Abstract: Container collecting and opening apparatus includes a store holding containers in a flattened configuration; an extracting device for extracting the flattened containers from the store and arranging them in a waiting position; and a transfer device movable between, a first, upstream, position for collecting containers from the waiting position and a second, downstream, position for releasing the containers. A container-opening device includes an abutment and a gripper positionable by the transfer device in a position along a container transfer pathway between the first position and the second position, so that the abutment is abutted by the container being opened and the gripper retains the opened-out container. A collecting device collects the container opened out by the container-opening device and transfers the opened-out container by rotating it with the axis thereof vertical to a crate of a packing line, while maintaining the container in the opened-out configuration.

Abstract: A machine for forming a carton from a carton blank. The machine includes at least one mover including a picker for picking the carton blank from the hopper and associating the carton blank with the mover. A controlled motion track is provided for moving the at least one mover and picker along a path of travel to a stationary position for engaging the carton blank in the hopper. A further aspect relates to maintaining a suction force on the carton blank during conveyance, including along a linear portion of the track associated with a lugged conveyor for assisting in erecting the blank into a carton. Another aspect relates to a rotatable bucket for receiving and supporting the product, and a controlled motion track for positioning the bucket and associated product for delivery to the carton. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A machine for forming and filling box-like bodies of different types having a magazine for sheets to be subjected to forming, at least one handling element for at least one sheet at a time, and a conveyor belt for products, clustered in bundles constituted by at least one product each. The machine includes a station for picking up and delivering shaped sheets, in which the magazine accommodates aligned and juxtaposed sheets and at least one handling element having an end bracket provided with at least one grip element and at least one assembly with arms which are articulated with respect to the bracket and are independently movable with respect to a fixed-frame.

Abstract: A case erector system comprises a track, a mounting assembly slidably affixed to the track, a picker and erector assembly removably and reversibly affixed to the mounting assembly, an erector arm in the picker and erector assembly configured to engage a first side of a case, and a picker arm in the picker and erector assembly configured to engage a second side of the case, wherein the erector arm is configured to move to a position generally transverse to the picker arm while both the picker arm and erector arm engage the case unit.

Abstract: A system for transferring tubular blanks to a packing machine includes an apparatus intermittently positioned in a zone (Z) situated in front of the line with an open tubular blank (150) hooked to a retainer (22). The apparatus includes a rotating member (510), activated in phase with the line movement, arranged between longitudinal walls (490), and having a series of transfer devices (525), angularly equidistanced along a circumference tangential to an upper line branch. The transfer devices have dynamic seating (460) for encountering in zone (Z), a tubular blank flap (1C). The tubular blank is freely inserted in the dynamic seating (460), and subsequently by hooking the seating, the transfer means are deactivated in proximity to the upper branch (470) in phase with the arranging of segments from radial to vertical first delimiting the dynamic seating (460) and a compartment (450) corresponding to the dynamic seating.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a flat folding box to a succeeding conveyor device with simultaneous erection has a rotarily driven support part which is pivotable about an axis of rotation, and at least one further rotarily driven support part which rotates coaxially to the support part about the axis of rotation. The folding boxes are received in a receiving station by the retaining device and are conveyed on a curved track to a transfer station and therefore transferred to a succeeding conveyor device. Here the support parts perform a rotary movement at a speed that varies during one revolution and with an opposing relative rotation. Each support part supports a plurality of retaining devices arranged equally distributed along the circumference, wherein the retaining devices of the support parts are preferably arranged alternately and consecutively in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A device for opening out blanks supplied in a flattened tubular configuration comprises a store (100) for containing a stack (P) of flattened tubular blanks, a first hooking device (200) for hooking a first flap (1A) of two external flaps (1A, 1B) of a base blank of the stack, and a drum (300) set in constant rotation, peripherally exhibiting angularly-equidistanced work stations (20). Each work station has a retaining apparatus (22) for receiving, from the first hooking device (200), the first external flap (1A), so as to position a score line (2A), connecting the two external flaps (1A, 1B) along an axis C parallel to the rotation axis (11) of the drum. A folding device (29) oscillates in a direction (R) which is opposite the rotation direction (F) of the drum, about the axis (C) so as to intercept the second external flap (1B).

