a case has been pulled from the hopper. The bottom major flap folder is disposed beneath the deck.

Abstract: A duct closure machine for closing duct board into duct with tape which can close duct having four or more sides. Duct board is moved through the machine by a single source of power driving upper and lower rollers with the lower set of rollers movable to accomodate duct of different size. The tape applicator is shiftable laterally to apply tape to duct of different number of sides such as ten sides. The tape applicator is controlled with a simple power circuit in which power to cut off the tape is only applied for a brief time as the completed duct passes through the machine.

Abstract: A case sealed by a strip of pressure-sensitive tape having an integral end portion of the tape at an end thereof folded back on the adhesive face of the tape and adhered thereto to form a tab which is unadhered to the case for being grasped and pulled to peel the tape away from the case, and a method of and apparatus for taping cases with this easy-open feature.

Abstract: A box erector for erecting a box from a knock-down configuration into an open rectangular box is disclosed which includeds a frame (10) for an inventory section (20), a transfer section (22), a flap closure section (24), a taping section (26), and an exit section (28). A transfer arm (A) pivots to a pick-up position where a vacuum assembly (B) picks up a top box and pivots the top box to a box-opening position at approximately 79.degree. from the pick-up position. At the box-opening position, the box is rotated 45.degree. from its horizontal pick-up position, and first and second arms (78, 80) of vacuum assembly (B) open the box to a rectangular shape. Thereafter, the transfer arm moves the box to closure section (22). A drive belt (88) and drive pulleys (88a, 88b) rotate vacuum assembly (B) so that the box is vertically oriented when deposited at flap closure section (24).

Abstract: A taping machine comprising an operating and advancement plane for boxes to be side-sealed. The apparatus includes conveyors engaging the top and bottom of the boxes to cause advancement. The upper conveyor is displaceable vertically, while the taping units are displaceable vertically and horizontally. The transmission of motion is operationally but removably placed between the conveyor and taping unit adjustment devices. This motion is such that every vertical displacement of the conveyor implies a similar halved displacement of the taping units. The result is ease of adjustment for boxes of differing sizes.

Abstract: Flap folding plates are provided for use with a carton taping machine, the plates normally being disposed in upright orientation and maintained such by bias applied thereto. Further the plates are arranged so that the top corner structure at the sides of the carton strike the plates to cause the plates to pivot rearwardly in folding movement against the carton side flaps thereby absorbing at the said corner structures the force that might otherwise be transmitted to the front edges of the upright side flaps which could result in tearing or ripping of the side flaps where said flaps are joined to associated side walls.

Abstract: The taping unit includes a supporting frame, structure for the delivery of the adhesive tape, an entry application roller and an exit application roller movable between an extracted or at rest position and a retracted position, and a tape cutter. The entry application roller is mounted on a mobile support, which is engaged with a guide contained within the outline of the frame of the taping unit and conformed so as to move the entry roller along a circular path with its center positioned outside the frame. The guide is are preferably constituted by a fixed pivot slidably engaged in a shaped slot of the mobile support and by a connection pivot between the same mobile support and an arm rotatable on a fixed axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for adhering ribbons to a cartridge shell plate comprises a conveyor for continuously conveying thin sheets disposed side by side, a pressure adherence unit for pushing two ribbon webs coated with an adhesive against edge portions of the thin sheets which are being conveyed, and a ribbon cutting mechanism for circulating cutter units beside the thin sheets in the direction of conveyance of the thin sheets in synchronization therewith, and swinging cutters of the cutter units to cut the ribbon webs between adjacent thin sheets. The cartridge shell plate is made by intermittently conveying thin sheets, which have been cut in a size equal to the developed length and width dimensions of the cartridge shell plate, by a conveyor, and cutting four corner portions of the thin sheet and then bending the thin sheet into a shiplike cross-sectional shape at a cutting process station and a bending process station disposed along the conveyor.

Abstract: A buffing apparatus is provided for use in association with a case sealing arrangement, to buff lead and rear depending tape tails against a tape/carton combination. The buffing apparatus includes a single buffing member moved, by means of a motive mechanism, between paths and motion. The first path of motion is defined such that the buffing member is moved against a lead tape tail, and then is retracted so that a rear tape tail can pass thereover. The second path of motion is defined such that the buffing member is brought upwardly against the rear tape tail, to buff same into position, while returning the buffing member to the first extreme position. For preferred embodiments, the first and second paths of motion are identical, but opposite, to one another. In one embodiment, the paths of motion are defined by a cam track/follower arrangement. In a second embodiment, a link mechanism is described, which accomplishes a desired motion.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of film cartridges which have a substantially cyclindrical wall, a film opening extending along a generating line of the cylinder and caps at the ends, one plate per cartridge is separated from a flat strip of material to form the cartridge wall, which strip of material contains the plates for several cartridges and has a width corresponding to the circumference of a cartridge wall, and the said strip of material is fitted continuously with a sealing material along at least one of the edges for the film opening before the plates are separated, the said sealing material being delivered to the strip of material in the form of endless band of sealing strips which are bonded to the strip of material as they pass through a glueing station.

