Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a folded flat. The flat may include a first surface having a first panel and a second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel include an inner edge. Further, the first panel may include a first score line that extends in the machine direction and a tab adjacent the first score line. The tab connects the first panel and the second panel. A folding apparatus may engage the first surface of the flat. The folding apparatus may include an engagement member and a fold assist member. The fold assist member may engage the area between the inner edge of the first panel and the inner edge of the second panel. The engaging member and the fold assist member cooperate fold the flat along the score line to form a folded flat.

Abstract: A packing method and unit for folding a blank on a packing machine; a first suction pickup head engages a first panel of the blank inside a store; a second suction pickup head engages a second panel of the blank inside the store; the pickup heads are moved from a withdrawal position at the store to a release position at a packing conveyor, insert the blank inside a pocket on the packing conveyor; and the blank, folded into a ‘U’, is released inside the pocket on the packing conveyor; as the pickup heads are moved from the withdrawal position to the release position, a relative movement between the first pickup head and the second pickup head is produced to fold the blank into a ‘U’ before the blank is inserted into the pocket on the packing conveyor.

Abstract: This is a method and device for making a packaging box from two blanks (2, 3), wherein blanks are taken simultaneously from two adjacent stacks (25, 26) and placed on two parallel tracks (29, 30), the blanks are transferred flat until butted longitudinally to an assembly station, the first blank is glued on its way to the longitudinal abutment position, the first and second blanks are butted laterally into their respective positions to give them an exact lateral reference position, they are grasped, and transferred laterally, and the second blank is placed on the first blank which is thus indexed, escaping the drivers (61) of the first track (29) when the second blank is placed against the fast blank, but clamped by vertical pressure. The second blank is then applied to the first blank to glue them together in their respective defined longitudinal positions, and the resulting set of blanks is then transferred to an erecting station where the box is erected by rolling the blanks around a core.

Abstract: A machine to fold a cardboard blank into an open tray, the machine including means to displace a blank from a stack of blanks to a table, means to clamp the blank in a fixed position to the table, folding means to fold up sides and ends of the blank into vertically extending walls, consolidation means to urge overlapping flaps of the sides or ends into slots in the base of the blank and, means to eject the open tray from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically forms a paperboard blank into a container having a double glued side wall construction for providing an enhanced strength to the container. A platen drives the blank through mechanically powered forming rails for an initial folding of the blank into a partially formed container having a bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports. A compression plate and folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the partially formed container for forming a fully formed container having a double glued side wall construction.

Abstract: A folding box gluing machine has a folding station in which portions of blanks provided with a glue strip are folded, and a subsequent transfer station which includes as a conveyor mechanism at least two pairs of conveying straps, each including an upper and a lower strap, and having a device for achieving the sideways removal of defective boxes arranged on the outside next to one pair of conveying straps. The upper conveying strap on at least one lengthwise side in the transfer station is supported in one region of its conveying path by support rollers, which are secured to a bearing plate, which is mounted with its lower edge tilted inward relative to a perpendicular plane and can move upward to a limited extent, and a guide baffle is secured on the inside next to the support rollers and extends upward from the inner edge of the upper conveying strap and is angled in the direction of the other pair of conveying straps.

Abstract: A shuttle packaging machine includes a support structure having a servomotor driven shuttle device mounted thereon. A transfer arm having suction cups clamps, removes and holds a shipping blank on the shuttle device during all of the packaging functions. The major and minor flaps of the shipping container are held open during the loading of the container. Tucking or folding plows and pneumatic cylinders fold and hold the major and minor flaps. The “shuttle action” of the shuttle device during loading and flap folding allows for a compact arrangement as well as minimizing the number of parts required.

Abstract: The machine assembles cardboard boxes of the type that comprises a main piece or sheet and two independent sheets comprising the front ends, lateral sheets that attach to some laps that form part of the main piece. As a novel characteristic, it includes some side feeders where the independent lateral sheets are stacked and some devices for conveying such lateral sheets that place them on both sides of the male forming element or mandrel, in whose descent such lateral sheets are conveyed and also the main sheet to the folding mold located underneath where the box assembly will be finally formed. This folding mold also includes some improvements that facilitate the assembly of the box.