Abstract: A rotating system to withdraw, to transport and to feed blanks having two rotating elements, a first sun shaft, a first planetary shaft and a second planetary shaft disposed coaxial among them, two first arms, a third planet shaft, one or more second arms, one or more gripper means, first transmission means able to rotate the first and the second planetary shafts, second transmission means able to rotate-oscillate the third planet shaft in an independent manner, first actuator means, second actuator means, synchronizer means.

Abstract: A system for transporting an object between stations, for example, from a magazine to a conveyor is provided having a rotary apparatus having two arms, wherein a first arm rocks back and forth between two positions and a second arm rotates about an axis on the first arm. The second arm can be fixedly connected to a holder having one or more suction heads for grasping the object. Preferably, the holder is arranged parallel to the object and moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the object as the object is removed from the magazine. Additionally, the holder is preferably displaced above the conveyor and positioned to be parallel to the conveyor, after which the holder is moved toward the conveyor in a path that is perpendicular to the plane of the conveyor. Therefore, the lateral force, shearing force, and friction exerted on the object during removal from the magazine and deposition onto the conveyor can be minimized.

Abstract: A device for opening out blanks supplied in a flattened tubular configuration comprises a store (100) for containing a stack (P) of flattened tubular blanks, a first hooking device (200) for hooking a first flap (1A) of two external flaps (1A, 1B) of a base blank of the stack, and a drum (300) set in constant rotation, peripherally exhibiting angularly-equidistanced work stations (20). Each work station has a retaining apparatus (22) for receiving, from the first hooking device (200), the first external flap (1A), so as to position a score line (2A), connecting the two external flaps (1A, 1B) along an axis C parallel to the rotation axis (11) of the drum. A folding device (29) oscillates in a direction (R) which is opposite the rotation direction (F) of the drum, about the axis (C) so as to intercept the second external flap (1B).

Abstract: A rotary transfer mechanism for transferring flat sleeve cartons (20) from a magazine (22) to a receiving station (23) on a conveyor (24), with opening of the cartons ready to receive end-loaded product, is characterized in that the path of suction cups (32) for holding the cartons during transfer is basically determined by a continuous stationary cam track (34) permanently engaged by a cam follower (37) on a gear segment (35) pivotally mounted on carrier means (29) rotatable by a drive shaft (26), the suction cups (32) being carried by a support shaft (30) rotatable on the carrier means and coaxial with a pinion (38) meshing with the gear segment. (35), and the support shaft being connected to a bracket (48) carrying a manifold (47) for the suction cups (32) by a crank arm (53), which is connected by a link arm (54) to a rocker arm (55) freely rotatable on the drive shaft (26).

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a folding box from a magazine that accommodates flat folding boxes, to a transport device comprises a holding device which takes over the folding box, holds it during transfer, and can be moved along a cycloid path having several turning points and intermediate curved sections. The transfer device comprises a basic lever which performs a continuous steady rotary motion, a first lever pair comprising a first lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a first joint, and a second lever which is pivotably disposed on the first lever via a second joint, and a second lever pair comprising a third lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a third joint, and a fourth lever which is pivotably disposed on the third lever via a fourth joint. The holding device is mounted to a holding block which is pivotably connected to the second lever of the first lever pair via a further joint. A pivotably disposed guiding part is provided, which has a linear guidance.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling tubes with piles of disc-shaped articles, such as pills, comprising: two functional elements (5h, 5j), hinged at a horizontal axis (K) and mobile between a loading region (C), in which the functional elements (5h, 5j) provide at least a corresponding seating (6) for receiving and retaining a relative pill (3) released by a plurality of supply units (1), and a disengagement region (D) of the pill (3), at which the functional elements (5h, 5j) are rotated by ninety degrees and cooperate with gripping organs (11); the gripping organs (11) being mobile in a vertical direction in order to gather the pill (3) borne by the functional elements (5h, 5j) into the relative disengagement region (D), and to release the pill (3) internally of a corresponding tube (10) in phase relation with the movement of the functional elements (5h, 5j).

