Abstract: A device and a method for assembling items for shipment are described, that facilitate positioning the assembled items, e.g., in a pre-folded cardboard box having at least an open top and an open side or on a conveyor transporting the items. The device may include; a bottom panel, two side panels, a first and a second end panel, wherein the bottom panel is substantially orthogonal to the side panels and the end panels, wherein the first end panel is arranged on the device to be movable with respect to the bottom panel, the first end panel being movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bottom panel and wherein the second end panel is arranged on the device to be movable towards and away from the first end panel in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom panel.

Abstract: A system for loading an accumulated article group into a case is provided. The system includes an article accumulation station, a grouped article loading station, and a pusher assembly. The accumulation station includes an article receiver assembly in furtherance of delimiting an accumulated article group, and a grouped article guide structure within which the accumulated article group is positionable by operation of the article receiver assembly. The grouped article loading station includes a gate assembly, having first and second operable configurations, and an actuatable gate through which the accumulated article group passes during loading of the group into a case presented for receipt of same.

Abstract: An orientation changing apparatus includes a transport path along which a transport object is transported and that includes a portion having a space; a changing unit that changes an orientation of the transport object transported toward the space, the changing unit changing the orientation in the space by applying a rotational force to the transport object in a direction that crosses a transporting direction in which the transport object is transported; and a receiving unit that receives the transport object after the orientation of the transport object is changed by the changing unit.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: A system for packaging a product stored in a coil having an interior surface that defines a bore, the system including a container having a base and a wall extending upward from the base, the wall defining a space for receiving the coil; a pad supported on the base of the container, the pad including an outer portion that underlies the coil and a plurality of tabs extending inward from the outer portion, wherein the tabs on the pad are circumferentially spaced and define pad notches therebetween; a drum core having a first end and a second end, drum core being insertable within the bore of the coil, the first end of the drum core having a plurality of tabs extending axially outward therefrom, the plurality of tabs being circumferentially spaced from each other to define notches therebetween, wherein upon insertion, the tabs on the first end of the drum core are received within pad notches and the tabs on the pad extend radially inward into the notches defined by the tabs on the drum core.

Abstract: The device for filling packaging receptacles with pharmaceutical products has a supply container for the pharmaceutical products and a feed device with at least one guide channel for conducting the pharmaceutical products by means of gravity from the supply container to the packaging receptacles. At least one high-voltage ionizer element supplied with alternating voltage is arranged in the area of the at least one guide channel.

Abstract: An inserter system including a first station operative to output personal inserts for inserting in envelopes, an inserter operative to insert the personal inserts in the envelopes, and a dynamic buffer operative to convey the personal inserts from the first station to the inserter, the dynamic buffer including a partition-less adjustable length conveyor and an inserter-interface conveyor, wherein the adjustable length conveyor conveys the personal inserts from the first station to the inserter-interface conveyor and the inserter grabs the personal inserts from the inserter-interface conveyor, and wherein the inserter grabbing the personal inserts determines a speed of operation of the inserter-interface conveyor, including a timing at which the inserter-interface conveyor grabs the personal inserts from the adjustable length conveyor.

Abstract: There is presented a device and method for filling and advancing a series of containers including a first container and a next container. The device includes first and second assemblies having first and second restraining members respectively. The assemblies are positionable relative to each other in an object-receiving configuration in which the first restraining member and the second restraining member are inserted into the first container, and at least partially define a gap therebetween for deposition of an object. They are also positionable in a transitional configuration in which the second restraining member is raised relative to the first restraining member, and a lower portion of the second restraining member is positioned above and behind a leading internal face of the next container; and a container advancement configuration in which at least part of the second restraining member is in contact with and applying an advancement force to the leading internal face of the next container.