Abstract: An inlet applying roller and an outlet applying roller are elastically urged to project, at rest, from a casing which may be fixed to a sealing machine. The inlet applying roller is rotatably supported by support arms, which are movable along path defined by shaped windows engaged with a fixed pivot, and the outlet applying roller is rotatably supported by lever arms rotatable about a fixed fulcrum. Said support arms for the inlet and outlet rollers are kinematically connected to the support lever arms of the outlet roller so that the withdrawal movementof the inlet roller is accompanied by a simultaneous withdrawal movement of the outlet roller and the successive coming-out movement of the inlet roller is made dependent on a simultaneous coming-out movement of the outlet roller. A cutting blade is arranged between said rollers to cut the tape between subsequent cartons.

Abstract: A packaging machine, of the type comprising a bed mounted on support legs, two uprights rigidly connected to the bed and upwardly projecting therefrom, and a working head carried by the uprights. The bed comprises a rectangular box-formed sheet metal frame and two central, longitudinal, side-by-side cross-members, the constituent elements of at least part of the machine working units being mounted directly on the cross-members, and a space for housing removable roller tables being provided between these cross-members and the longitudinal sidepieces of the bed.

Abstract: The taping unit has two positioning pins protruding outward from opposed sides of the taping unit. The head structure of the machine has supporting arms having longitudinal guides to accommodate and allow to slide said positioning pins of the top taping unit. Locking pins associated with said arms engage with the pins to allow stopping and locking the top taping unit. A housing recess for the bottom taping unit is provided in the box supporting base and has a pair of side shoulders containing pairs of recessed seats opening upward in which are accommodated the positioning pins of the bottom taping unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying tape to a forwardly traveling carton includes a first projecting tape applicator which lies in the path of carton travel. As the carton strikes the first applicator, tape is applied to the carton front panel, the traveling carton depressing the applicator to allow it to apply and wipe tape around the corner formed by the front panel and onto a horizontal panel. A push finger carried on the tape applicator engages for a time with a tape cutter. On engagement of the push finger with a cam near completion of unit depression travel, the finger disengages the cutter and releases it to sever a tape length from the tape supply. A roller in the depressed applicator unit wipes the severed tape length along the horizontal panel for the length that the tape extends along the panel. A second tape applicator unit which moves from projecting to depressed position in tandem with the first unit is located downstream of the first applicator.

Abstract: A support device for a pressure roller, forming a lateral retainer and associated with the upper working head of a packaging machine, comprises a plate, essentially in the form of a circular sector, from which a support arm for the roller projects, the plate being mounted rotatable on a vertical pivot fixed to the machine working head assembly and cooperating with a position lock, the roller being carried at the end of said support arm by a vertical rotation pin.

Abstract: An inlet applying roller and an outlet applying roller are elastically urged to project, at rest, from a casing which may be fixed to a sealing machine. The inlet applying roller is rotatably supported by support arms, which are movable along path defined by shaped windows engaged with a fixed pivot, and the outlet applying roller is rotatably supported by lever arms rotatable about a fixed fulcrum. Said support arms for the inlet and outlet rollers are kinematically connected to the support lever arms of the outlet roller so that the withdrawal movement of the inlet roller is accompanied by a simultaneous withdrawal movement of the outlet roller and the successive coming-out movement of the inlet roller is made dependent on a simultaneous coming-out movement of the outlet roller. A cutting blade is arranged between said rollers to cut the tape between subsequent cartons.

Abstract: In combination, a container made of sheets of fibrous material, said sheets adhered together by glue, and a tape for reinforcing at least part of said container, said tape adhered flat to said fibrous material over substantially its entire length, said tape having a thickness lying between 0.05 and 0.30 millimeters, said tape being weftless and made of parallel yarn ends, each made of several fibers selected from the group consisting of polyester, rayon and polyamide fibers, and an adhesive bonding said yarn ends together, each of said yarn end having gauge range from 100 to 12,000 deniers, there being up to 350 yarn ends in the tape, said yarn ends being flattened with their major cross-sectional dimension being greater than the diameter of the original round yarn ends used for making the tape by an amount varying between 35% and 100%, said adhesive filling the interstices between the yarn ends and providing a generally smooth surface at said main faces, said adhesive chosen to be compatible with said glue.

Abstract: A carton sealing machine for sealing cartons in which a clutch is provided to connect a pair of oppositely disposed conveyor belts for movement thereof from a driving motor.