Abstract: An automated case erecting apparatus for use in erecting case blanks includes a case blank feeder configured to hold a plurality of upstanding case blanks arranged face-to-face. The case blank feeder includes a path along which the case blanks are directed. A case erecting assembly receives a case blank from the case blank feeder at a case receiving location. The case erecting assembly includes a first arm carrying a first gripper element and a second arm carrying a second gripper element. The first arm and associated first gripper element are arranged and configured such that the first gripper element grips a first flap of the case blank. The second arm and associated second gripper element are arranged and configured such that the second gripper element grips a second flap of the case blank.

Abstract: A device for opening pre-glued, pre-folded sleeves into cartons. The device includes a cam wheel (20) to which are connected one or more suction arms (22). The cam wheel can be controlled to rotated at different angular velocities. A first angular velocity allows sleeves comprising a certain number of panels to be opened, and a second angular velocity allows sleeves of a different number of panels to be opened.

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 carton feeding system for feeding a series of cartons into selected flights of a carton conveyor is disclosed. The carton feeding system generally includes a rotary feeder having a series of carton feeding assemblies rotated thereabout. The carton engaging assemblies are attached to a gearing system or mechanism that controls the operating angle of the carton engaging assemblies as they engage or pick the cartons from a magazine or supply. Thereafter, the cartons are erected within the flights of a carton conveyor moving beneath the rotary feeder as the carton engaging elements are carried about their path of travel.

Abstract: A device (100) for feeding blanks (99) to a packaging machine (M), includes at least one rotating group (G) for picking up flat folded carton blanks from the bottom of a stack (94) of blanks (99), in a picking up position (P), by the use of a picking up vacuum device (7) supported by the group (G). Then, the picked up folded blanks are erected into box-like configurations (A) in an erecting position (K). Then, the group (G) feeds the blanks (99) to an inlet station (98) of the machine (M), to place them one by one in the station (98) in a placing position (ID). The group (G) includes one first kinematic series (C1) for determining the movement of the picking up vacuum cups (7) along a closed path (T), extending between the picking up position (P) and the placing position (ID). A second kinematic series (C2) controls and maintains constant the orientation of the picking up vacuum cups (7, V).

Abstract: The device for erecting flat-folded tubular blanks supplied in flat-folded form comprises a collecting group provided with first gripping means which are mobile between a pick-up station of the single tubular blanks from a store and an opening station of the single tubular blanks. An opening group is arranged in the opening station and provided with second gripping means for gripping the single flat-folded tubular blanks at a second surface thereof, opposite the first surface engaged by the first gripping means. The second gripping means are mobile between a gripping position of the single tubular blanks and a distanced opening position thereof. A folding organ is destined to progressively engage a free side of the single tubular blanks during the course of opening, for completing the erecting of the tubular blanks.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a folding box from a magazine that accommodates flat folding boxes, to a transport device comprises a holding device which takes over the folding box, holds it during transfer, and can be moved along a cycloid path having several turning points and intermediate curved sections. The transfer device comprises a basic lever which performs a continuous steady rotary motion, a first lever pair comprising a first lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a first joint, and a second lever which is pivotably disposed on the first lever via a second joint, and a second lever pair comprising a third lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a third joint, and a fourth lever which is pivotably disposed on the third lever via a fourth joint. The holding device is mounted to a holding block which is pivotably connected to the second lever of the first lever pair via a further joint. A pivotably disposed guiding part is provided, which has a linear guidance.

Abstract: A station includes a magazine containing stacks of flat folded tubular blanks arranged horizontal. Each stack is supported by openable support pad pairs. A platform moves vertically below the magazine and receives, when set at a raised loading position, one stack released by opening a lowermost pad pair. The platform is subsequently lowered, together with the stack, to a waiting position. A withdrawing arm, mounted on a slide moving horizontally, has suction cups for picking up a blank from the stack on the platform, when the platform is temporarily raised and then lowered to the waiting position. After picking up a blank from the stack, the slide and arm take the blank to box forming means of the boxing machine. When the stack on the platform runs out, the magazine releases another stack, while the stacks remaining in the magazine fall down in a sequence to lower levels, due to opening of the pad pairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and processes for accurately positioning and rotating coupons for application on cigarette packs or pack film.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus has a drive disk rotatable at a transfer station about a central axis and defining an eccentric axis offset from the central axis. An inner drive shaft centered on the eccentric axis is rotatably journaled in the drive disk at the eccentric axis. An inner arm is fixed to and extends angularly from the inner drive shaft. An outer arm is pivoted at the inner-arm outer end, and a grab is pivoted on the outer-arm outer end. A drive rotates the drive disk about the central axis and thereby orbits the inner arm, the outer arm, and the grab about the central axis. An inner controller changes an inner angle formed between the inner arm and the outer arm, and an outer controller changes an outer angle formed between the grab and the outer arm.

