Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for feeding a plurality of flat elements (12) lying flat on one another, in particular carton blanks, to a packaging apparatus (V), comprising: a first feed section (18) having a conveying device (46), of which the conveying surface (22a1) intended to support the flat elements (12) is formed from a material which, with respect to the interaction with the flat elements (12), has a predetermined coefficient of adhesive friction, and a second feed section (20), which falls toward the packaging apparatus (V), wherein the inclination of the first feed section (18) and the inclination of the second feed section (20) toward the packaging apparatus (V) are different from each other.

Abstract: Embodiments include a carton feeding system for feeding a plurality of cartons to a conveyor track, comprising a plurality of feeding devices, where each feeding device comprises a pick-up head with a plurality of vacuum cups, and an erecting finger pivotally suspended at the pick-up head, where the pick-up head has a pick-up position (P1) in which the holding plane of the pick-up head is positioned parallel to the folded carton blank that is to be picked up, and an insertion position (P2) in which the erecting finger is pivoted with respect to the holding plane of the pick-up head in such a way that the carton is opened, and where at least two cartons are inserted simultaneously into the conveyor track.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveyor for unfolding a flat, folded rigid or semi-rigid container blank into a container. The conveyor includes two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies which are separated at a sufficient distance at the entry end to receive and engage a folded blank between opposed notches in the two lugged chain conveyor assemblies. As the folded blank progresses in the machine direction, the two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies become closer to each other so as to unfold the blank into a container with a storage volume therewithin.

Abstract: The fetching device has an arm which captures die-cut blanks located in the magazine of an erecting machine for erecting these blanks to form boxes or the like. The extractor arm is provided with suckers and these suckers are supplied by circuits and. The circuits and are connected to each end of the arm and they are also provided with dispenser-type devive and, respectively, so that they can be active together or separately. The suckers are wholly or partly provided with multifunction three-way valves. These valves are able to allow as many suckers as possible to be selected and used for the operation of extracting each die-cut blank and to isolate the circuits from each other in order to deactivate any suckers which are to be shunted in order to erect said die-cut blanks, for example.

Abstract: A machine for erecting a polygonal container from a knocked-down flat (KDF) container formed from a blank of sheet material is provided. The container includes four main side panels, at least one corner panel extending between two of the main side panels, and at least one bottom flap extending from one of the main side panels. The machine includes a body, a first erecting mechanism coupled to the body, and a second erecting mechanism coupled to the body. The first erecting mechanism receives the KDF container and erects the KDF container into a partially erected container having a substantially rectangular configuration, and the second erecting mechanism receives the partially erected container and erects the partially erected container from the substantially rectangular configuration into the polygonal container by applying a force to an exterior surface of the partially erected container to erect the polygonal container that has more than four sides.

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: In an apparatus for picking up flat folded tubular blanks from a magazine and for moving the blanks to an erecting station, a horizontal transmission shaft transmits a rotational movement about a first articulation axis to a functional arm hinged with one side to a terminal portion of the transmission shaft. Another side of the functional arm is hinged to an arrangement control mechanism for controlling arrangement of the functional arm about a second articulation axis. The functional arm is also operated into rotation about the first articulation axis between a position in alignment with the functional arm, and a square position arranged at 90 degrees with respect to the functional arm, and vice versa. A pick up arm is connected to arrangement control mechanism and carries suction cups for picking up a flat folded tubular blank through the open bottom of the magazine.

Abstract: In an apparatus for picking up flat folded tubular blanks from a magazine and for moving the blanks to an erecting station, a horizontal transmission shaft transmits a rotational movement about a first articulation axis to a functional arm hinged with one side to a terminal portion of the transmission shaft. Another side of the functional arm is hinged to an arrangement control mechanism for controlling arrangement of the functional arm about a second articulation axis. The functional arm is also operated into rotation about the first articulation axis between a position in alignment with the functional arm, and a square position arranged at 90 degrees with respect to the functional arm, and vice versa. A pick up arm is connected to arrangement control mechanism and carries suction cups for picking up a flat folded tubular blank through the open bottom of the magazine.

Abstract: A case forming machine for erecting cases from knock down case form to an open form and move an opened case downward to a bottom forming station using a fixed and a moveable jaw system is improved by providing a plurality of stabilizer bars having their bottom edges in a radial plane relative to the pivotal axis. Also provided is a micrometer type adjustment mechanism that is used for adjusting the gap between the fixed and moveable jaws when the jaws are in the parallel pick-up position.

Abstract: In an apparatus for picking up flat folded tubular blanks from a magazine and for moving the blanks to an erecting station, a horizontal transmission shaft transmits a rotational movement about a first articulation axis to a functional arm hinged with one side to a terminal portion of the transmission shaft. Another side of the functional arm is hinged to an arrangement control mechanism for controlling arrangement of the functional arm about a second articulation axis. The functional arm is also operated into rotation about the first articulation axis between a position in alignment with the functional arm, and a square position arranged at 90 degrees with respect to the functional arm, and vice versa. A pick up arm is connected to arrangement control mechanism and carries suction cups for picking up a flat folded tubular blank through the open bottom of the magazine.

