Abstract: A the compact disk packing machine includes a base having a box providing device for move empty boxes to a box opening device which opens the empty boxes one by one. A transferring device transfers the opened boxes to a disk providing device and a disk positioning device to put a compact disk in each of the opening boxes. A sheet putting device puts a sheet of commercial in the open boxes and a closing device closes the boxes. The boxes having a compact disk and a sheet of commercial are transferred to a collection device and piled up.

Abstract: A packaging line for periodicals, magazines and similar printed products comprises at least four of the following functional components a first strapping device for the longitudinal or cross-strapping of the stack of products arriving from a compensating stacker or the like, a top sheet feeder, a film wrapping device for wrapping the stack of products with a packaging film and for welding the packaging film on two opposing sides of the stack of products, a second strapping device for the longitudinal strapping of the stack of products, a welding device for welding the sides of the packaging film which have remained unwelded in the film wrapping device, and a third strapping device for cross-strapping the stack of products.

Abstract: Regarding the counting and packing process combining a vacuum nozzle and an adsorption confirmation sensor together, a method and apparatus for counting and packing the solid foods having characteristics of uncertainly shaped, with irregular surface, with wet surface, being adhesive, soft, and easy to be broken, without requiring pre-positioning and sort transportation of the solid foods, and enabling to speedily and precisely count and pack predetermined numbers of the solid foods within a settled time interval are proposed.

Abstract: A booklet inserting machine (1) includes a suction cup (3) for holding and unloading a booklet (B) on the top of a stack of booklets at a stacking station (2), a gripping device (4) to grip the booklet (B) unloaded by the suction cup (3), and a transferring device to transfer the gripping device (4) along with the gripped booklet (B) toward a case (10) to insert the booklet (B) into an engagement claw (14) of the case (10).

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: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray or card conveyor, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray or conveyor. Preferably, the delivery placer includes an arm having a holder which comprises a vacuum system. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be used to feed an insert onto a scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. In certain embodiments of the invention, the insert has multiple folds to allow it to be folded around the product prior to packaging. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: A device for mechanically picking and palletizing rectangular objects of various sizes for attachment to a robotic arm. The device includes a pair of rails having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, elongated L-shaped grips extending there through. The distance between the respective rails can be adjusted to accommodate various width containers. The L-shaped grips are capable of pivotal rotation such that their grip ends rotate under the object for picking and palletizing. A pair of pallet hooks having suction cups attached thereto is also provided on the device.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming stacked article groups, comprising the steps of supplying at least two streams of articles, each at a predetermined vertically distinct level; forming and longitudinally transporting a stream of first article groups having at least one article, at a first level; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, at a second level on top of the support base of each longitudinally moving first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently processed for packaging.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a package of a plurality of side-by-side stacks of continuous strips of material without intervening rigid container walls. Each strip is folded back and forth about first and second fold lines to form a stack of a plurality of folded overlying strip portions. The fold lines are transverse to the strip and arranged at opposite ends of the stack. The strip portions of each stack are arranged side-by-side so that the side edges are aligned. The strips are fed simultaneously through a guide slot in a movable carriage that is parallel to the stacks end upon which the stacks are arranged.

Abstract: A file block or a drawer filler for supporting file folders, envelopes, and the like within file drawers or containers. The file block has a rectangular structure with six rectangular walls. At least one wall resiliently extends outward, which creates pressure against file folders and the like to be supported. Also disclosed is a blank for the file block, from which the file block is easily assembled.

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 package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.

Abstract: A method in connection with wrapping of a piece (K), in which method the piece (K) is rotated, and at least one wrapping film (3, 11) is supplied and guided around the piece (K) during the rotation. A label (E, E1) to be adhered to the piece (K) is supplied under one or several wrapping film layers (3a) forming around the piece (K) during the wrapping. A device applying the method. A manipulating device for manipulating one or several labels (E, E1) in connection with wrapping of a piece (K).