Abstract: A method for making a longitudinal fold in a web, including the steps of: (1) providing a web-supporting device; (2) providing a folding belt disposed adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device; (3) providing the web which is superimposed onto a web-contacting surface of the web-supporting device such that a first longitudinal edge of the web extends laterally beyond the first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device and at least partially onto the folding belt; and (4) folding the first longitudinal fold of the web by twisting the folding belt around its longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation of the folding belt extends parallel to the longitudinal fold line of the web.

Abstract: A supply device for a machine working cardboard sheets. At least one conveying unit for the conveyance one by one of the sheets. A hold-down stop for preventing conveyance of a pile of the sheets above the conveying unit while permitting conveyance of the bottom sheet. A plurality of rising units at the conveying unit, the raising units being alternatively moveable by pivoting between an upraised position above the upper level of the conveying unit, and a lowered position at the highest aligned with that upper level. Each rising unit is connected to a programmable control unit in order to provide a single command respectively for each one of the rising units. An adjustable height wear surface shoe on each rising unit.

Abstract: A method for transferring cardboard blanks (7) in individual succession in a plant, comprising a store (1) for collection of cardboard blanks (7b), a conveyor (3), with an upstream portion (3a) which is designed to receive the cardboard blanks (7a), and a rotary collector-translator (2), comprising one or a plurality of orbiting gripper units (100, 200), wherein the cardboard blank is grasped in the store (1), extracted, translated and spaced, whilst being kept substantially parallel to the successive cardboard blank (7c), which is still disposed in the vicinity of the downstream end (1a) of the store (1); and is then inclined, and placed parallel on the upstream portion (3a) of the conveyor (3). A corresponding system, and a corresponding rotary collector-translator.

Abstract: A method of assembling a paper box, comprising a 1st step of carrying a paper box (10a) with unfolded both side wall members (26) and (27) into a clearance between a fixed stand (101) and a guide member (100) in the condition that the positions of folded parts (22) and (23) aligned with the positions of both outer end parts of the guide member (100) at a folding station (47) where the guide member (100) is disposed with a slight clearance provided above the fixed stand (101) and a clearance at both end parts thereof set equal to a clearance at the folded parts (22) and (23), a 2nd step of driving a folding member (105) so as to fold both side wall members (26) and (27) to the inside with reference to the outer end part of the guide member (100) in contact with the folded parts (22) and (23), and a 3rd step of extracting the paper box (10a) with bent both side wall members (26) and (27) from the folding station (47) by holding the front side of the paper box (10a) in its moving direction.

Abstract: A method for making a longitudinal fold in a web, including the steps of: (1) providing a web-supporting device; (2) providing a folding belt disposed adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device; (3) providing the web which is superimposed onto a web-contacting surface of the web-supporting device such that a first longitudinal edge of the web extends laterally beyond the first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device and at least partially onto the folding belt; and (4) folding the first longitudinal fold of the web by twisting the folding belt around its longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation of the folding belt extends parallel to the longitudinal fold line of the web.

Abstract: A container erecting apparatus and methods are provided which advantageously increase the efficiency and production speed of erecting and sealing containers. The apparatus preferably includes a dispenser positioned to dispense one of a plurality of collapsed containers to be transported along a first predetermined path of travel and collapsed container erecting means positioned downstream from the dispenser for erecting the collapsed container. The apparatus also includes a first bottom panel folder and a container advancer positioned downstream from the container erecting means along the first predetermined path of travel. A second panel folder is positioned downstream and on a second predetermined path of travel which is transverse to the first predetermined path of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for erecting flat blanks into three-dimensional box parts has a machine frame, a bin on the frame holding a stack of the blanks with a lower surface of a lowermost blank largely exposed at a base of the stack, an erecting unit on the frame spaced downstream in a transport direction from the bin, and a conveyor on the frame. The conveyor has at least two spaced endless conveyor elements having upper stretches extending horizontally underneath the bin in the direction, respective suction boxes generally level with the upper stretches, and a drive for advancing the elements in the transport direction. An extractor on the frame underneath the bin includes a vertically displaceable vacuum-operated suction head engageable with the lower surface of the lowermost blank for pulling same out of the bin and setting it on the conveyor.