Abstract: The illustrative method and apparatus provides a more efficient system for automated slicing and loading of food articles into containers. The apparatus includes at least one cutting assembly and at least two chutes and depositing assemblies. The apparatus may include a positioning receptacle that aligns the food articles with a knife set and a driving arm that advances the food article into engagement with the knife set. The chutes may include a movable chute portion, which moves from alignment with the knife set to alignment with the containers, and a chute extension. Openings for the sliced food sections, which extend through the movable chute portion and the chute extension, have a cross section that changes to rotate the orientation of the food sections passing therethrough. Once deposited into the containers, the food sections are oriented with at least some cut faces of the food article adjacent the container wall.

Abstract: A system for storing and packaging pharmaceuticals includes a frame configured to store cassettes that contain pharmaceuticals and a cassette-moving assembly coupled to the frame. The cassette-moving assembly is operable to move relative to the frame to retrieve the cassettes from the frame. The system also includes a dispensing area positioned adjacent the frame to receive the cassettes from the cassette-moving assembly. The dispensing area is operable to selectively open the cassettes. The system further includes packaging equipment in communication with the dispensing area. The packaging equipment includes a feed stock roll for forming pouches. The packaging equipment is operable to fill the pouches with pharmaceuticals that are dispensed from the cassettes in the dispensing area. The system also includes a control system including a processor.

Abstract: An automated method for forming a packaged good article includes establishing a continuous path of travel for a mandrel. The mandrel defines an open interior between a package side and a loading side. With the mandrel at a first angle, a packaging material is wrapped about the mandrel at a first station along the path of travel to define a partial package. Product is dispensed into the partial package at a second station. With the mandrel at the second angle, the partial package and the mandrel are separated from one another at a third station. The first angle of the mandrel (at the first station) differs from the second angle of the mandrel (at the third station). The partial package is closed to form a packaged good article. In some embodiments, the mandrel is horizontal at the first station and is vertical at the third station.

Abstract: A bagging assembly for bagging bales of fibrous material is disclosed. The bagging assembly incorporates a chute defining a channel for receiving a bale, which is pushed there between by a stuffing assembly. Aspects of the bagging assembly include raising a bale using a bale elevator to a higher elevation position so that the bale could be stuffed by the stuffing assembly and using a bag retrieving mechanism for retrieving a bag from a bag location for use in bagging the bale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination consisting of a closing device (1) for sausages and a suspension device (2) for the sausages. The closing device is arranged at an angle relative to the suspension device, allowing very long sausages to be closed and suspended.

Abstract: A packaging container for a load having a projection such as a nailing fin is made from two rigid U-boards. An inner U-board supports the weight of the window/door frame while preventing the nailing fin from having contact, directly or indirectly, with the ground or sides of the fin crate. The nailing fin provides one supporting wall for the inner U-board while a second, outer U-board provides a second supporting wall. Both walls prevent the inner U-board from spreading out or collapsing under the weight of the window/door. The inner U-board is formed as a continuous element or as discrete elements. The nailing fin is incorporated into the fin crate to form a support member and part of the packaging container.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one filling aid configured to move at least partially into the cover and to be maintained within the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover.

Abstract: When the width of an envelope has sufficient margin for the width of a paper sheet, the aligning operation is skipped to improve productivity. As shown in FIG. 2, in an aligning apparatus 1 including an aligning unit 4 that aligns both side edges of the conveyed paper sheets, a difference value and a predetermined threshold value for use in an aligning operation execution determination are compared. The difference value is calculated by subtracting width dimension obtained from sheet size information of the paper sheet to be aligned from width dimension obtained from envelope size information of the envelope to enclose the paper sheet. The controller 7 controls not to execute the aligning operation if the difference value exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A loader includes a sling for supporting a one or more items. The sling is secured on opposite sides of a loading chamber. The loader also includes a lowering mechanism. The lowering mechanism can lower the sling. The loader includes a release mechanism that secures one or both sides of the sling. After the sling is lowered by the lowering mechanism an adequate distance to place the one or more items close to the receptacle, the release mechanism releases one or both sides of the sling, which places the one or more items in or on a receptacle. The loader includes a take-up mechanism attached to one side of the sling. The take-up mechanism takes up the sling when the opposite side of the sling is released by the release mechanism. The loader is capable of inserting close fitting items into receptacles, such as a stack of trays of produce.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aiding the insertion of a pillow into a pillowcase. The apparatus or device is flexible and lays flat in a neutral condition. After the pillow is placed onto the device, the device is wrapped around the pillow to compress the pillow, and edges of the device are engaged with one another to maintain the pillow in a compressed condition. The device and compressed pillow are slid into a pillowcase, or the pillowcase is slid over the device and compressed pillow, and the device is then slid outwardly from the pillowcase, allowing the pillow to expand and fill the pillowcase. Optionally, the edges of the device may first be disengaged to allow expansion of the pillow to fill the pillowcase prior to sliding the device outwardly from the pillowcase.

