Abstract: A system for creating custom-sized cardboard blanks for folding packagings comprises a first and at least a second supply for fanfold cardboard, a control unit (e.g., microprocessor) that calculates, based on order information regarding the desired minimum dimensions of a current packaging, under predefined optimization criteria a first blank layout for folding the packaging, said blank layout comprising a leading edge and an ending edge and transverse and longitudinal crease lines dividing the blank having a desired length and width into panels, defines, based on predefined criteria, areas around the transverse crease lines and the leading and ending edges, in which no transverse folds from fanfolding the cardboard should be present, sensors communicatively coupled with said control unit that sense information indicative of a presence of transverse folds in cardboard, a cutter to cut-off the piece of cardboard from the first or the second web and form the desired blank.

Abstract: A carton conveyer for a packaging machine has upper and lower flights to which sets of flight lugs are attached. Each set of flight lugs comprises leading flight lugs and trailing flight lugs and the leading flight lugs have recesses that face and oppose recesses on the trailing flight lugs. The recesses are formed to confine an open carton therebetween. Notches are formed in the flight lugs in such a way that movement of the leading and trailing flight lugs toward one another causes an un-erected carton between the lugs to be captured and erected.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing a partially formed carton is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed to the machine. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

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 rolling mechanism for having an opening perforation line on a plastic packaging film is disclosed, including a carriage frame, a pressure bearing unit, an impact cushioning mechanism, and an opening cutter assembly. The pressure bearing unit includes a pressure bearing seat, an anvil roll, and a retention plate, wherein the retention plate comprises a receptacle channel. The retention plate is used to position the anvil roll in the receptacle channel of the pressure bearing seat. The impact cushioning mechanism is coupled between the carriage frame and the pressure bearing seat. The opening cutter assembly is arranged adjacent to the anvil roll, which includes an opening cutter shaft and at least one opening cutter blade attached to the periphery of the opening cutter shaft.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: Arrangement for the positioning and shifting of tools, specifically the tools of a machine designed for shaping sheet material while being advanced relative to the arrangement, the arrangement having fixed guides (16,19) for guiding the tools in transverse motion relative to the travel direction (X) of the material, the tools or holders (7,7?) for the tools comprising means (22,23) by which a continuous or intermittently running drive (Y) across the material travel direction (X) is used for shifting the tool holders, individually or in combination, by alternately connecting one or several tool holders (7,7?) to the running drive.

Abstract: Slitting unit forming part of a machine for production of carton blanks, in particular blanks made of cardboard or corrugated cardboard. The unit (2) comprises working wheels (12, 24, 25, 28) which are opposite in pairs, one wheel in at least one pair (24) being made with at least one slitting knife (26) extending over a part of the periphery of the wheel while the periphery of the other wheel in said pair is made with a slot for receiving the knife. The unit also comprises a vacuum belt (6) running adjacently to each slitting-wheel pair (24; 25) for securing and feeding the blanks (10). The wheels (24; 25) in each slitting-wheel pair are mounted in an upper and, respectively, a lower stand unit (3, 4) at least a portion of that part of one stand unit (4) which faces towards the other (3) being made in the form of a vacuum box.

Abstract: A machine (10) for performing a manufacturing operation on a sheet of material (12) includes an upper tool (282, . . . ) for engaging an upper surface (602) of the sheet of material (12) and a lower tool (380, . . . ) mateable with the upper tool for engaging a lower surface (606) of the material opposite to the upper surface. The upper and lower tools are arranged to cooperate in performing the manufacturing operation. A drive mechanism (456, 522, . . . ) is provided for causing relative movement between the tools and the sheet of material, back and forth along a first axis (24) and back and forth along a second axis (518) substantially perpendicular to the first axis while performing the manufacturing operation. The invention includes a method of performing the manufacturing operation utilizing the machine (10).

Abstract: An RF connector includes a finger which extends from a first member. The finger has an electrically conductive contact disposed on its surface. A second member has a recess formed in one if its edges. The recess is sized and positioned to receive the finger when the first and second members are mated. A flexible, electrically conductive contact is disposed on the second member in a position whereby at least a portion of the flexible contact extends in to the recess. When mated, the finger of the first member is disposed within the recess of the second member with the flexible contact engaging and making electrical contact with the contact on the finger.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of forming one or more box blanks (20) from a generally-rectangular sheet of material, comprising the steps of: providing a frame (28) for supporting and guiding the sheet; placing a sheet of material on the frame; controllably moving the sheet in a longitudinal direction relative to the frame; providing at least one longitudinal score line (21) on the sheet as the sheet moves relative to the frame; punching a first hole in the sheet; cutting a first slot (23) in the sheet between one longitudinal edge thereof and the first hole; punching a second hole in the sheet at a position spaced transversely across from the first hole; cutting a second slot (23) in the sheet between the other longitudinal edge thereof and the second hole; providing a transverse score line (22) on the sheet between the first and second holes; punching longitudinal slots in the sheet to severe the flaps (24) from the glue tab (27); and cutting the sheet to the length required for the desired shap

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a sheet of material such as cardboard intended for making a folding box or case, comprises a stamping plate for carrying the sheet and co-operable with a tool. The stamping plate lies on a table plate of a frame structure which has holders for releasably carrying a form which extends parallel to the table plate, and at least one bridge assembly which extends movably above the table plate. A carriage is carried on the bridge assembly and moves transversely with respect to the direction of travel thereof. The carriage carries at least one vertically movable pressure member directed towards the table plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a sheet of material such as cardboard intended for making a folding box or case, comprises a stamping plate for carrying the sheet and co-operable with a tool. The stamping plate lies on a table plate of a frame structure which has holders for releasably carrying a form which extends parallel to the table plate, and at least one bridge assembly which extends movably above the table plate. A carriage is carried on the bridge assembly and moves transversely with respect to the direction of travel thereof. The carriage carries at least one vertically movable pressure member directed towards the table plate.