Abstract: An improved horizontally-oriented machine capable of forming a trays or other similar fiberboard containers from single blanks. The improved machine includes three distinct sections: (1) a loading bay which includes a vertical lift, a sheet feeders and a unique set of gates for pre-positioning the end flaps of container blanks for later folding; (2) an adhesion and flap-folding section which includes adhesive applicators, a series of folding plows and a compression area for pre-folding the end flaps of the container to be formed; and (3) a final forming section including an adjustable vertically mounted mandrel surrounded by adjustable forming plows for making the final container.

Abstract: A continuous sheet folder apparatus is disclosed that can fold any size paper in half with nested inserts inside the paper. The apparatus can also function in an intermittent mode. The half folding apparatus is accomplished by a set of lifting fingers and stationary fingers which interact to curl the sheet leading edge upwards and over until it registers with the trailing edge, passing beneath it. The sheet is then creased in a presser unit. The lifting fingers are spring mounted and biased toward the oncoming sheet.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a pocketed card stock or paper member having a wide peripheral edge. A template (12) is provided having a forming edge with a shape corresponding to the wide peripheral edge of the member. A flexible sheet of card stock or paper (14) is also provided. An urging device (62) is provided for urging the flexible sheet of card stock or paper (14) adjacent to the template (12) such that an extended portion (54) thereof extends beyond the forming edge of the template (12) and a remaining portion thereof does not extend beyond the forming edge of the template (12). A folding device (26) is provided for urging the extended portion (54) around the forming edge and a securing device (24) is provided for securing the extended portion (54) to the remaining portion of the flexible sheet of card stock or paper (14) after the extended portion (54) has been urged around the forming edge to form a wide edge.

Abstract: A packaging machine for manufacturing packaging containers for liquid contents, e.g., milk or juice, from tubular packaging container blanks of laminated paper and plastic material. The blanks are fed through the machine by means of a main conveyor along which is disposed various stations for performing operations such as sealing the bottom ends of the blanks to form bottom-sealed packaging containers, filling the bottom-sealed packaging containers, and top-sealing the filled containers. A station can also be provided to transfer blanks from an infeed conveyor located below the main convey to the main conveyor. The stations are jointly controlled but individually driven and replaceable, which makes for a flexible and compact machine.

Abstract: A machine for making cups of thermoplastic coated paper, the machine including a frame or housing having a turret rotatably mounted on the frame, a number of work stations mounted on the frame in an equally spaced relation around the turret, a number of mandrels corresponding to the number of work stations mounted on the turret and a curling die mounted on the turret in radial alignment with each of the mandrels. The turret being rotated intermittently to align the mandrels sequentially with the work stations, the work stations being movable radially inwardly into a working relation with each mandrel, the mandrels being moved radially inwardly simultaneously with the work stations to form a tucked curl on the top edge of the cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hinged top cigarette box having a cross-section with one or more arcuate surfaces from a one piece blank, the apparatus comprising a mandrel that engages the one piece blank along an edge, and which mandrel rotates to wrap the blank around the mandrel to form a hinged top cigarette box having inner and outer walls. Alternative embodiments of the apparatus may include either an ultrasonic device or wet adhesives to secure the inner and outer walls of the box in proper relation. A method is provided for forming a dual layer hinged top cigarette box having a cross-section with one or more arcuate surfaces wherein a box blank is engaged along one end and then rotated and secured so that the resulting box has its inner and outer layers fixed in proper relation.

Abstract: A blank feeder is used for feeding blanks to a bottom forming mandrel. The blanks are initially in a flat form and are unfoldable to a form of square cross section. The feeder includes a magazine for the flat blanks, and a transport arrangement having a path of transport extending from the delivery opening along a circular arc having a central axis parallel to the widthwise direction of the blank in the delivery opening. The transport arrangement includes a suction member, a transport arm carrying the suction member on a forward end, and a shaft rotatably supporting the transport arm and having an axis aligned with a central axis of the circular arc. The suction member has suction cups at different distances from the central axis for gripping one side of the blank, so that the blank is unfolded by movement of the suction member along the circular arc causing a greater separation of a gripped side of the blank at the furthest end of the blank from the central axis than at the nearest end of the blank.