Abstract: A rotary transfer mechanism for transferring flat sleeve cartons (20) from a magazine (22) to a receiving station (23) on a conveyor (24), with opening of the cartons ready to receive end-loaded product, is characterized in that the path of suction cups (32) for holding the cartons during transfer is basically determined by a continuous stationary cam track (34) permanently engaged by a cam follower (37) on a gear segment (35) pivotally mounted on carrier means (29) rotatable by a drive shaft (26), the suction cups (32) being carried by a support shaft (30) rotatable on the carrier means and coaxial with a pinion (38) meshing with the gear segment. (35), and the support shaft being connected to a bracket (48) carrying a manifold (47) for the suction cups (32) by a crank arm (53), which is connected by a link arm (54) to a rocker arm (55) freely rotatable on the drive shaft (26).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the vacuum assisted bonding of sections of corrugated cardboard and for manufacturing corrugated cardboard. A pressure plate has a bore for applying a vacuum therethrough. A first section of corrugated cardboard has an orifice which is aligned with the bore in the pressure plate. Adhesive is applied between the first section of corrugated cardboard and a second section of corrugated cardboard and the second section is placed adjacent to the first section away from the pressure plate. A vacuum is applied through the bore in the pressure plate and orifice in the first sections to cause the first and second sections to be drawn and adhered together. In the manufacture of corrugated cardboard, vacuum and optionally hot air are applied to opposite edges of the sandwiched core of fluted linerboard with adhesive and overlaying flat linerboard to draw them together to form the corrugated cardboard.

Abstract: A sun wheel is centered on a sun axis between a magazine and a conveyor, a planet carrier is rotatable about the sun axis and defines a planet axis generally parallel to but offset from the sun axis, and a gripper shaft is journaled in the planet carrier at the planet axis and carries a gripper. A planet wheel carried on the gripper shaft is coupled by a toothed belt with the sun wheel. A first drive rotates the planet carrier about the sun axis and thereby rotates the gripper about the first planet axis to move the gripper through a hypocycloidal path past the magazine and the conveyor. An erecting shaft pivotal on the planet carrier carries an erecting element, and a second drive rotates the erecting shaft and its erecting element and unfolds a flattened box blank held by the gripper.

Abstract: A rotary object feeder comprises a sun member having a sun axis and being rotatable about a sun axis of rotation at a rotational speed of W1. The feeder also has a planetary member mounted for connection to the sun member, the planetary member having a planetary axis located at a constant distance X from the sun axis. The planetary member is rotatable about the planetary axis of rotation and is also mounted for rotation around the sun axis with the sun member. The planetary member is rotated about the planetary axis at a rotational speed of W3 which is opposite in direction to W1. N pick-up members are mounted on the planetary member, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. The pick up members are rotatable with the planetary member about the planetary axis and rotate with the planetary member around the sun axis.

Abstract: A rotary object feeder comprises a sun member having a sun axis and being rotatable about a sun axis of rotation at a rotational speed of W1. The feeder also has a planetary member mounted for connection to the sun member, the planetary member having a planetary axis located at a constant distance X from the sun axis. The planetary member is rotatable about the planetary axis of rotation and is also mounted for rotation around the sun axis with the sun member. The planetary member is rotated about the planetary axis at a rotational speed of W3 which is opposite in direction to W1. N pick-up members are mounted on the planetary member, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. The pick up members are rotatable with the planetary member about the planetary axis and rotate with the planetary member around the sun axis.