Abstract: To quickly fill a bag with medicine containers without damaging the containers, a machine for filling a bag with medicine containers includes: a bag positioning member (4) for positioning and opening a bag (13); a first moving member (37) that reciprocates between a supply position inside the bag (13) and a waiting position outside the bag (13), the first moving member including a bottom surface portion for supporting medicine containers; a second moving member that reciprocates relative to the bag (13) and includes a guide surface (47) guiding medicine containers (11) to the bottom surface portion; and a drive-control means (59) that moves the first moving member (37) from the supply position to the waiting position while maintaining the second moving member (38) in a fixed position relative to the bag (13), thereby causing medicine containers (11) guided by the guide surface (47) to the bottom surface portion to remain in the bag (13).

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting. The devices include a loading chute having a ceiling or door having at least a portion configured to open and close and a floor underlying and in cooperating alignment with the ceiling. The ceiling and floor are configured to cooperate to encase a product chamber with an axially extending open channel therebetween. At least one of the floor and ceiling reciprocates in a substantially vertical direction between a first loading position corresponding to when the ceiling is open and a second operative position corresponding to when the ceiling is closed.

Abstract: The installation comprises, combined on one and the same rack (6): —an accepting station (11), —a case-packing station (12), —a manipulation head (13) designed to take a batch of products (1) which is presented in the form of a row to said accepting station (11) and to transfer it to said case-packing station (12) in a row of cells (4) of the case or cases to be filled, —the structure (14) for handling the guidance of the products (1) to the input of the cells (4), the structure (14) comprising a grill (22) which extends longitudinally above the cases (2).

Abstract: A packaging system (10) and method for supplying and distributing dunnage products to multiple packing stations (14, 16) is characterized by a supply of dunnage products (12), a plurality of packing stations (14, 16), and a distribution assembly (20) that selectively distributes the dunnage products from the supply (12) to selected ones of the packing stations (14, 16). The supply of dunnage (12) may include a converter (22) that converts sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product. The distribution assembly (20) includes a conveyor (40), an alignment device (50) downstream of the conveyor (40), and a tiltable dunnage product support surface (60) below the alignment device (50). The alignment device (50) controls the descent of a dunnage product therethrough to the support surface (60). The support surface (60) is tiltable to selectively direct the dunnage product toward respective packing stations (14, 16).

Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.

Abstract: A container-filling machine for placing discrete articles within at least one container. The container filling machine comprises at least one vibration tray comprising a discrete article receiving end, a discrete article drop-off end and a plurality of channels extending from the discrete article receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end. Each channel includes two discrete article receiving paths at the discrete article receiving end. The two discrete article receiving paths combine into a single discrete article-depositing path in proximity to the discrete article drop-off end. The vibration tray is operative for moving discrete articles from the discrete article-receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end along the plurality of channels. The container filling machine further comprises a plurality of sloped paths for receiving the discrete articles from the discrete article drop-off end of the at least one vibration tray.

