Abstract: Methods comprise (a) sequentially transferring, from a part supply structure to a part staging structure, a first predetermined selection of parts; (b) sequentially transferring, from the part staging structure to a first manufacturing kit holder, the first predetermined selection of parts to define a first kitted holder; (c) concurrently with (b), sequentially transferring, from the part supply structure to the part staging structure, a second predetermined selection of parts; and (d) subsequent to (b), sequentially transferring, from the part staging structure to a second manufacturing kit holder, the second predetermined selection of parts to define a second kitted holder. Systems comprise a part supply structure; a part staging structure; a first robotic transfer device; a plurality of manufacturing kit holders; a second robotic transfer device; and a holder positioning structure.

Abstract: A marker installation system comprises a marker comprising a shaft having a bottom end and a top end, and including an insertion portion, a mast portion, and an engagement portion located between the insertion portion and the mast portion. The engagement portion is configured to resist further insertion of the shaft into the ground beyond the insertion portion. The system includes a marker installation apparatus including a magazine assembly defining a magazine space in which the marker is positioned. The magazine space has a push position in the magazine space for receiving the marker. The apparatus includes a push assembly mounted on the magazine assembly to engage the engagement portion of the marker when the marker is located in the push position. The push assembly pushes the marker from the push position of the magazine assembly when the push assembly is actuated.

Abstract: A continuous wrapping apparatus includes a web supply section that supplies a pair of continuous webs, and a wrapping section for applying the webs about the article. The web supply section includes a pair of web supply stations for each web, and a supply roll is located at each web supply station. Each web supply station includes a splicing mechanism for splicing together the trailing end of a web from an exhausted roll with the leading end of a web from a fresh roll. A storage mechanism is located downstream of each splicing mechanism, and includes rollers that are movable toward and away from each other to continuously supply the web during the splicing operation, which maintains the web ends stationary. The webs are applied to the elongated article such that side areas of the webs overlap each other, and adhesive is applied between the overlapping areas of the webs.

Abstract: A product packaging system for organizing and packing a number of different items into a set. The system may include a number of staging conveyors. Each of the staging conveyors may carry a stack of items from the number of different items. The system further may include a positioning conveyor positioned adjacent to the staging conveyors and a number of removal devices positioned adjacent to the positioning conveyor. The removal devices may remove one item from the stack of items on each of the staging conveyors and place the item on the positioning conveyor. The system also may include one or more rotation devices positioned about the positioning conveyor so as to rotate the one items on the positioning conveyor.

Abstract: A method for introducing a cover sheet (2) between a transparent sheet (3) and a book-like container (4), which is substantially formed by a pair of closure members (4a, 4b), externally wrapped within the film (3), includes: opening the container (4) by opening said closure members (4a, 4b) by an angle wider than 180°; detaching the transparent film (3) from the outer surface of said closure members (4a, 4b); making a transversal corrugation in a cover sheet (2) situated beside said opened container (4), near an area (2) delimited by said opened members (4a, 4b) and the detached film (3); introduction of gripping means (10), situated on a side opposite with respect to said corrugated cover sheet (2), into said area (Z); gripping said corrugated cover sheet (2) and pulling it, by said gripping means (10), into said area (Z); releasing said cover sheet (2) into said area (Z), which cover sheet consequently spread across said area Z; defining a flattened configuration of the closure members (4a, 4b) s

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic device for the horizontal stacking and transfer of booklets in the form of bundles of stacked booklets. The invention consists in that the device comprises a transfer unit coacting with a distribution unit for plates which permit it to operate at high speeds. Use in the stacking and transfer of booklets in the form of bundles, at high speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping loads of goods and materials in a wrapping material such as a plastics film, including placing at least two battens in a spaced substantially parallel orientation on one surface of the load using a pick and place unit, partially wrapping the load with the wrapping material by rotating the load relative to a dispenser for the wrapping material and/or rotating the dispenser around the load, at a first wrapping station, to envelop the battens in the wrapping material and to hold the battens in place on the surface of the load, the battens being spaced apart to support the load and being adapted to receive therebetween the forks of a fork-lift truck for transporting the load. Preferably, the wrapping material overlaps the ends of the battens to hold the battens in position. The load is then turned through about 90° from the first wrapping station to a second wrapping station where the wrapping is completed.

