Abstract: A counter ejector has: a ledge that moves toward an inner side of a hopper to receive boxes S in the hopper when the boxes accumulated in the hopper reach the predetermined number; a press bar that is disposed so as to move vertically relative to the ledge, and presses the batch on the elevator by moving vertically downward relative to the ledge; and a relative movement servo motor that moves the press bar vertically relative to the ledge. The press bar is driven by the relative movement servo motor to vertically move relative to the ledge.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing products coming out from a folding and gluing machine of cardboard or paperboard products with a back, includes a longitudinal housing for advancing the products in rows, defined by two groups (40, 41) of circular motorized right and left belts. Each group (40, 41) being made of at least three belts. An upper belt (22, 24) and a lower belt (25, 27) are wrapped around pulleys with a horizontal axis and extending parallel to the direction of advancement of the products. A lateral belt (28, 29) is wrapped around pulleys with a vertical axis and extending parallel to the direction of advancement of the products. The belts of each group (40, 41) form among them respective “C”-shaped housing which make the lateral edges of the housing along and inside which the product advances, dragged by the belts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pressware forming apparatus. At least one of die pairs used in the apparatus can be narrowed in a cross-direction as compared to the cross-directional width of pressware forming tools used in prior an apparatus. The present invention allows addition of at least one additional die pair in the pressware forming tool when used in a standard sized pressware forming apparatus. The present invention also provides components for use in such apparatus and methods of making pressware from the apparatus herein.

Abstract: A gathering and pressing device for a folded box gluing machine has two machine-width, circulating conveyor belts which are connected to a drive and whose conveying runs are disposed horizontally, one above the other and running parallel to each another. An upper conveying run of the lower conveyor belt being mounted such it can be moved vertically with respect to the lower conveying run of the upper conveyor belt in order to press the folded blanks. Both the lower conveyor belt and the upper conveyor belt having their own drive which includes a servomotor with a resolver connected directly to the respective drive roll.

Abstract: A machine and method for producing beverage container holders of consistently high quality at high production rates and at an economical cost is disclosed herein. Beverage container holders (500) can be produced on the machine using the method disclosed herein at a rate of 50,000 beverage container holders per hour. The initial step of introducing the blanks 810) into the machine's conveying mechanism assures that the blanks are properly aligned and have a predetermined spacing there between, which avoids jamming of the machine and the resulting work stoppage (FIG. 2). The process includes steps for pre-breaking or pre-folding the flaps (FIG. 5) which enable the final folding of the flaps to be performed with the necessary reliability and speed. All except the final step of the manufacturing process are performed while the blanks are being conveyed at a constant high rate along the length of the machine.

Abstract: A hinge is disclosed for a plastic film. This film has a predetermined thickness sufficient for the plastic film to remain planar in an absence of a first bending moment applied across the plastic film. The hinge includes at least one linear groove configured in the plastic film to reduce the predetermined thickness of the plastic film at the linear groove. The hinge permits preferential hinging of the plastic film at the linear groove responsive to a bending moment at the linear groove across the plastic film less than the first bending moment. The linear groove has insufficient depth to sever the plastic film and enables the hinge film to retain sufficient remaining thickness at the linear groove to permit hinging and not tearing of the plastic film at the linear groove. When the hinge is placed across a plastic film, and the film bent at the hinge, the film defines a first panel and a second panel with each panel disposed at an angle to one another at the hinge.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging container for long-term cold storage of liquid foods for retaining superior flavor and aroma properties in the packed product, and produced from a packaging laminate including a core layer of paper or paper-board, an inside aroma barrier layer of PET and a gas barrier layer, by fold formation and sealing of a planar packaging blank so that all contact surfaces vis-a-vis the packed product consist of the PET layer. The disclosure also relates to a method of fold forming and sealing the packaging laminate into a packaging container according to the invention. Good shelf-life after cold storage for at least six weeks at 8° C., or at least 10 weeks at 4° C. will be attained using the packaging container according to the invention.