Abstract: A blank feeder is disclosed having a magazine with a delivery opening at one end and accommodating flat blanks as arranged from the one end toward the other end thereof in the form of a stack. The blank feeder also has a transport device having a path of transport extending straight from the delivery opening as a starting end to a terminal end away from the opening, and a device for unfolding each of the flat blanks to a tubular form of square cross section while the blank is being transported by the transport device. The unfolding device has first and second blank unfolding claws provided at edge portions of the delivery opening so as to be individually engageable with opposite ends of the blank in the delivery opening. The first and second unfolding claws are positioned at different distances from a reference plane orthogonal to the transport path in a direction along the path.

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: Method and apparatus are provided for effecting sealing of a carton panel such as the top panel to a manufacturer's joint in such a fashion that carton erection from a pre-formed carton blank can proceed in an in-line manner without any changes in the direction of carton transport as it is erected, filled and sealed. Panel sealing is accomplished by folding the manufacturer's joint over a free end of the panel, applying an adhesive to the manufacturer's joint while it is in overlying relation with the panel, lifting the panel over the manufacturer's joint, and urging the panel into engagement with the manufacturer's joint so as to become bonded thereto. Top panel sealing in the foregoing manner proceeds without the necessity of using the carton contents as a mandrel against which the manufacturer's joint is otherwise ordinarily folded, thereby permitting the carton to be erected and sealed along its manufacturer's joint in the absence of product received within the carton.

Abstract: There are provided here a hand-operated and automatic machines for producing pail boxes from pre-made blanks of paper and wire handles bonded together in the form of a bar, and a machine for producing wire handles. The hand operated pail box machine includes a folding assembly, clinching mechanisms for attaching a wire handle to the folded box, a wire handle conveyor and levers for driving machine by the user himself. The hand-operated machine has such small dimensions that several of these machines can be installed one on the other in a unit for producing pail boxes of different sizes. The automatic pail box machine in addition to said hand-operated machine, is equipped with a blank storage assembly, a feeder for feeding box blanks, a receiver for made boxes, and a mechanical drive.

Abstract: A machine for erecting packing cases of a kind comprising two major and two minor sides and four base flaps foldable to form a base comprises supports for holding a folded flat case by its sides and for opening its sides to a rectangular form with the case at a first station, three sequentially operated flap folding elements arranged to fold three of the flaps into the base plane; and a traversable carriage having a guide arranged to engage the other flap as the carriage moves towards the case and to deflect that flap into the base plane in the required sequence.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for erecting flat carton blanks into a tubular configuration, folding the minor flaps inwardly normal to the minor sides in three steps at a first work station, moving the erected carton blank to a second work station while partially folding the major flaps toward the folded minor flaps and applying glue to the minor flaps, further moving the carton blank to a third work station where the major flaps are pressure sealed to minor flaps and then discharging the finished carton from the work area. A machine for performing the method includes unique motor driven chain drive assemblies that enable adjustments to accommodate various size carton and a cam regulated valve system to control application of vacuum to suction cups and compressed air to a glue gun and to pneumatic pistons that move control arms and the like.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprising a rotary body having blank bottom forming radial mandrels so arranged as to be successively stoppable at a plurality of process stations including a blank feed station, a feeder for fitting a tubular blank having a square or rectangular cross section around the mandrel stopping at the blank feed station to feed the blank to the mandrel, and a collector for collecting paper particles adhering to the blank to be fed by the feeder. The feeder has a pair of guide rails positioned on opposite sides of and extending in parallel to a phantom line extending outward from the mandrel stopping at the blank feed station. The collector has a tubular collecting cover enclosing the guide rails. The cover is formed with an air outlet covered with a filter. A suction device applies suction to the air outlet.