Abstract: A container package assembly which comprises a first support member and a second support member, a plurality of containers, a top pad, and a membrane. The first support member having a first side, the second support member having a second side. The first support member and the second support member being arranged along a common plane wherein the first edge is immediately adjacent to the second edge. Each of the support members constructed and arranged to receive a predetermined number of containers thereon. A top pad positioned on top of the containers, the top pad dimensioned to extend over at least a portion of each of the support members. The support members, the predetermined number of containers and the top pad comprising an assembly, the assembly at least partially encapsulated by the membrane.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a transfer device for inserting a product into a package, and a circulating leaflet transport device comprising a plurality of tong-like holders, each receiving one leaflet and by means of which the leaflet can be disposed between the product and the package in the region of the transfer device for insertion, together with the product, into the package. A stop is disposed in the region of the transfer device and in the transport path of the tong-like holder to open the holder for releasing the leaflet. If there is no package in the transfer station, the stop can be removed from the transport path of the tong-like holders into a non-operating position, for passage of a holder without opening thereof.

Abstract: A bacon board dispenser (10) deposits predetermined quantities of sliced bacon in a shingled condition on bacon boards. The dispenser (10) includes a frame having a support side (12) and an operating side (11). The output conveyor (172), bacon board dispenser mechanism (193), and feeding mechanism (146) are cantilevered from the support side of the frame to provide for an open operating side for ease of bacon board loading, cleaning and maintenance. The dispenser (10) includes a multi-positioned bacon board magazine (43). The dispenser mechanism utilizes two sets of vacuum cups (210, 211) to provide for an easy changeover between different size boards.

Abstract: A bacon board dispenser (10) deposits predetermined quantities of sliced bacon in a shingled condition on bacon boards. The dispenser (10) includes a frame having a support side (12) and an operating side (11). The output conveyor (172), bacon board dispenser mechanism (193), and feeding mechanism (146) are cantilevered from the support side of the frame to provide for an open operating side for ease of bacon board loading, cleaning and maintenance. The dispenser (10) includes a multi-positioned bacon board magazine (43). The dispenser mechanism utilizes two sets of vacuum cups (210, 211) to provide for an easy changeover between different size boards.

Abstract: A sampler device having an upper compartment layer; a lower compartment layer; a seal attaching the upper compartment layer to the lower compartment layer, wherein the upper and lower compartment layers and the seal form a compartment or compartments, for containing sample material; and a reinforcement layer for protecting the compartment. The present invention also relates to an easy, inexpensive and reliable method of packaging sample material.

Abstract: A device for bending and transferring leaflets into box-shaped casings including a transfer head including elastically openable tapering end portions which cooperate with preforming edges and forming elements rotatably supported in a bending station to bend the side flaps of a leaflet. The transfer head picks up the bent leaflet from the bending station to transfer the bent leaflet into a box-shaped casing. The stop position of the transfer head in the bending station, as well as position of the tapering end portions during bending of the side flaps, can be adjusted depending on the type of paper of which the leaflet is made.

Abstract: A device for introducing sleeves into cases for compact discs and the like, includes an assembly for withdrawing each time a single sleeve from a storage device. The withdrawing assembly transfer the sleeves to a feeding surface, substantially horizontal, in the region of a line for feeding these sleeves to further processing devices. An inserting head with gripping means for keeping the sleeve fed to the feeding surface, and with folding rollers for folding two edges of the sleeve over fold-around pieces, takes over and inserts the sleeve into an underlying case. The inserting head is moved between a sleeves gripping position and a position in which it inserts the sleeve in the case, that is in open configuration on a conveyor.