Abstract: A sheet having a defined pattern of reduced strength, allowing separation along said defined pattern, said pattern defining an insert for a CD-ROM jewel case, preferably being a letter size paper sheet, comprising a pair of said defined patterns each being an identical and symmetrically arranged rectangular perforation pattern having dimensions of about 150 mm by 117.5 mm, having a pair of scored folding lines to provide three regions of each defined pattern, two lateral regions each being about 6 mm wide by 117.5 mm long and bounded interiorly by one of said folding lines and a central region being about 138 mm by 117.5 mm and being bounded by both of said folding lines. Also provided is a sheet having a defined pattern of reduced strength, allowing separation along said defined pattern, said pattern defining a booklet for a CD-ROM jewel case, which preferably includes a centered rectangular perforation pattern having dimensions of about 119.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically placing lengths of poly sheet from a roll of poly sheet onto the second-from-the-top tier of a lumber package includes a poly roll holder, and a plurality of grip clamps. The grip clamps may have rubber pads for improved friction when gripping the POLY sheet. The gripping clamps are mounted on a carriage which is in turn mounted on a trolley. The trolley is selectively translated back and forth over an exposed tier in a stack of lumber. The gripping clamps grasp the free end of the poly sheet so that the ploy sheet is drawn over the exposed tier as the trolley is translated.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously creating a pair of inner packing and then simultaneously placing them into side-by-side cartons by pulling the lead inner packing from two sets of inner packings, moving the pulled inner packings towards each other until they are positioned side by side, gripping the inner packings and opening them and finally, while being gripped, moving the inner packings into the side by side cartons.

Abstract: Unsealed packets of cigarettes emerging from a packaging machine present an outer surface that consists of an opaque wrapping material, to which a revenue stamp and a coupon are affixed as the packets are transferred directly and in an ordered succession from the packaging machine to a cellophaner; on reaching the cellophaner, each packet in turn is enveloped in a sheet of transparent overwrapping material covering the opaque wrapping material, the revenue stamp and the coupon, and the overwrapping sealed in such a way that the finished packet will remain substantially airtight

Abstract: A device for mechanically picking and palletizing rectangular objects of various sizes for attachment to a robotic arm. The device includes a pair of rails having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, elongated L-shaped grips extending there through. The distance between the respective rails can be adjusted to accommodate various width containers. The L-shaped grips are capable of pivotal rotation such that their grip ends rotate under the object for picking and palletizing. A pair of pallet hooks having suction cups attached thereto is also provided on the device.

Abstract: Each individual cone is conveyed, while it is laying on its side, to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is at or adjacent to the base of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone in a repeated fashion to form a sleeve of cones, followed by packing of the sleeve of cones for transport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an article to the interior surface of a flexible package is provided which includes the application of articles to a flexible web of packaging material at a point along a web feed path which minimizes the likelihood of article separation downstream. Specifically, the present method and apparatus includes a driving system for pulling a web of material through a feed path, a tube former having an inlet positioned along the feed path for receiving the web of material and an article applicator for applying articles onto an interior package surface of the web of material at the inlet of the tube former. In this manner, the article is delivered to the web downstream of the upper edge of the tube former thereby minimizing inadvertent separation of the article from the web as experienced in conventional machines as the web passes over the upper edge of the tube former.

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 cold cut slicer having a packaging device is comprised of a sheeting roll having a pulling-out device, and a cutting device for supporting sheets or covering sheets, which are grasped by a swivel arm having evacuatable suction heads and which are brought to the setting-down location of the cold cut slicer. If the swivel arm is extendable, telescope-like, it can additionally grasp and swivel a tray. The cold cuts are stacked or fanned out on the sheeting or the tray. The goods are conveyed by a conveyor belt to a sealing station having a lifting frame and a sealing frame. The lifting frame raises the package made up of sheeting and cold cuts and presses it against the sealing frame. The result is a sealing that is tight all around the package, or is interrupted at the comers, or that is open on one side, like a sack. A short conveyor belt provided in the lifting frame ejects the sealed goods.

Abstract: A system for affixing cards to a form and folding the form with the cards attached. The system includes a card affixer for affixing cards to any location on a form having a form transporting mechanism for moving the form, a carriage for receiving and holding a card, a carriage translating mechanism for moving the carriage across the width of the form transporting mechanism and a pressing mechanism for pressing the card against the form. The system also includes a form folder for precisely folding forms with the cards already attached. The form folder includes a form guide structure having at least one scoring edge, a form transfer mechanism, a roller unit, a roller translating mechanism and a roller rotating mechanism.