Abstract: A number of cases are stored horizontally in a stack in a magazine. A bottom upper-inner flap of a flat folded case is folded downward to open the case by a flap-folding member while the case is being lifted from a magazine station to a flap-folding station, and while attracted to and held by a suction cup. The case is opened during this lifting and folding step. Once the bottom upper-inner flap has been folded downward, it comes into the space between the bottom outer flaps. The bottom upper-inner flap, which has been folded downward, pushes the left outer flap during the lifting operation. As the case is lifted higher and higher, both outer side flaps are opened simultaneously. The case is therefore gradually opened, during lifting, thereby forming a hollow cylindrical case. The remianing bottom flaps are closed and then sealed.

Abstract: An aligning device including an upward straightening appliance consisting of a row of levers equipped with rollers, said levers being mounted for pivoting around a horizontal axis relative to a base member, said base member being mounted for pivotable movement around a vertical axis on a longitudinally extending member, each of the base members being connected by a flexible member to a corner piece shiftable relative to the longitudinally extending member to cause pivoting of all of the base members around their vertical axes, a lower straightening appliance consisting of a driven endless belt supported on rollers arranged vertically aligned to the axes of the upper rollers, an arrangement for biasing the upper rollers against a blank carried on said belt and a lengthwise aligning rail adjustably positioned relative to the upper and lower straightening appliances.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with blanks folded to a flat form for unfolding each blank into a tube of rectangular to square cross section and feeding the tubular blank to one of container bottom forming mandrels which is at rest at a feed station. The apparatus comprises a magazine for accommodating a multiplicity of such blanks as arranged side by side, transport arms for delivering the blanks one by one from a delivery opening of the magazine and transporting each blank to a position on an extension of the axis of the mandrel, an unfolding arm for unfolding the blank from the flat form to the tubular form during transport by forming a fold in the opposed flat portions of the blank, a holder for holding the tubular blank on the extension of axis in alignment therewith movably along the extension, and a transfer assembly for transferring the blank from the holder to the mandrel. The forward end of the unfolding arm is movable into and out of the path of transport of the blank.

Abstract: A tray forming machine comprising an infeed station for accepting a blank of corrugated plastic, and a transfer mechanism which automatically conveys the blank along a plane into a blank receiving station between a tray forming ram and a forming tool frame. The tray forming ram moves downward along a vertical path carrying the blank through the forming tool frame, during which the blank is folded into a generally upright tray configuration by a series of vertically displaced side and end forming bars and brackets. The tray forming ram and blank emerge from the forming tool frame and are received in a clamping and welding assembly which holds the blank in position while it is secured by sonic welds into the upright tray. The clamping assembly releases while the tray forming ram returns to its raised position, and the tray is stripped off the tray forming ram by the bottom of the forming brackets.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing defective knocked down carton blanks, from a carton erecting machine. In one embodiment opposed sets of tractors for clamping the selected unit and driving it from the conveyor line with moving tractive belts. A sensing device detects carton blanks to be ejected by determining if they can be erected by the machine. Non-conforming blanks are returned to an unerected condition and a control device activated by the sensing device controls activation of the ejecting mechanism to quickly and automatically eject the defective carton blank.

Abstract: An arrangement for fitting valve sacks on a filling pipe of a packaging machine comprises a unit for spreading a valve of valve sacks, the spreading unit being turnable about a horizontal axis so as to bring the valve of sacks in alignment with a filling pipe of a packaging machine, a unit forming a horizontal guide path for the spreading unit, and a unit for moving the spreading means along the horizontal guide path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a three-piece paperboard, bulk shipping container from a flat collapsed tubular body member and a pair of flat end members, which apparatus and method includes means for erecting the body member from the flat collapsed to the tubular erected condition, pushing both end members against opposite ends of the erected body member at the same time, and then folding and securing the flanges of the end members to opposite ends of the body member.

Abstract: A packaging machine including a rotor having a plurality of radial mandrels each for carrying a container as fitted therearound and intermittently drivingly rotatable so that the mandrels successively stop at processing stations equal in number to the number of the mandrels, a container bottom breaker provided at one of the processing stations, and a container holding device provided at the same processing station as the container bottom breaker and having at least one container pressing member to be pressed against the mandrel at rest at said same processing station over the container fitted around the mandrel.