Abstract: A machine and method for packaging smoking articles provides an essentially hermetic enclosure of a barrier material around a charge of such articles in an open (incomplete) frame, by driving on the articles themselves to push them through a temporary wall of the barrier material with the previous imposition on them of the open frame at a framing station. Preferably the driving is by means of an indexing conveyor which is stationary immediately before the collection of the charge from a hopper, during the imposition of the frame and immediately before pushing the frame and charge through the temporary wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming stacked article groups by supplying at least two streams of articles; forming a stream of first article groups having at least one article; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, on top of the support base of each first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently packaged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically providing a display case for a plurality of packages includes an assembly station at which the packages are initially assembled into an array. The array is then moved to a covering station. At the same time, a shroud is formed which shroud covers a top and two opposed first sides of the array while leaving two opposed second sides of the array uncovered. Forming of the shroud includes initially bending a blank so that a partially-formed shroud is produced having a top panel and two opposed side panels formed in a plane, and finally bending and locating the partially formed shroud relative to the array at the covering station such that a fully covered array is provided with the top panel and side panels covering a majority of the respective top and first sides of the array. Finally, the covered array is placed in a tray at a finishing station to provide the display case.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for housing a stacked supply of hooks which permits the individual withdrawal of a lowermost hook from the stack. A dispensing apparatus provides a chamber having an open top, a rear wall, two side walls, a front wall, a spaced floor providing a gap between the floor and the front wall, the front wall providing a longitudinal opening transversing the wall, the opening permitting the passage of a loop portion of each hook.

Abstract: In a method of forming a package of cylindrical beverage cans, a predetermined number of cans is arranged to define a first tier. An insert panel is placed onto the first tier, having formed therein a plurality of substantially circular debossments, each debossment having a diameter not greater than the can top diameter and not less than the can bottom diameter. The debossments are arranged so that one debossment is positioned concentrically on top of each can of the lower tier. Onto the insert panel is placed a second tier of cans by sliding movement of each can along the insert panel until the can is positioned with its bottom seated within one debossment. The first tier, insert panel and second tier are slid together as a unit into a carton through its open end.

Abstract: A method of making liners for tool boxes provides custom formed liners to fit a specific selection and arrangement of tools in a tool chest, box or drawer. The method comprises first cutting a backing sheet and a tool receptacle sheet to fit the selected tool drawer or container, and laminating the receptacle sheet to the underlying backing sheet. The selected tools are then laid out on top of the receptacle sheet according to the pattern desired and their outlines traced on the top of the receptacle sheet. The tool receptacles are then cut through the receptacle sheet, down to but not through the underlying backing sheet, along the traced lines. A liquid plastic or vinyl material may be added to the bottoms of the completed receptacles if desired, and allowed to cure to further cushion any tools placed therein. The liquid plastic material may be provided in different colors to assist in the proper placement of tools and in the determination of missing tools.

Abstract: A device for placing chocolates inserted into paper cups with upright, pleated edges into the bottom portion of candy boxes, with cartridges moved by a conveyor belt and having recesses or the like to accomodate the paper cups; a device for inserting the paper cups into the recesses in the cartridges; a device for inserting the chocolates into the paper cups and a device for transferring the paper cups filled with chocolates to the bottom portion of a candy box, wherein said cartridges have grooves extending from one side to the other side, with bridges disposed therebetween, with lateral indentations disposed facing one another at the locations of said paper cups.

Abstract: A two-part container assembly made up of a cover and a filler insert, both of which are assembled from precut unitary blanks. The filler insert has a bottom section and two end flaps. Articles to be packaged are placed upon the bottom of the filler insert, optionally first into a separate tray. Then the cover is placed over the filler insert and the assembly inverted and then fastened together. A method of forming and assembling is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging method. It also relates to a packaging bolster and to a packaging line employing the method of the invention. The bolster of the invention, adapted particularly to the method of the invention, includes at least one flexible base material or support of elongated shape and indefinite length, intended to be trimmed to the dimension required at the packaging site, the base material carrying spacer elements for spacing apart the product to be packaged at predetermined positions. The bolster is remarkable in that the base material includes at least two films weldable in such a way as to make cushions or bulges filled with a swelling agent.