Abstract: A method and device for conveying folded sheet elements, whereby a sheet element, folded to have at least two superimposed portions connected along a fold, is fed along a given path by a movable gripping head, which engages and retains by suction a first of the two portions of the sheet element, and simultaneously deforms the fold to retain the second portion in contact with the first as the sheet element is conveyed.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a folding-box blank (Z) from a magazine and for erecting the same has a first retaining means (6) with means (62) for gripping a first box wall (W1) of the blank (Z) and a second retaining means (7) with means (72) for gripping a second, adjacent box wall (W2) located on the same side of the blank (Z). The two retaining means (6, 7) can be moved relative to one another in order to erect the box. This allows the folding-box blank to be removed and erected in a space-saving and efficient manner.

Abstract: A device for unfolding of folded boxes, comprising a magazine for receiving of flat folded-box sleeves, a removing device for the individual removal of the folded-box sleeves from the magazine and for feeding the folded-box sleeves to an unfolding station where the folded-box sleeves are partially unfolded along a compressing section. The unfolding device has after the compressing section a chute for the precisely fitting receipt of the partially unfolded folded-box sleeves, an output device to remove the folded-box sleeves from the chute, and an expansion chamber following the chute for receiving the fully unfolded folded-box sleeves in order to achieve a very high unfolding rate.

Abstract: A device for removing flat articles, in particular blanks of collapsed boxes from a delivery station and for transferring them to a receiving station which has a transport device thereat. Plural suction arms each with suction devices thereon are provided, which suction arms move through a self-contained cycloidal path. The cycloidal path has several tips and curved segments lying therebetween. The delivery station and the receiving station are each arranged at a tip of the cycloidal path. A rotor is provided for moving the suction arms. A sun and planet gear arrangement is provided on the rotor, which sun and planet gear delineate the cycloidal path. The suction arms are aligned parallel to one another and preferably to the transport direction of the transport device in order to achieve in this manner a technically simple and reliable device.

Abstract: A packaging machine for loading of individual articles into a product cartons that includes a rotary blank feeder and a rotary board erector. The rotary blank feeder includes a plurality of feeder arms each having a vacuum head. The feeder arms are each rotatable about a common axis of rotation and the entire folding arm assembly is rotatable about an offset secondary axis of rotation. Each vacuum head of the rotary blank feeder moves into contact with the lowermost planar carton blank contained with an overhead hopper and transfers the carton blank to a board feed conveyor. From the board feed conveyor, each carton blank enters into a rotary board erector having a plurality of folding arms rotatable at variable speeds about a common axis of rotation. The folding arms of the rotary board erector partially fold each planar carton blank for loading with individual articles.

Abstract: A device for separating two webs of material which are arranged on top of each other. The webs of material are to be separated while they are being transported on a conveying device, the first of the webs of material being detachably fixed to the conveying device. The device includes a suction device which is moveable in relation to the second web of material and by which means it is able to temporarily draw the second web of material by suction and separate it from the first web of material. Two cranks are set apart, each crank rotates about a first pivot pin and is rotationally connected to the suction device by a second pivot pin. A drive device with an engaging element is connected to an engaging element configured on one of the cranks. The paths of revolution of the drive device engaging element and the crank engaging element do not coincide and are nonparallel, and the engaging elements engage with each other in such a way that they can be displaced in relation to each other.

Abstract: A device for transferring a folded box from a magazine accommodating flat folded boxes to a circulating transport device thereby simultaneously erecting same, comprises a holding device transferring and carrying the folded box during transfer, and an erecting member. The holding device and the erecting member are rotatably disposed on a planetary part of a planetary gearing and are moved along a hypocycloid path having several turning points and intermediate curves. The planetary part is rotatably disposed on a planetary support which rotates about a stationary sun axis. Via a first gearing arrangement, the holding device is subjected to a superimposed, first correcting rotary motion defined along a first control curve and, via a second gearing arrangement, the erecting member is subjected to a superimposed, second correcting rotary motion defined along a second control curve. Both gearing arrangements are disposed substantially coaxially with respect to one another.

Abstract: A device for removing flat articles, in particular blanks of collapsed boxes from a delivery station and for transferring them to a receiving station which has a transport device thereat. Plural suction arms each with suction devices thereon are provided, which suction arms move through a self-contained cycloidal path. The cycloidal path has several tips and curved segments lying therebetween. The delivery station and the receiving station are each arranged at a tip of the cycloidal path. A rotor is provided for moving the suction arms. A sun and planet gear arrangement is provided on the rotor, which sun and planet gear delineate the cycloidal path. The suction arms are aligned parallel to one another and preferably to the transport direction of the transport device in order to achieve in this manner a technically simple and reliable device.