Abstract: A bandoleer package and method for the making thereof in which bandoleer packages can be used to hold objects that are dimensioned or relatively thick without the usual risk of damage to the object caused by burst rollers. The preferred embodiment is made by forming a tube from a first web around a card cut from a secondary web and an object to be packaged, heat sealing the tube to itself to form a bottom seam of the package and a top seam of a previous package, then bonding the edges of the tube to the card. By bonding the edges to the card, the dimensioned object is kept away from the edges, thus preventing crushing of the object by burst rollers. The second web is preferably coated with a material that facilitates bonding to the first web material. In the preferred embodiment, the first web and the coating are formed from resinous materials, such as polyethylene; but any suitable materials can be used.

Abstract: The system involves the use of shallow boxes having an integral base and lid, with the lid being foldable down to close the box as part of the automated packaging of stacks of sheets of labels or other sheet material. The system involves one or more accumulators having buffering capability between sheet stackers and the cartoning equipment. The lids may be scored and subject to a pre-breaking step so that their three layer construction may be readily formed into boxes in the course of the packaging process.

Abstract: Partitions are fed from a single magazine by a feeder and are transported in timed mode to two sets of rotary blades which open the partition flaps. The open partitions are carried in a guide work to a nip point between a set of belts which are supported in such a manner that allows their discharge. The motion of the discharge end of the belts is in the direction of the machine direction of the moving bottle pitches and this motion is utilized to follow an insertion point for a time period long enough to insert the partition. The discharge end can then be returned and follow the next gap for insertion of the following partition. A subsequent final seating device insures the partitions are fully engaged with the group of bottles.

Abstract: A partition control assembly within a continuous-motion automatic packaging machine receives and controls the motion of partitions which are ejected at high speeds from a partition ejection mechanism for insertion between preconfigured groups of articles disposed on a flight conveyor in the machine. The partition control assembly includes a first member having a contoured guiding surface for receiving a leading edge of the partition and for guiding the partition into a lateral, downward direction in relation to the partition ejector. Disposed opposite the first member is a second member which includes a control surface disposed opposite the contoured guiding surface, creating an interior control space between the control and contoured guiding surfaces.

Abstract: A compact disc packaging machine is disclosed for packaging trays, compact discs, booklets and inlay cards in a variety of different sized containers. The compact disc machine is compact in size and its primary functions are mechanically driven. Pneumatics are only used on approximately 10 percent of the machine functions. Because the components are within the easy reach of an operator, the compact disc packaging machine is operated without requiring the operator to circle the machine. Feeders and magazines provide supplies of trays, booklets, inlay cards and compact discs to the machine. The compact disc magazine uses multiple spindles to allow one spindle to be active while the other spindle is replaced. A pick-and-place mechanism lifts the inlay cards, booklets, trays and compact discs and positions them in an intermediate centering positions and then into compact disc boxes. Sensors are used to verify the existence and placement of those items in the boxes.

Abstract: A system for configuring a stack of layers of boxes to fill an enclosed compartment or cargo space in sequential stack positions according to measurements of the compartment as stored by a computer and the box layer height as determined by the computer. The computer calculates the maximum height of the stack and each predetermined stack location within the cargo space necessary to fill the enclosed cargo space and, through a programmable logic controller, directs a delayering clamp to index itself relative to a stack of boxes, and then removes as many boxes as necessary from the stack. The remaining layers of boxes in the stack are then fed to a stretch-wrap station where the remaining layers of the stack are rotated while the stretch wrap is being applied. The stretch-wrapped stack is then transferred to a station for holding for a forklift or other device to take it into the enclosed cargo area and stack it.

Abstract: A hopper assembly for feeding literature to a literature dispenser. The literature dispenser and a label dispenser are positioned on opposite sides of a conveyor on which products being furnished with literature and labels are transported. The hopper assembly includes a chute which is designed to have an upstream chute portion adjacent the conveyor. The upstream chute portion is positioned within the reach of an operator who is stationed on the same side of the conveyer as the label dispenser, and a single operator can load both the hopper assembly and the label dispenser without moving from one side of the conveyor to the other. The hopper assembly also includes a literature escapement having a plurality of retaining members mounted on a pair of support elements. The retaining members engage a forward facing surface of a piece of literature and are arranged in spaced relationship to provide an opening through which the piece of literature is removable from the hopper assembly in the forward direction.