Abstract: A die system (10) for cutting a piece of sheet stock (11) to create a blank and forming the blank to create a container includes first and second mating die halves (56, 96) and a cutting punch (68). The first and second mating die halves (56, 96) are configured to move together to form the container from the blank. The cutting punch (68) extends about the first die half (56) and is movable therewith. The cutting punch (68) is configured to cut the piece of sheet stock (11) to create the blank. Movement of the die halves (56, 96) together causes the cutting punch (68) to cut the blank from the piece of sheet stock (11) and further movement of the die halves (56, 96) together causes the first and second die halves (56, 96) to form the container from the blank.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for forming paperboard packaging from an integral paperboard blank includes a blade for gathering a central portion of the paperboard blank, causing the width of the blank to contract. A reciprocating mandrel rams the blank into a hollow tubular former having an opening of reduced size, causing portions of the blank to form side walls properly positioned with respect to a floor portion of the blank. Pistons within the mandrel apply pressure to overlapping portions of the formed blank, to seal those portions together.

Abstract: A tray forming apparatus and method are provided which advantageously increase the efficiency and production speed of tray-type containers formed thereby. The apparatus preferably includes a loader for loading one of a plurality of blanks to be transported along a predetermined path of travel and front and rear panel lifters positioned downstream from the loader for foldingly lifting front and rear panels of the one blank upwardly and inwardly during travel along the predetermined path. Adhesive applicators preferably are positioned adjacent the folders for applying adhesive only to selected portions of the folded front and rear panels of the one blank. Side panel folders are positioned downstream from the front and rear panel folders and the adhesive applicators for folding side panels of the one blank upwardly and inwardly into abutting contact with the selected portions of the folded front and rear panels having adhesive applied thereto.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sealing cartons. Cartons are conveyed past one or more sealing bars which yieldingly apply pressure to a sealing area thereof. The bars are adjustable to a predetermined pressure by adjusting the length of the spring between the bars and a base. The bars are, therefore, preferably spring biased.

Abstract: Drying turrets (10) serve for stabilizing the shape of cigarette packs (13) immediately after their completion. For this purpose, the drying turret (10) is provided with a plurality of pockets (11) for receiving the cuboidal cigarette packs (13) in a positive manner. To locally increase the pressure exerted on the cigarette packs (13), at least one of the pocket walls (partition wall 18, inner wall 21, outer wall 23) defining the pocket (11) is provided with a shoulder (37) which exerts the locally increased pressure on the cigarette pack (13) in the pocket (11). This shoulder (37) is particularly arranged in the middle region of a partition wall (18) on a side confronting a pack front panel (14). As a result, the pressure in the region of adhesive bonds (glue spots 33, 34) located in the region of the pack front panel (14) is increased.

Abstract: A rotary accumulator for folded beams of corrugated paperboard with adhesive applied thereto, such as pallet stringers or decking members, comprises a conveyor for feeding the beams longitudinally with spaces therebetween, a generally circular array of beam holders mounted to a rotary framework for receiving each beam in one holder, for holding such beam in a desired configuration for a finite time to allow adhesive applied thereto to cure, and for releasing such beam thereafter, a mechanism for indexing the holders in a generally circular path, and a longitudinal member for removing each beam from the beam holder holding such beam when such beam engages such members as the holders are being indexed. The mechanism is powered by a pneumatically powered piston-cylinder mechanism, which drives an escapement mechanism, or by an electric motor. Certain sensing and detecting devices are provided for controlling the mechanism.

Abstract: A machine for and a method of manufacturing folded containers, especially folded blanks. The machine has a mechanism for applying adhesive, a folding station, and a pressure-application station with pressure-application mechanisms for forcing the adhesive-coated seams together to seal them. The invention ensures that, when the machine is stopped, all the blanks to which adhesive has been applied but which have not yet been folded to form sealed seams are automatically marked or rejected. The machine has both a marking or rejecting mechanism downstream of the pressure-application station and computerized controls that, when the machine is stopped, determine the number of folded blanks in the production line between the adhesive-application mechanism and a first pressure-application mechanism in the pressure-application station and, once the machine is started again, control the marking or rejecting mechanism.