Abstract: A pair of hose are mounted on a card for purpose of display or sale the card being inserted into one hose and the other hose being placed inside the first hose, between the latter and one surface of the card. Machinery for so assembling the hose and card has two supports and means to transfer a first hose from its support with eversion, to a holder in which a former is held. The second hose is everted by suction into its support and is then conveyed pneumatically into a hollow interior of the holding means, thereby placing it inside the first hose, to one side of the former. The former and the two hose assembled therewith are extracted from the holder, the first hose slipping from around the holder into an encircling relationship in contact with the former.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing a sachet of flexible synthetic material intended for packaging liquids, the sachet initially being in the form of a cushion-like bag already full of liquid, this device enabling a means for gripping, stiffening and mounting information to be attached to the said cushion-like bag and enabling the sachet to be given its final shape for marketing and use.The device includes means for enclosing the cushion-like bag in a sleeve of synthetic material which can be stretched and is cold-worked around clamping jaws (19,20) which are capable of a translation motion and a motion away from one another, between which the cushion-like bag is located.

Abstract: A packaging machine for cardboard boxes and a process for packaging articles in the cardboard boxes in which an insert (15) is placed into at least one side of an open cardboard shell (10). Insert units (16, 17), disposed on both sides of a moving track for the cardboard shell (10), each have an insert transmitter (19) which removes insert (15) successively from a magazine (18) and swivels the insert (15) to an upright position. The insert-transmitter (19) is moved synchronously with the packaging machine by an operating rod (22), having two double-armed levers (23, 24).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for packing a box with a plurality of groups of pouches or other flexible containers and inserting a support shelf between the groups. A conveyor is used to support and convey boxes such that means for inserting a first group of pouches into a box inserts a group of pouches into the top portion of a box. The boxes are then positioned such that means for inserting a suport shelf into the box inserts a shelf into the box before means for inserting a second group of pouches inserts a second group of pouches into the box. The support shelf is inserted from the bottom of the box such that the first group of pouches is supported above the second group of pouches and the support legs of the support shelf rest on the bottom of the box.

Abstract: A pair of hose are mounted on a card for purpose of display or sale the card being inserted into one hose and the other hose being placed inside the first hose, between the latter and one surface of the card. Machinery for so assembling the hose and card has two supports and means to transfer a first hose from its support with eversion, to a holder in which a former is held. The second hose is everted by suction into its support and is then conveyed pneumatically into a hollow interior of the holding means, thereby placing it inside the first hose, to one side of the former. The former and the two hose assembled therewith are extracted from the holder, the first hose slipping from around the holder into an encircling relationship in contact with the former.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for packing a box with a plurality of groups of pouches or other flexible containers and inserting a support shelf between the groups. A conveyor is used to support and convey boxes such that means for inserting a first group of pouches into a box inserts a group of pouches into the top portion of a box. The boxes are then positioned such that means for inserting a support shelf into the box inserts a shelf into the box before means for inserting a second group of pouches inserts a second group of pouches into the box. The support shelf is inserted from the bottom of the box such that the first group of pouches is supported above the second group of pouches and the support legs of the support shelf rest on the bottom of the box.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a card on a bundle of sheet-like articles comprises a support for supporting the card adjacent the bundle, a feed device for feeding the card into the support, and a mechanism for placing a strap around the bundle, the card being stripped from the support by relative movement between the bundle with the card attached thereto and the support.

Abstract: Header cards adapted for folding around small flexible articles, such as infants vinyl pants, are packaged on an automatic folding machine. The folding machine includes a first station for automatically feeding unfolded header cards from a magazine onto a conveyor. A second station provides for folding of a first flap onto the header card using an inclined bar and a plunger assembly. A third station provides for folding and sealing the two side flaps, while the fourth station holds the package together until the adhesive has had a chance to set.