Abstract: The invention reports a process and a device to form a stack of grouped pieces of material on a base, in which a free end of a continuous separating strip serving to separate the groups is secured in the region of the base, and between groups of pieces of material forming the stack with the alternating placement of groups of material and sections of the separating strip continued until the last group of pieces of material is placed on the stack.

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: Partition elements are inserted between articles of a group to be packaged and can extend in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, by inserting the partitions from the bottom upwardly between longitudinal or transverse ranks of the articles by progressively spacing the ranks apart and bringing them together as the articles are transported along a transport path.

Abstract: A flight bar frame which translates along a predetermined path is adapted for engaging and translating an article grouping of one or more articles while simultaneously engaging and translating a sheet of material above the article grouping. The sheet of material is urged downwardly into juxtaposition above the article grouping by means of a lowering guide assembly. The flight bar frame is adapted for passage therethrough of lowering guides of the lowering guide assembly.

Abstract: A new structure for packaging foods and the method of preparing foods using the structure which consists of a food receptacle, its cover and a thin partition layer(s) for separating different food components of an entree during the manufacturing as well as during the heating of an entree. As the result of utilizing the present invention, the said entree can be manufactured more economically, also it can be heated and served easier by the end users without mixing the food components before heating, thus yielding a better quality hot food.

Abstract: A method for packaging flat or stacked article groups within a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton. The method comprises the steps of supplying a stream of packaging units, for example paperboard cartons, supplying at least one stream of articles, for example beverage cans; forming at least one article group, for example a group of from six to twenty-four cans, optionally placing a support base on a top surface of the article group, and loading the article group in the packaging unit. In a stacked packaging mode a second article group is formed and loaded into the packaging unit, on top of the support base on each first article group disposed in the packaging unit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus can insert into containers, such as narrow mouth bottles, a sheet of material having a lineal dimension which can be from about 2 to 5 times or more than the largest dimension of the container opening. Sheets of material are picked from magazines by a plurality of picker arms as a plurality of containers are moved into alignment. The picker arms move into position over each container. A stabilizer contacts the neck of each container, the stabilizer having a sheet material shaping and aligning mechanism. As the picker arms move downwardly into each container the sheet material is further formed into a tubular shape and inserted into the bottle. The sheet materials are released in the containers and the picker arms retracted from the containers.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming stacked article groups, comprising the steps of supplying at least two streams of articles, each at a predetermined vertically distinct level; forming and longitudinally transporting a stream of first article groups having at least one article, at a first level; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, at a second level on top of the support base of each longitudinally moving first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently processed for packaging.

Abstract: A package includes a plurality of cylindrical beverage cans (10) arranged into at least two tiers with a carton disposed around the cans. A paperboard divider panel (30) is disposed between and in contact with the cans of adjacent tiers. The divider panel includes a plurality of apertures (32), each of the apertures having a generally circular edge concentric with the cylindrical axis of upper and lower cans and having a diameter (D4) smaller than the base of the upper can. The divider panel further includes a substantially circular embossment (38) concentric with each of the apertures, the embossment having an outer diameter generally equal to the diameter of the top flange of the lower can.

Abstract: A cartoning apparatus for loading stacked article groups into carton sleeves. The cartoning apparatus comprises at least two article infeed mechanisms, each supplying at least one stream of articles at a predetermined height or level, an article selection and transport mechanism intersecting the article infeed mechanisms to form and move a stream of stacked article groups of a predetermined pattern, a carton supply and transport mechanism synchronized and moving parallel with said article selection and transport mechanism to provide cartons with open ends facing the moving article groups, and an article group transfer mechanism constructed and arranged to move article groups into the open ends of the carton sleeves.