Abstract: A system for loading a plurality of items in series into a receptacle held in an item holding device, comprises a plurality of item holding devices each adapted for holding an item receptacle adapted to hold a plurality of items. A holding devices moving apparatus such as a conveyor, moves the plurality of item holding devices through an item loading station with the item receptacles being oriented at a first angle to the horozinal. An item delivery apparatus delivers a plurality of items separately in series at an item orientation that is at a second angle to the item receptacles. The item delivery apparatus may include a metering device comprising a wheel member having a plurality of generally radially extending, generally equally spaced finger members, with all adjacent finger members being configured at a distance there between proximate end portions of said adjacent finger members. The radial position of the fingers, and thus the distance between end portions, is adjustable.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: A method for filling cells of a heat-formed strip with corresponding articles, the strip being continuously advanced at a predetermined operating speed, comprising: collecting a plurality of articles which are in contact with each other and arranged in parallel rows; adjusting the position occupied by the collected articles in such a way that the articles are arranged in a same spatial arrangement as a same number of empty cells in a longitudinal region of the blister strip to be filled; transferring the articles to a position above the blister strip, the speed of advancement of the articles being gradually synchronized with the speed of advancement of the strip, in a centered position relative to corresponding underlying empty cells of the longitudinal region; releasing the articles into the empty cells of the longitudinal region; repeating these operating stages in order to fill at least a further longitudinal region, which is identical and adjacent to the longitudinal region, in such a way as to complete t

Abstract: A device one version of which comprises a planar member having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface defines an array of recesses configured for substantial alignment with an array of blister-like chambers in a sheet to receive a plurality of objects. All of the recesses defined by the planar member are substantially uniform in size and each recess is sized and configured so that substantially all of at least one of the objects may fit in a respective recess. The planar member also defines a plurality of fluid passageways, each passageway opening respectively into one of the recesses defined by the top surface of the planar member, at least a portion of each fluid passageway being more narrow in cross-section than its respective recess to retain the object in its respective recess. Related vacuum apparatus employing the device is described.

Abstract: A semi-automatic medicine packaging machine includes a medication feed outlet that feeds and discharges medications into a hopper, a sealing unit that seals medications in the hopper by medication envelope(s) on which instruction labels are printed by a printing unit, a button operation unit that inputs a user's operation into the controller, a manual dispensing tray, an automatic supply unit including a plurality of tablet cassettes, and a user information input unit that inputs user information into a controller that controls the overall operation of the machine and includes a user authentication unit for authenticating a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placing patterns of product holders, more in particular placing stacks of layers of the holders, into boxes or crates, using a supporting band, cords or strips, whereby the use of complex gripper heads is avoided. Thus, a considerably cheaper packing process is obtained.

Abstract: By loading both upright and flat tissue clips into their respective cartons by pushing on one end of the clip along the clip's longitudinal axis, a simple flexible carton loading apparatus is possible. To load flat tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip while sliding the clip from the bucket into the carton. To load upright tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip, while the opposing end of the clip is moved either up or down such that the leading half of the clip is folded backwards about a transverse fold axis by a folding plate attached to the pusher head as the clip is advanced through the bucket towards the carton. Upon entering the carton, the clip is folded in a backwards C-shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of packaging an electronic component such as semiconductor device, where by the component is positioned in a cavity of a foil by tweezers and is supported by means of a further foil which is attached to the foil at one side thereof. According to an example embodiment, the component is first placed into the cavity of the foil by the tweezers, and only after that is the further foil positioned adjacent thereto and attached to the foil. The tweezers are moved through the foil to pick up the component, hold it, and move it into the cavity. A feature of this embodiment is that the component may be temporarily supported by a supporting means after being positioned in the cavity and before being attached to the further foil, and the foil with the component is moved in a longitudinal direction (L) of the foil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing container assemblies having a cup-shaped insert disposed within a container. A container conveyor conveys a series of open containers along a lower horizontal path, the container conveyor bringing each container in turn to a stop at an insertion station. A generally vertical inserter chute is disposed above the insertion station for conducting a generally cup-shaped insert through the inserter and out the lower end into a container positioned at the insertion station. An insert conveyor disposed above the inserter conveys a series of inserts along an upper horizontal path, each insert on the insert conveyor having an open end and an opposite closed end and being in an inverted orientation such that the open end of the insert faces downward. A lead one of the inserts being conveyed on the insert conveyor tips over and falls into the inserter in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer storage bag includes a chamber through which one or more rams reciprocate in a generally horizontal direction, forcing bulk material such as compost, distillers grains, silage, or feedstuffs from the chamber into a frame that carries the gathered sidewall of the storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. A loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag loading machine feeds the bulk material into the chamber.