Abstract: A machine for forming cardboard boxes of the double-plinth type provides for the supply to the machine of flat punched sheets, already partially glued, intended to constitute the bottom, the side walls and the hinged lid with a first attached plinth of the box, in parallel with the supply of auxiliary punched sheets for defining, after gluing to the bottom of the box, the second plinth of the box itself. The machine forms the box and automatically glues the auxiliary punched sheets to the box itself.

Abstract: A blank feeder for a packaging machine for use with folded flat blanks unfoldable into tubes of square to rectangular cross section and having different lengths to form containers of different capacities. The feeder includes a magazine for containing a stack of flat container blanks. The magazine comprises an inclined frame defining a downward delivery opening and having opposite side members, an upper member and a lower member, a pair of blank unfolding pawls provided at the bottom surfaces of the upper and lower frame members and partly projecting into the opening, and a pair of movable blank supports reciprocatingly movable between an upper position above the frame and a lower position below the frame through the opening. The upper frame member is movable by a hydraulic cylinder longitudinally of the frame to adjust the distance between the unfolding pawls to the length of the blank.

Abstract: An anti-toggling, constant-contact cage roll assembly is provided for movement of corrugated box blanks along a belt. In one embodiment, the cage roll assembly includes a series of four rollers that are mounted to a bar spring-biased away from a frame, in which the bar is pivotally mounted at each end to an associated lever arm, each of which is in turn pivotally mounted to the frame to form a modified four-bar linkage, with a compliant mount for one lever arm, the mount for the other lever arm being fixed to the frame to permit limited canting of the roller-carrying bar to accommodate multiple folded layers of corrugated material. The subject cage roll assembly prevents the prior art type of toggling of pairs of rollers into an almost vertical position as the box blank moves between the rollers and the belt and thus prevents jamming. In one embodiment, each of the lever arms carries an adjustable stop at the free end for positioning the bar above the belt which carries the box blank.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for folding a box or trough from a preformed blank of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, duplex cardboard, coated paper, synthetic material, wood such as plywood or multiply, or other sheet or plate material, the blank being provided in advance with folding seams and consisting at least of a portion for the bottom and portions separated therefrom by such folding seams for the upright walls of the box or trough to be folded, the apparatus including means for holding the blank in a predetermined position, a first conveyor for moving the blank transversely to its plane from said position, a mould provided in the path of the conveyor and having a mould cavity which is surrounded by a set of folding members and has a bottom area extending transversely to said path and corresponding to the bottom portion of the box or trough to be folded, stops projecting into said bottom area and adapted to arrest the movement of said bottom portion and also a second conveyor for removing the blank folded in th

Abstract: Bag filling and closing apparatus that includes a bag pick up and feed assembly mounted on a frame for removing the top closed bag from a vertical stack of bags on a magazine and feeding the bag into a bag positioner assembly to thereby straighten the bag and support it in a vertical condition at a desired position, a carriage assembly for clampingly engaging a bag supported by the positioner assembly and moving the bag to be vertically adjacent a saddle and shaker assembly, and beneath a scale hopper, opening the clamped bag, discharging product from the scale hopper through the carriage spout into the opened bag, the saddle and hopper assembly supporting the bag bottom and shaking the bag as it is being filled, a transfer assembly for grippingly supporting the filled bag while it is still clampingly engaged by the carriage assembly, and after the bag is released by the carriage assembly, move the filled bag to a conveyor assembly, and controls for controlling the operation of said assemblies.

Abstract: Case erector and bottom sealer apparatus having a pick up assembly for grippingly engaging a flat folded case blank on the top of a plurality of case blanks in vertical stacked relationship and elevating and moving the picked up blank forwardly, an infeed conveyor assembly for receiving the picked up case blank in its forward position and moving it to an erector station, an erector assembly at the erector station for grippingly engaging opposite sides of the blank and opening the case blank, folder assemblies movable between retracted and folded positions for first folding the bottom minor flaps of the erected blank and then partially folding the bottom major flaps to retain the bottom minor flaps in a folded condition, a walking stick assembly for moving the erected case from the erector station to a compression station, a glue gun assembly for applying adhesive to the bottom minor flaps as the erected case is moved to the compression station, a compression assembly at the compression station to complete the

Abstract: A flip-top box is folded from a one-piece skillet by bringing a contents retainer panel (R) into overlapping relationship with a front panel (C.sub.1); thereafter pressing the skillet into a rectangular opening of a die (70), to cause certain panels of the skillet to stand perpendicular to rear panels of the container and lid, folding portions of the skillet projecting from the die into a plane parallel spaced from the rear panel and causing other portions to enter the die; and pressing the partially folded skillet into a rectangular opening of a second die opposite the first die to fold down the outside panels of the box to complete the box formation.