Abstract: A machine or machine section for squaring folded container blanks has a conveyor for conveying slotted and partially folded container blanks. A folding device completes folding of each container blank while being conveyed by the conveyor. A gauge plate is inserted in a slot in each of the slotted and partially folded container blanks. A mechanism moves the gauge plate in timed sequence with the conveyor, inserts the gauge plate in the slot before completion of folding of the respective blank in order to "square" the folded blank, and then withdraws the gauge plate from the slot. Overlapping flaps of each folded blank may be tacked together during "squaring" by drops of hot melt adhesive which subsequently hold the flat folded blanks square while the conventional slow drying water soluble glue dries. The "squaring" arrangement may be incorporated in a conventional gluer/folder machine.

Abstract: An improved package machine includes a vertically adjustable compression belt for maintaining the top of a carton flat while forces which might cause the top to bow upwardly are being exerted on the end flaps to hold them in contact until an adhesive takes hold.

Abstract: A random size carton sealer for folding and gluing carton flaps is disclosed which includes an infeed conveyor; three transfer sections; three flap folding, gluing and compressing sections; and an outfeed section. The cartons to be sealed by the apparatus normally have three sets of top and bottom flaps and two minor flaps for sealing. The infeed conveyor conveys cartons onto the first transfer section. The first transfer section transfers cartons to the first flap folding, gluing and compressing section. The first flap gluing, folding and compressing section seals a first set of top and bottom flaps on a carton and then conveys the carton to the second transfer section. The second transfer section folds a first minor flap on cartons and conveys the cartons to the second flap folding, gluing and compressing section. The second flap gluing, folding and compressing section seals a second set of top and bottom flaps on a carton and then conveys the carton to the third transfer section.

Abstract: A device supported on a tubular frame and having a vertical cheek supporting pulleys including drive pulley and tension pulley, a belt having a circular cross section running over these pulleys and cooperating with a lower conveyor to fold parts of a composite flap of a box blank as the blank passes therebeneath. Depending on the construction of the box blank, several cheeks with associated pulleys and belts can be positioned above the conveyor conveying the blanks therethrough. Preferably, the belt has a circular cross section and moves at a linear speed approximately the same as the conveyor of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for adhesively affixing together flaps of a container box includes a conveyor belt on which the box is carried, a glue applicator for applying glue to at least one of the flaps, a main flap folding unit for folding the flaps together during normal operation and an auxiliary flap folding unit which is held inoperative during normal operation but which is set in operation when the conveyor belt is brought to a halt.

Abstract: The invention is a mahcine for forming a full overlap-type shipping container from two similar blanks. A full overlap container normally has the end flaps of double thickness to withstand high top-to-bottom compression loads. This container has double thickness in both the end flaps and the laminated side walls. The machine is designed so that a first blank is transported on a main conveyor to a retractable stop located at a first combining section. Adhesive is applied to one of the side panels during transport. A second blank is then transported on a cross-conveyor to a second stop. This blank is lifted over the stop, and one side panel is positioned over the adhesive covered panel of the first blank. Pressure rolls then come into play to combine the panels. Assembly can now be completed on conventional equipment, such as folder-gluer, or may be done on an extended portion of the machine. In the latter case, the blanks are transported to a second combining station.

Abstract: In the erection of rectangular tray-type cartons from blanks of foldable sheet material, corner tabs which are to be uppermost in the erected carton are first folded up from the plane of the blank, which is then passed through a die by a punch to form the side wall. On completion of the stroke of the punch, the pair of opposed elongate panels which carry the uppermost tabs are folded outwardly by folding bars carried by the punch. The partially erected carton is then transferred to a continuously moving conveyor and the other pair of elongate panels are folded outwardly by oscillating fingers and plough bars. The upstanding tabs are then heated by travelling hot air jets and pressed down by pressure rollers to seal them to the other tabs and complete the horizontal peripheral flange which extends continuously around the carton.