Abstract: New and useful stacking apparatus in which a stacker can form a stream of signatures into a stack, and also associate an end board with one end of the stack. Moreover, the stacker is associated with a clamping mechanism which, when it moves over to the stacker to clamp a stack of signatures, also brings an end board and deposits an end board on the stacker for association with a succeeding stack. The stacker has a main member which moves along a path between a stack receiving position and an end board receiving position. As the main member moves from the end board receiving position, the intermediate member moves out of its way. The stacker also has an interceptor for initiating formation of a stack and a unique way of transferring the partially formed stack from the interceptor to the main member.

Abstract: A corrugated box forming, loading and sealing machine, including a first or magazine and infeed section, a second or forming and loading section, and a third or closing and discharge section. In the first section there is stored and fed one-at-a-time flat corrugated blanks consisting of bottom, front, back and two top-half panels, all with extended edge panels, while glue is applied to the bottom, front and back edge panels. In the second section a product, such as cartons or plastic bottles, and two side panels, are loaded from opposite sides onto the bottom panel. When full, the loaded bottom panel is lowered through an opening whose four edge portions cause the front and back panels, and their respective edge panels to wrap around the product.

Abstract: A fully automatic system for folding stockings or a like long, substantially flat, non-rigid article around a cardboard insert, including foldable insert, and enclosing the stockings with the insert in an envelope of transparent, thermoplastic material. A great deal of saving of manual labor enables ideal streamlining of the whole process for manufacturing stockings for remarkable reduction in manufacturing cost. Sealing of the envelope containing the stockings with gummed tapes may be performed fully automatically, also.

Abstract: A card having a product thereon is fed by a conveyor into a card folding device. This involves the use of an air jet located below the conveyor, which is activated and causes the leading portion of the card as it passes thereover to go into an upright position approximately perpendicular to the conveyor. While in this position, the conveyor causes the card to be fed into fingers located above the conveyor which complete the fold rearwardly. While still under the influence of the fingers, the leading edge, or fold line, of the now folded card is fed into a creaser. At this point, a switch is tripped which raises a stop-bar which stops the card. A reciprocal plunger is now activated and is used to crease the leading edge by exerting downward pressure thereon against the stop-bar. Once creasing is completed, the stop-bar and plunger retract allowing the conveyor to take the card and product to the next packaging station.

Abstract: A packaging machine which includes article buckets and leaflet clamps mounted on the buckets, each clamp having a spring loaded jaw which, in the open position, allows a leaflet to be inserted between the jaw and bottom plate of its respective article bucket, and, in the closed position, is effective to clamp a leaflet between the jaw and bottom plate to deflect a portion of it into the exit end opening of the bucket. Means are provided for opening the clamp jaw, inserting a leaflet between the open clamp jaw and bottom plate, closing the clamp jaw to clamp the leaflet and opening the clamp jaw to allow the leaflet to be carried into a carton by the article as it is transferred from the article bucket to the carton.

Abstract: A plurality of yarn packages are stably held by a pair of protector plates in parallel and non contacting condition to each other so as to form a unit package. The yarn packages are covered with a sheet of film as a whole or separately at a position inside the protector plates. At least one unit package may be packaged in a cardboard box. In a preferable process for making the unit package, a series of successive operations, such as a first protector plate supply, a first film supply, mounting of a predetermined number of yarn packages on the first protector plate by way of the first film, a second film supply on the combined body of the yarn packages with the first protector plate, sealing of the first and second films for wrapping the yarn packages, a second protector plate supply, binding of the first and second protector plates by tapes, packaging at least one unit package in a cardboard box, are successively and intermittently carried out when items are displaced along an assembling conveyer line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling flats for folded boxes into a container for shipment and storage which comprises the steps of positioning a container under an opening having a slidable closure which is in a closed position, positioning a sheet of divider material over the slidable closure, positioning a plurality of stacked flats on top of the divider material in a defined space, applying a weight to the stack flats, cutting the divider material to size, opening the slidable closure and dropping the divider material, flats and weight into the container and thereafter removing the weight.