Abstract: A cardboard sheet dispenser is incorporated in a bacon slicing machine line that is operable to group slices in shingled fashion and into segregated batches of predetermined weight. The dispenser directs a cardboard sheet in synchronization with the movement of the batches so that individual batches are placed on a sheet and thereafter transferred to subsequent packaging stations. The dispenser includes a hopper for receiving vertically stacked cardboard sheets and includes a base having a plurality of strippers serving to support the stack of sheets while assuring that only one sheet at a time is removed from the hopper. A pick-off assembly operates to remove the lowermost sheet from the hopper and transfer it to the nip of a roller assembly.

Abstract: A box-erecting machine characterized by a squaring mechanism for squaring and delivering box blanks to a receiving station, said blanks being characterized by depending leading and trailing minor flaps, a driven reciprocating carriage supported for rectilinear travel including a trailing pusher assembly mounted on the carriage for sequentially engaging each squared box blank and for advancing the blank toward a glue applicator, a major flap folding and compression station, and minor flap folding assembly including pivotal fingers for forwardly infolding the trailing minor flap as it is engaged by the pusher and a rigid tongue mounted in the path of the blank for rearwardly folding the leading minor flap as the blanks are advanced from the box blank receiving station.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a high-speed case-erecting machine characterized by a bottom-feed hopper, a pneumatic picker and a pair of live transfer rollers for transferring from the hopper flattened, knocked-down cases to be received at a case-squaring station equipped with vertically separable pneumatic cups for squaring the cases, a chain-driven, reciprocating conveyor of adjustable modular construction for transferring squared cases through a series of flap-manipulating stations at which the flaps located at one end of each case are closed and sealed, thus to provide a series of erected cases.

Abstract: A cardboard sheet dispenser is incorporated in a bacon or pork product slicing machine line that is operable to group slices in shingled fashion into segregated batches of predetermined weight. The dispenser directs a cardboard sheet in synchronized fashion with the movement of the batches so that individual batches are placed on a sheet and thereafter transferred to subsequent packaging stations. The dispenser includes a hopper for receiving vertically stacked cardboard sheets and is provided with a plurality of restrainers that cooperate in supporting the stack of sheets and at the same time fan the sheets to minimize sticking of the sheets one to the other. The base of the hopper includes a plurality of strippers also serving to support the stack of sheets and assures that only one sheet is removed from the base of the hopper at a time.

Abstract: A partition folding and inserting machine is described which automatically folds a flat partition blank into a partition and then inserts the partition into a box which is moving on a conveyor. A hydraulic lift table is provided at the feed end of the machine for supplying a stack of flat partition blanks to the intake or feed end of a first conveyor. An individual partition blank is lifted from the stack of partition blanks and is moved into the machine by the first conveyor. A tab breaker apparatus initially breaks or severs a portion of the partition blank to facilitate the subsequent folding of the partition blank. A cell opening apparatus engages the upper and lower sides of the partition blank to move the same downwardly to partially form cells at the outer sides of the partition blank. The partially folded partition blank is then moved by means of a second conveyor through a side plow or guide which further deforms the partition blank.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting up folded cartons in which a frame has a folded carton magazine attached thereto adjacent a carton conveyor. A carton set-up station is mounted at one end of the conveyor adjacent the magazine, and the bottom carton in the magazine is grasped by suction cups and moved to the set-up station. The carton is set-up in the set-up station and fed to the conveyor as the minor flaps are folded, glued, and the major flaps folded, and finally, the major and minor flaps compressed for the glue to dry and the carton discharged.