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 case forming machine for assembling erected cases from blanks including a stacking means configured for receiving a supply of blanks, an opening and forming means for erecting the blanks and ejecting erected cases, and the machine is constructed and arranged so that the stacking means is configured for biasing the supply of blanks in a first direction and the forming means is configured so that the blanks are ejected in a second direction.

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 blank feeder includes a blank stack with blanks inclined forwardly in a magazine section and rearwardly in a discharge section so the stack has two effective top ends, one for supply and one for feeding. Blank inclination is reversed intermediate the stack ends without separating blanks in the stack during inclination reversal. Methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A carton feeder for a continuous motion packaging machine includes a speed compensation controller and a solenoid dual valve assembly, which enable the feeder to operate at higher speeds. The dual valve assembly includes a vacuum valve coupled to an air pressure valve which is controlled by an electronic controller. The speed compensation assembly is electronically connected to the valve controller, and includes an encoder driven by the feeder and a programmable limit switch for receiving data from the encoder and transmitting control signals to the valve controller. The method of operation includes detecting the position of the selector and transmitting position data to the limit switch. The limit switch calculates optimum valve actuation timing based upon both programmed information and data from the encoder, and transmits the control signals to the valve controller.

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: The base of the machine consists of three modular casings (1, 2, 3) which are aligned with one another and fixed together and inside which the synchronized systems for the various work stations are arranged. The frames of the parallel and vertical-axis belts (C1, C2) which are designed to convey the boxes (B) with a vertical arrangement are supported cantilever-fashion by the base casings, via upturned portal structures (6). The operating stations of the machine are supported by the frames of the belts or by the base casings, such that the box conveying line is free at the bottom so as to allow better cleaning and better inspection. The middle module (2) inserts the product (V) into the boxes.

Abstract: A blank feeder includes a blank stack with blanks inclined forwardly in a magazine section and rearwardly in a discharge section so the stack has two effective top ends, one for supply and one for feeding. Blank inclination is reversed intermediate the stack ends without separating blanks in the stack during inclination reversal. Methods and apparatus are disclosed.

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: An apparatus and method for forming an erected carton from a blank for cartons having non-traditional configurations is disclosed herein. Such non-traditional configurations may include beveled edge cartons and eight-sided cartons. The apparatus includes rolling means for breaking a first set of crease lines on the blank, force exertion means for breaking a second set of crease lines on the blank, and maintenance means for maintaining the shape of en erected carton. The present invention also includes a mandrel configured to substantially match the side configuration of a carton such as a beveled edge carton.

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: An apparatus (10) for erecting collapsed, tubular cartons (12) includes a device (32) for removing the top carton (12) of a vertical stack of cartons (12) and moving it in a horizontal orientation to an operative position, with the second side panel (16) of the collapsed carton (12) underlying at least the first end panel (18) which is in a linear arrangement with the first side panel (14). Suction cups (76) carried by a frame (74) are secured to the second side panel (16) in an attachment position and moved by a parallelogram linkage to an open position located vertically below and coinciding with the first side panel (14). After an unload arm (84) is secured to the first end panel (18), tucking arms (102, 104, 106) are pivoted to tuck the bottom closure flaps (22, 24, 25).

Abstract: A method of expanding and feeding cartons to a filling line; the cartons being made of sheet material, presenting four walls defined by preformed bend lines, and being expanded as of an initial flattened configuration wherein each carton is arranged in two superimposed, substantially contacting layers, each defined by two adjacent walls of the carton; each carton being expanded by rotating each wall of each layer about an arc of over 90.degree. in relation to the other wall of the same layer and into a configuration causing yielding of the bend lines; and by only permitting each carton to assume its final parallelepiped-section configuration inside the conveyor pocket of the filling line.

Abstract: A boxing apparatus having a substantially horizontal conveyor feeds overlapping folded boxes into a upright gravity fed hopper with a bottom gate portion. The boxes are generally aligned axially in the hopper on the gate portion to be individually removed by a suction gripper positioned below the gate portion and which reciprocatingly moves up and down to grab and pull the bottommost folded box in the hopper through the gate portion. The box is opened and articles are fed into said box and said box is closed. The suction gripper having a reciprocating arm which reciprocates up and down to accomplish the reciprocating motion of the suction gripper. A tamper device comprised of a elongate member having a reciprocating stack tamper linked to the reciprocating arm and positioned such that the engagement portion of the tamper device follows the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating arm and translates said motion to the tamper for jogging the stack into alignment preventing hopper jams.