Abstract: A device for filling a container with a plurality of objects standing substantially upright on a floor portion of the container includes: a depositing cavity temporarily created and maintained in the container for receiving one of the plurality of objects; a first moveable planar restraining member having a first anterior surface facing the depositing cavity and a first posterior surface, the first posterior surface restraining a previously deposited object against movement; and a second moveable planar restraining member having a second anterior surface facing the depositing cavity and a second posterior surface. The first and second restraining members are operationally arranged to be removably insertable into and between the opposing side walls of the container.

Abstract: A device and method for stacking product into a container in a vertical orientation. The device includes at least one pivoting mechanism pivotable between a loading position and an initial/final position. The at least one pivoting mechanism retains a container thereon. The device may further include at least one corresponding diverting mechanism for injecting product into the container. The diverting mechanism includes a feeding area and a diverting arm swingable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverting arm allows product to enter the feeding area. An ejection station is positioned proximate to the feeding area and injects the product into the container after the product enters the feeding area via movement of the diverting arm. In one aspect the ejection station is provided by a pinch belt arrangement and is controlled by a control.

Abstract: A package includes a first and a second wafer stored therein in a stacked configuration. The first wafer has interconnection conductor material portions extending from a first surface thereof. The interconnection conductor material portions have a maximum height. An interleaf member is located between the first and second wafers. A first recessed portion is formed in the interleaf member, and it has an outer perimeter shape corresponding to an outer perimeter shape of the first wafer. The first recessed portion has a first depth from a top surface of the interleaf member. A second recessed portion is formed in the interleaf member and located at least partially within the first recessed portion, and it has a bottom surface at a second depth from the top surface. The second depth is greater than the first depth. The second depth minus the first depth is greater than the maximum height.

Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging system that includes a beak-shaped hopper, a pair of opening and closing bars, and a sensor for sensing a limitless opening and closing movement of the opening and closing bars. The beak-shaped hopper and the pair of opening and closing bars are operable to move in unison back and forth along a main travel path. The main travel path leads to a rotary vacuum packaging device having a pressure resistant chamber. The beak-shaped hopper is dimensioned to convey packaging bags into the pressure resistant chamber. The opening and closing bars are dimensioned to detect a bag on the hopper by opening towards both sides immediately after a bag has been conveyed into the pressure resistant chamber. A pushing bar is dimensioned to convey an item to be packaged into the bag when the bag is detected on the hopper by the opening and closing bars. The opening and closing bars contact a sensor for detecting movement of the opening and closing bars when a bag is not on the hopper.

Abstract: By loading both upright and flat tissue clips into their respective cartons by pushing on one end of the clip along the clip's longitudinal axis, a simple flexible carton loading apparatus is possible. To load flat tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip while sliding the clip from the bucket into the carton. To load upright tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip, while the opposing end of the clip is moved either up or down such that the leading half of the clip is folded backwards about a transverse fold axis by a folding plate attached to the pusher head as the clip is advanced through the bucket towards the carton. Upon entering the carton, the clip is folded in a backwards C-shape.

Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of automatically stuffing folder pockets includes providing a folder with one or more pockets; providing one or more inserts which can be of differing sizes; the accumulation of the one or more inserts in a stack for insertion into the one or more pockets of the folder; opening the one or more pockets of the folder; and the insertion of the accumulated stack of the one or more inserts into the one or more folder pockets. Predetermined inserts can be selectively processed and stuffed into selected folder pockets. An embodiment also can fold the folder, producing a final product of a stuffed folder ready for distribution.

Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for orienting a part detached from a web of parts. The apparatus and method use a duct with at least one interior sloped side to orient the part in a substantially vertical orientation. The invention further provides an apparatus for stacking a plurality of flexible circuits. The apparatus includes a container having a contoured end that causes the flexible circuits to stack upon the contoured end.

Abstract: An article to be packaged and a packaging bag for covering the article are supplied to heat sealing mechanisms which arrive at uniform time intervals, in synchronism with cycle timing of the respective heat sealing mechanisms. A vertically openable beak-shaped hopper and a sliding plate perform reciprocal movement at a uniform time interval along guides on both sides, and arrive at circulating sealing platforms. The hopper is inserted into an opening of the packaging bag hanging down from above, and conveys the packaging bag to the sealing platform whilst extending the same. In response to a relevant signal, a forward-and-reverse motor coupled to a ball screw causes the article to advance following the hopper by an insertion rod moving along the guides.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of inserting insert or enclosure material into successive envelopes are disclosed. According to the envelope inserting method, the insert material is conveyed along a straight path successively to an envelope inserting position where the insert material is inserted into the envelope and the stuffed envelope is then conveyed out of the inserting position in the same direction as the above straight path. The method includes providing immediately above the envelope inserting position an envelope storage station where a plurality of envelopes are stored in a stack one above another with the front panel of each of the envelopes facing upward so that the envelopes in the storage station are fed successively to the envelope inserting position for insertion thereinto of insert material.

Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system, comprising a tablet packaging unit, a tablet dropping unit having door cabinets and slider cabinets, a front hopper for the door cabinets, and rear hoppers detachably mounted in the base plate to minimize rebounding of the released tablets and kinetic force of the tablets being dropped via the corresponding channel.

Abstract: Container packing system for use with conveyed articles. The system includes a carton having four sidewalls with four carton upper edges and four carton lower edges. Four upper flaps are connected to the respective upper edges and four lower flaps are connected to the respective four lower edges. The sidewalls define a carton inner space sized to receive therein a layer of the conveyed articles. A movable support platform receives thereon the conveyed articles and is sized for location in the carton space between the sidewalls. The support platform is actuatable to move between the upper edges and the lower edges. Two of the lower flaps are folded inwardly and upwardly towards a lower surface of the movable support platform. A method of using the system to pack a carton is also provided.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system and method for transferring a dunnage pad are disclosed. The conversion system includes a cushioning conversion machine and a pad support. The conversion machine produces cushioning dunnage pads and discharges the pads in a predetermined discharge direction. A pad support is movable between a pad receiving position and a pad discharge position. In the pad receiving position, the pad support is oriented relative to the conversion machine to receive thereon dunnage pads discharged from the conversion machine in the discharge direction. In the pad discharge position, the pad support is tilted relative to horizontal for discharge of the dunnage pad from the pad support.

Abstract: A cartoner has an intermediate transfer disposed between each article infeed area and an adjacent bucket conveyor to transfer separate rows of select article count into buckets on the adjacent bucket conveyor. The intermediate transfer runs only the length necessary to feed rows into a bucket for one tier or group of articles. Row selecting and forming devices on, or extending from, buckets or bucket walls are eliminated. A sheet feeder feeds partitions over the upstream end of a group receiving bucket conveyor for deposit on a lower group of articles on which an upper group is to be formed.

Abstract: While the manufacturing of integrated circuits (IC) has become a mostly automated process, the loading of the ICs into storage and shipping tubes 105 still requires a large amount of human interaction. A major stumbling block to the automation is the removal and insertion of retention pins 115 in the tubes. The present invention uses pressurized air 406 to hold a partially extracted retention pin 115 in position while the tube 105 is loaded. Once loaded, the retention pin 115 is reinserted. By not fully extracting the retention pin 115, alignment is maintained, simplifying the reinsertion step.