Abstract: Cuboid (cigarette) packs (10) are conventionally provided with folding tabs joined by glueing. So that the adhesive can set before the packs (10) are exposed to loads, a first drying turret (14) is provided for temporarily receiving the packs (10) in individual pockets (15), and a further drying turret (18), in which one pack group (23) is received in each pocket (22), is provided for the final drying or hardening of the adhesive.

Abstract: A machine for assembling polyhedron devices comprising lifting means for lifting a polyhedron blank from a supply stack. Forming means receive the polyhedron blank from the lifting means and form the polyhedron into a polyhedron shaped article. A resilient member inserter means inserts a resilient member, such as a rubber band, into the polyhedron blank on the forming means so that the resilient member will bias the polyhedron shaped article into its formed configuration. Preferably the polyhedron assembling machine of the present invention further comprises adhesive applying means for applying adhesive to the polyhedron blank in the forming means. The machine of the present invention may further comprise a polyhedron blank holder means for holding a supply stack of polyhedron blanks to be lifted by the lifting means.The invention also comprehends a method of making a collapsible polyhedron article.

Abstract: A paper pressing device has a pair of presser plates being positioned opposite the lateral faces of an arbor. The opening and closing operation of the presser plates is conducted by a lever which is engaged with an oscillator by a spring. The oscillator adjusts the length of the spring so that the pressing force of the presser plates is constant irrespective of the force of inertia.

Abstract: In a machine for erecting tray cartons about one or more articles such as pairs of twelve pack beverage cartons, an end panel folding and sealing assembly is provided with folding plates that move with the tray carton in the downstream direction as the plates fold and hold the tray end panels against the tray end flaps while the glue sets to adhesively bond the end panels and flaps together.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a flip top carton wherein the top of the carton has a front flap and side flaps, each having a lower section folded upon the body of the carton and a middle section folded on the lower section. The apparatus has a former associated with a conventional cartoning machine which projects into an erected tubular carton spreading the front and side flaps while inwardly pressing the top portion of the carton to fold the lower section on the top portion of the carton and the middle section on the lower section to form a collar. The apparatus further includes a glue station for applying glue to the internal surfaces of the overlying middle and lower sections. The apparatus further includes compression sections for pressing the lower and middle sections to which glue has been applied together to complete the formation of the collar.

Abstract: A paperboard tray forming machine is disclosed which is designed for forming a paperboard tray from a flat production blank. The paperboard tray has front and rear end panels hingedly attached to side panels by means of folded gusset corner panels. The tray further has folded over corner flaps hingedly attached to the gusset panels and upwardly turned top flaps hingedly attached to the front and rear end panels. The machine is formed in a plurality of stations designed to take a paperboard flat production blank from a hopper and to fold the tray into the finished shape through a series of folding and glueing stations in the machine. The path of travel through the machine is in a generally U-shape. The various folding and glueing stations are positioned around an endless traveling conveyor having a plurality of mandrels attached thereto. The carton blank advances first in one direction and then turns in a U-shaped path and advances in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A folding apparatus for use on a cartoning machine which folds and secures the end flaps of a blank to form a carton including a pivoting rocker arm positioned adjacent to the path of said carton movement and a fold blade pivotedly attached to one end of said rocker arm which engages the flap and moves it into contact with the side of the carton. A device for manipulating said rocker arm is provided so that the fold blade will engage and disengage the flap and a yieldable means associated with said fold blade to apply a selected pressure to said flap with a roller assembly for engaging the fold blade and control the pressure applied by said yieldable means.

Abstract: A device for counting and delivering sheets which accumulates a plurality of paste-applied and folded cardboard sheets, delivered by a paste-applying and folding machine, in a hopper for delivery to a next step in batches of a prescribed number of sheets. A counter is employed to count the individual sheets as they are being accumulated in the hopper for further processing. A plurality of ledges reciprocal in a vertical direction and projectable into the sheets being accumulated in the hopper divide the sheets into batches of the prescribed number as a function of the sheets having been counted. The batches are then removed from the hopper and delivered to a binding machine which is adapted to bind the cardboard sheets as a next step.