Abstract: The apparatus for forming a container is situated in a container-forming unit comprising different processing stations. The apparatus for forming a container includes a wrapping mandrel attached to a moving structure, which is arranged to move the wrapping mandrel between different processing stations, and the members for feeding the blank to the wrapping mandrel. The apparatus for forming the container also has members to wrap the blank around the wrapping mandrel in order to form a structure that is closed in the horizontal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The wrapping mandrel is equipped with suction openings distributed on its perimeter, which openings are connected to the air duct in order to wrap the blank around the wrapping mandrel with the aid of suction.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring and erecting folded boxes between a dispensing station and a receiving station of a cardboard box making machine. The apparatus includes a plurality of suction systems with suction heads. The suction heads, which each rotate about a common pivot axis, are each coupled to a separate drive mechanism. The device mechanism varies an angular speed of rotation of the respective suction head on a revolution about the pivot axis, so as to adapt this speed to a particular function required at that time. The apparatus has a high output and makes easy adaptation to various folded boxes possible while simultaneously achieving high functional safety and reliability.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing selected color or material sequences with a stack of transversely folded products. Slit product width webs are longitudinally folded and advanced by slow speed feed rolls to a plurality of anvil rolls and segments are retarded so that voids are created in each of two or more streams of segments that are synchronized to create a continuous series of segments on the surface of a common carrier cylinder. Single or doublefolds can be made during or after transfer to the carrier. Reduced web speed from each parent roll results in longer run time between roll changes. In another embodiment, a central intermediate frame permits use of a plurality of half width cutoff units cooperating with a full width hollow carrier cylinder for processing of wide parent rolls without intermediate off-line slitting and rewinding.

Abstract: A material picking device and a forming device for an automatic circulating carton opening machine are fixed on the table of the machine. The material picking device has a revolving unit including a swinging arm, two rotatable gear units fixed at two ends of the swinging arm. Each gear unit has an outermost belt wheel connected to a parallel arm, and a sucking disc fixed with the parallel arm. The forming device has a forming guide plate fixed on an intermediate portion of the table of the machine in front of the revolving unit and located at one side of the moving route of the swinging arm. The two parallel arms fixed with the sucking discs are moved horizontal to let the sucking discs to alternately and continuously pick a carton material board out of the material feed device of the machine to carry onto the forming guide plate for forming a carton shape. So operating of the machine is speeded up largely.

Abstract: A folded box hopper in a packaging machine comprises a hopper shaft accepting a stack of flattened folded boxes as well as a transfer device having a gripper by means of which the lowermost folded box of the stack can be removed from the hopper shaft, and having an input belt for introducing the folded boxes into the hopper shaft. A first adjustment device serves for adjusting the height of the gripper and of the hopper shaft relative to a downstream transport belt and a second adjustment device is provided for aligning the hopper shaft relative to the gripper, wherein the height and/or tilt of the input belt can be changed. A simple adjustment of the input belt is effected in that the input belt is borne at the hopper shaft in a hinged fashion via a first bearing at its front end proximate the hopper shaft and is borne, via a second bearing proximate its rear end to follow a control path. The control path can thereby be defined by a pendulous support.

Abstract: A carton opening assembly for a continuous motion packaging machine directs opposed carton engaging plates perpendicular to opposite side walls of a collapsed carton moving through the opening assembly. A vacuum is applied to the opposed carton side walls when the assemblies engage the carton. One or both of the opposed carton engaging assemblies are retracted to filly open the carton, which is then transferred to a conveyor that transports the carton to the next workstation of the packaging machine. The carton opening operation is accomplished while tracking the carton movement through the carton opening assembly.

Abstract: A method and unit for feeding blanks to a user machine, whereby at least two synchronized pickup heads withdraw the blanks from respective hoppers and feed them to respective conveying pockets moving continuously along a user path of the machine; each blank adheres by suction to a flat conveying surface of the respective pickup head, with a first lateral edge projecting outwards of the flat conveying surface and with a second edge contacting a push tooth projecting from the respective flat conveying surface, and is so inserted inside the respective conveying pocket as to be maintained in a flat configuration between the push tooth and a stop element moving together with the conveying pocket.