Abstract: A packaging system has a conveyor, a coil of a web of box material, and a box-making unit adjacent the coil for pulling the box-material web from its coil, printing on the box-material web, cutting the printed box-material web into individual carton blanks, forming the blanks into individual upwardly open boxes, and depositing the boxes on the conveyor. A coil of label material is provided adjacent a label-making unit that pulls the label-material web from the coil, prints on the label-material web, cuts the printed label-material coil into individual labels, applies the labels to objects secured from a source of the objects, and loads respective pluralities of the labeled objects into respective ones of the open boxes on the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and a unit for packaging a plurality of cards, in particular memory cards, with opposing surfaces of successive cards being adjacent to one another. Each of the cards includes at least one surface that can be damaged by contact or exposure to another card. A plurality of dividers is provided, each divider including fastening means for securing each divider to another divider. Each divider is placed between two successive cards in such a manner that each damageable surface is protected by a divider. The fastening means cooperate mutually in order to fasten together the plurality of dividers so that they can be removed simultaneously.

Abstract: A packaging machine has a partition inserter and selecting apparatus suspended above a flow of articles. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are mounted to an inner frame which can be raised or lowered to adjust the spacing between the partition inserter and selecting apparatus relative to the articles. In this manner, the packaging machine can package articles of different heights. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are mounted to the inner frame on guide rails which allow a technician to move the partition inserter and selecting apparatus laterally away from the articles and over a maintenance deck so that the technician can easily perform necessary repairs or maintenance. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are releasably engaged with each other to permit the technician to access more easily all areas of the partition inserter and selecting apparatus.

Abstract: In a method and an appliance for manufacturing a blister pack having a carboard inlay (blister cardboard pack) a blister pack is provided as an endless tape having the products sealed in blisters. At a unification station a cardboard inlay having recesses for the blisters of the blister pack and having in the direction of conveyance of the blister pack substantially the length of a blister cardboard pack, is placed true-to-size on the blister pack tape, the recesses of the cardboard inlay surrounding the blisters of the blister pack. By a feed pawl, a holding collet and outfeed rollers the blister pack tape is fed to the unification station incrementally and further conveyed incrementally after placement of the cardboard inlay. In a sealing station the cardboard inlay is sealed to the blister pack tape. Subsequently the individual blister cardboard packs are separated from the blister cardboard pack tape in a cutting station.

Abstract: In a packaging machine the articles to be packaged are handled by escapement means that generate gaps between successive articles in each column. The escapement means includes at least two pin conveyors, each of which is driven at a speed which is controlled whereby to permit varying the pitch distance between the pins of each of these two conveyors in order to accommodate a different number of and differently sized articles. The articles are separated by a take away conveyor driven at a slightly greater speed than the pin conveyors to create gaps between the adjacent rows of articles. Partitions may be fed into these gaps, and other gaps are used to permit entry of a flight bar grouper conveyor that ultimately groups the articles so as to create a desired pack pattern for loading.

Abstract: A method for delivering an item or plurality of items to a predetermined destination. Packaging a plurality of items within a carton wherein the items are connectingly bonded to interior walls or inserts within the carton, and transporting the carton with the items disposed therein to the predetermined location. The items may be items of china, flower pots, vases or other similar items.

Abstract: A device for forming a stack of printed sheets. The device includes a conveying device for conveying the printed sheets in an imbricated flow vertically downwards and an approximately horizontal stack support disposed below the conveying device and having an entrance end for receiving the printed sheets. The stack support has a working region where stacks of the printed sheets are formed, and, disposed downstream of the working region in a stack formation direction, a pressing region where formed stacks of the printed sheets are compressed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting partitions into a group of articles is disclosed. The method includes combining articles, such as beverage containers, to form an article group of predetermined configuration, including longitudinal rows of articles. The article group is conveyed toward a divider deposed in the path of travel. The divider, which includes an angled end portion that acts as a cam, separates the article subgroup into article subgroups. Once the article subgroups are transversely separated to a predetermined extent, a partition inserter places a partition between the article subgroups. The two subgroups are then recombined to affix the partition between adjacent articles. The recombined article group, including a partition, is then moved through the packaging machine to the next process step or simultaneously inserted into cartons.

Abstract: A method for feeding and preparing information leaflets on a product packaging line consisting of a first carton conveyor, a second product conveyor and, between these two conveyors, a leaflet continuous-grip conveyor for transporting leaflets along a conveyor aligned to the packaging lines where the leaflet conveying means have sections with varying degrees of grip to facilitate feeding and inserting of leaflets.