Abstract: A feeding and loading mechanism for use in pulling carton side-seam-sealed blanks from a magazine, opening same into tubes, and loading the latter onto mandrels of an indexing turret on a liquid-carrying container forming, filling, and sealing machine. The feeding and loading mechanism includes a slidably mounted carrier having at least one vacuum cup mounted at each end thereof aligned with oppositely disposed magazines, a forming shoe fixedly secured between each magazine and adjacent mandrel for opening each tubular flat side-seam-sealed blank into a tube as the blank moves therepast, a loading finger for loading each tube onto the respective mandrel, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the carrier for reciprocally moving same to alternately remove blanks from the oppositely disposed magazines to alternately process same.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for erecting a folding box and folding the closure flaps or ends. The apparatus has a transfer device, by which the folding boxes are withdrawn from a magazine and conveyed along a cycloidal orbit path and conveyed into a conveying device of a cartoning machine. The folder apparatus has a platelike folder element as well as two folder elements, that protrude from the apparatus into the range of motion of the closure flaps. The closure flaps are bent at right angles in the order of their disposition on the box in the direction of movement of the folding box to the folder elements and the conveying device.

Abstract: A carton blank erector and feeder comprising a magazine having a delivery opening at one end and accommodating flat blanks as arranged closely side by side from the end toward the other end thereof, the delivery opening being so positioned as to be opposed to a phantom outward extension of a bottom forming mandrel as stopped at a feed station, transport means for withdrawing the blank from the delivery opening and transporting the blank to the outward extension, and means for unfolding the blank from the flat form to a tubular form of square cross section while the blank is being transported by the transport means.

Abstract: The front bag (12) of a supply of bags (12) stored in a magazine (250) is removed by an unloading device (252) including four linkages (254, 256, 258, 260) which are pivoted to attach suction cups (264) thereto. The unloading device (252) inserts the bag (12) between nip rollers (52, 54) including spaced wheels (56, 58) which drive the bag (12) downward until the closed end (20) rests upon an adjustable stop (72). A tucking plate (90) moves from a retracted position to an extended position generally perpendicular to the bag (12) to drive the bag (12) into a slot (46) of a fixture (32), with the bag (12) having a U-shaped configuration around the tucking plate (90). The bag (12) is prevented from moving from the slot (46) with the tucking plate (90) as the tucking plate (90) moves from the extended position to the retracted position by a compression roller (208) pivotable by a cam (214) movable with the tucking plate (90) to sandwich the side edges of the bag (12).

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately positioning a plurality of slotted boxes which are in a flat collapsed state, in a magazine of a box erector. The box erector handles and sets up the boxes into a position having an open top for subsequently receiving items therein while moving bottom closure flaps into a generally closed position. A laser unit is mounted adjacent a box supply loading magazine of the box erector and projects a beam of light against a box placed in the magazine. The magazine then is adjusted until the fixed light beam strikes a predetermined location on the box, preferably the end of a slot formed between adjacent major and minor flaps of the box. This light beam strike location correlates with a location at an unfold station of the erector which receives a bottom corner of the box.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for erecting collapsed, tubular cartons (12) is disclosed including a device (32) for removing the top carton (12) of a vertical stack of cartons (12) in a hopper (26) and moving it in a horizontal orientation to an operative position. In the operative position, the second side panel (16) of the collapsed carton (12) underlies at least the first end panel (18) which is in a linear arrangement with the first side panel (14). Suction cups (76) carried by a frame (74) are secured to the second side panel (16) in an attachment position and moved by a parallelogram linkage to an open position located vertically below and coinciding with the first side panel (14). In a first preferred form, the folded closure flaps (22-25) are held by a tape piece (116) applied by a taping machine (114) carried by the last tucking arm (106).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for forming cardboard boxes. The principal feature is that the housing is square and consists of a supply tray, box-forming suction cup rocker arm assembly, four-joint tie bar folding assembly, rocker arm tie bar folding assembly, adjustable press plate assembly, side cover-forming plate, press setting assembly, adhesive sprayer and push plate. Cardboard boxes are formed in an automated manner and the bottom thereof is sealed automatically by means of synchronizing the movements of the components pertaining to the machine. Accordingly, the employment of the equipment pertaining to the present invention can bring about a reduction in operation costs and the floor space required.

Abstract: A case opening apparatus that is part of a larger case loading and sealing machine which includes a loading bay for holding container blanks in vertical stacks, a means for removing the uppermost container blank from said stack and transferring it into an overhead rail system, and a case opening apparatus utilizing suction above and below the container blank. The case opening apparatus includes an arm that has dual pivots so that by two separate motions it opens and thereafter erects a container blank for subsequent loading and sealing in preparation for shipment.