Abstract: A unit for supplying blanks on a packing machine, wherein a wheel, rotating about a respective axis, continuously feeds a blank pickup head along an endless path through a loading station where the pickup head, oscillating with respect to the wheel about an axis parallel to the axis of the wheel, engages a bottom opening of a blank store to withdraw a blank, and then through an unloading station where the pickup head, rotating together with the wheel, feeds the blank onto a conveyor roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading carton blanks into a packing machine comprises a magazine containing a stack of flattened, tubular blanks, a dog chain driving the blanks out of the magazine into the nip of rollers and then into the nip of overdriven rollers which accelerate the blanks into respective pockets defined in transport holders carried on a wheel conveyor. The blanks are driven at a speed sufficient to carry them into their respective pockets which are moving away from the magazine on the wheel conveyor. A slipping clutch in the drive to roller allows the blanks to decelerate without damage when fully home in their pockets. Arms bearing suction heads travelling with the wheel conveyor open the carton blanks in the pockets and the opened blanks are transferred in their transport holders for bottom closing, filling and top closing operations on respective wheel conveyors.

Abstract: A carton opening method and assembly for a continuous motion packaging machine directs opposed carton engaging plates perpendicular to opposite side walls of a collapsed carton moving through the opening assembly. A vacuum is applied to the opposed carton side walls when the assemblies engage the carton. One or more of the opposed carton engaging assemblies are retracted to fully open the carton, which is then transferred to a conveyor that transports the carton to the next workstation of the packaging machine. The carton opening operation is accomplished while tracking the carton movement through the carton opening assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary object feeder, which feeds objects from a by rotating the objects from a pick-up location to a drop-off location. The object is picked-up by at least one pick-up member having a suction cup. Suction at the suction cup is controlled by a vacuum generator proximate the suction cup. Additionally, a control valve is interconnected to a programmable controller that controls the presence or absence of suction at the suction cup. The controller may be dynamically programmed for flexibly adjusting the pick-up and drop-off locations for objects. The controller may further advance the turn-off position of vacuum at the suction cup, in order to implement a speed compensation system to accurately deliver objects to the drop-off location. The invention is particular well suited for use as a rotary carton feeder.

Abstract: A vacuum holder for use with an automated carton erecting and packing line and mountable on a rotary carton placer for removing cartons into which product is to be placed includes vacuum cup for removing a carton from a store of cartons. The cartons including a foldable flap. The vacuum holder includes a set of vacuum cups that will engage a flap and at an appropriate time in the carton erection sequence will be positively actuated under control of a power actuator to fold the flap to a desired position prior to depositing the carton on a conveyor line. A rotary manifold carries both vacuum for vacuum cups holding the carton, and fluid pressure for the power actuators to the rotating carton placer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary object feeder, which feeds objects from a first location to a second. The object feeder feeds the object from a pick-up location to an off-loading location, by moving an object pick-up member along a trajectory formed by rotating the object pick-up member about a first axis of rotation; rotating this first axis of rotation about a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and spaced therefrom; rotating the second axis of rotation about a third axis of rotation substantially parallel to the second axis of rotation and spaced therefrom. The invention is particularly suited for use in a rotary carton feeder having numerous suction cup pick-up members, used to feed cartons from a pick-up location, through an operating location to a drop-off location. The relative rates of rotation of the pick-up members may be chosen to minimize their tangential velocities at the pick-up, operating or drop-off locations.

Abstract: A carton feeding and erecting mechanism is disclosed for a packaging machine for packaging articles such as beverage containers or the like into cartons, the packaging machine including a carton conveyor for conveying an open-ended carton through the machine. The feeding and erecting mechanism includes a vacuum conveyor for engaging a lower surface of a collapsed carton and moving the carton onto the carton conveyor, and a feeder disposed generally beneath the vacuum conveyor for selecting a collapsed carton from a carton supply and placing the carton on the vacuum conveyor. An erector is disposed above the vacuum conveyor and has vacuum engagement cups for engaging an upper surface of the collapsed carton and moving the panel upwardly with respect to the lower surface thereby erecting the carton.