Abstract: A carton erecting and finishing machine is disclosed as including a conveying system for directing stacks of flat carton blanks to a lifting station whereat a stack is vertically lifted to present the topmost blank to a feed station. A blank separating device is arranged to feed each of the blank seriatim to a carton erecting station to be actetd upon by vacuum caps to open the carton by erecting the side panels. While at the erecting station and immediately after erecting of the side panels, a first pair of flap-folding devices are activated to fold the bottom end flaps of the erected carton. While still at the erecting station and immediately after activation of the first set of flap-folding devices, a second pair of flap-folding devices are activated to partially fold the bottom side panels over the previously folded end flaps. A raking device is next activated to move the erected carton to a gluing station where gluing devices are arranged to apply glue to the folded bottom end flaps.

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: Flat folded carton blanks with four end flaps are taken out of a carton magazine one by one by a takeoff mechanism. A carton blank thus taken out is delivered to a vacuum plate provided on the outer circumference of a rotary drum. While the carton blank is sucked to the vacuum plate and circularly transferred, it is knocked from the trailing side thereof by an unfolding guide so as to be set up. A flap, which is on the leading side in the direction of advance, of the carton unfolded to a cross-sectionally rectangular shape is bent outward by a tucker moving at a speed higher than that of the vacuum plate, and the other flaps are pressed at their inner surfaces against a fixed guide to also be bent outward.

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 blank feeder has a pair of guide rails for guiding blanks having a tubular form of square cross section to a bottom forming mandrel. The guide rails are formed with opposed recessed portions which are V-shaped in cross section for holding therebetween two corners of the blank on a diagonal thereof, and have shock absorbing means for mitigating the impact to be involved in the stiking contact of the blank with the guide rails.

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

Abstract: A device for the transformation of a flattened tubular blank into a carton includes a pickup unit for withdrawing a tubular blank from a magazine, wherein the blanks are arranged, flat, in a pile, and an angle plate for opening a selected blank into shape of a carton, while transferring the blank to a station, where the carton is placed on a step-driven conveyor running along a packaging line. A pusher, actuated synchronously with the pickup unit and the conveyor, keeps the carton on the conveyor during an initial forward motion.

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 magazine for flat articles, in particular folding boxes lying flat, including a horizontal conveyor apparatus for receiving a supply stack of folded boxes and a vertical receiving chute from which the folding boxes can be withdrawn in succession and delivered to a conveyor in an open condition. In order to keep the pressure on the lowermost folding boxes in the receiving chute constant, the receiving chute is refilled with folding boxes as needed from the conveyor apparatus, so that the stack height in the receiving chute remains constant. The transfer of folding boxes from the supply stack on the conveyor apparatus into the receiving chute is effected via a gap, through which the horizontally delivered holding boxes, resting obliquely, are purposefully tipped via rollers or via a support podium into the receiving chute at the transition from the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: A carton erector apparatus for setting up foldable carton blanks. The apparatus includes a carton blank storage section, a carton blank setup section and a bottom flap folding section. A carriage assembly delivers a setup carton from the setup section into the bottom flap folding section. Means is provided to selectively control the distance that the carriage assembly travels into the bottom flap folding section during each cycle.

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 carton setup machine has a suction device for withdrawing collapsed sleeve type cartons from a magazine. The suction device moves inwardly and outwardly on a slidable rod as it orbits about a central rotating shaft. An oscillating gripper mounted outside the orbit of the suction device pulls outwardly on an outer panel of the collapsed carton to begin opening it.

Abstract: A side loading machine is capable of very rapid loading of complements of articles into open side cartons. Carton blanks are unfolded at an unfolding station and advanced to a loading station along a carton path. At the loading station, pusher bars are indexed in closed paths located perpendicular to and on both sides of the carton path. The pusher bars are indexed to push the complements from article waiting stations into the carton. New articles are fed to the article waiting stations between consecutive pusher bars. A split platform cooperates with a pusher bar to guide the articles into each article waiting station. Oscillating fingers and paddles positively control the locations of the carton flaps prior and subsequent to loading the complements into the cartons.

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: 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: Apparatus for opening flat folded sleeve packaging into a parallelepiped packaging shape and for positioning that packaging for further manufacture which includes a feeder pivotable through a quarter-circle so as to grasp the flat sleeve from a source and to guide the sleeve to a position in axial alignment with a spaced apart mandrel and ejector, the mandrel being adapted to receive the parallelepiped sleeve by the action of the ejector, a V-shaped abutment positioned to receive a leading folded edge of the sleeve at the quarter-circle position of the feeder, and a V-shaped aligned pair of pivoting levers adjacent the V-shaped abutment, the pivoting levers having bearing planes formed thereon and having vacuum apertures formed therein, the levers adapted to function to open a sleeve supported thereby in cooperation with the feeder and the abutment, the bearing planes of the lever providing guiding support for the opened sleeve upon action of the ejector thereon.

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.