Abstract: A packing device according to an embodiment includes a supply station, a right end effector, a left end effector, a right arm unit, a left arm unit, and a forming station. A cardboard box in a flat state is placed on the supply station. The cardboard box developed three-dimensionally is placed on the forming station. The right arm unit includes the right end effector provided with a suction unit. The left arm unit includes the left end effector provided with a suction unit. The packing device performs an operation of developing the cardboard box and an operation of moving the cardboard box to the forming station by using the right arm unit and the left arm unit while sucking both side surfaces of the cardboard box placed on the supply station by using the suction units.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.

Abstract: A machine for raising planar articles (2), preferably made of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or plastics, in order to manufacture box-shaped or crate-shaped packaging. The machine comprises at least one main conveyor (16) for advancing the planar articles (2) one at a time and side forming means (8) for turning the side panels (5b) of the articles predominantly 90° upwards with respect to the bottom panel (4) of the article (2). Moreover, the machine is provided with transversely arranged end forming means (15) for turning the end panels (6a, 6b) of the articles substantially 90° upwards and optionally also turning the end portions (5b?, 5b?) of the side panels (5b) substantially 90° with respect to the remaining portion of the side panels. Finally, there are joining means (12, 20) for joining the side panels (5a, 5b) and the end panels (6a, 6b) of the articles. This provides a machine requiring less space than the known one but remaining very reliable.

Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus or system for automatically assembling or erecting tote containers, and a corresponding method or process for practicing or implementing the assembly or erection of the tote containers, is disclosed wherein tote container workpieces are disposed in a serial array within a magazine or hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging articles in clear clamshell packages includes a pair of parallel relatively narrow, laterally spaced apart conveyor belts that support there-between a package in open position by its opposing side peripheries. A stack of packages is supported in nested configuration adjacent the front end of the conveyor and de-nester mechanism withdraws packages there-from and places them on the conveyor. As the package is advanced a robotic arm picks and places articles of commerce and associated product information card in the package cavity. A rotating roller coated with UV-responsive adhesive coats raised male surfaces of the advancing package. Next an air knife sends a jet of air upwardly to cause the open package lid to rotate upwardly to cover the article-receiving portion. A driven roller presses the lid downwardly to fully close it and cause the adhesive coated surfaces to fully engage the corresponding grooves on the article-receiving portion.

Abstract: A shuttle packaging machine includes a support structure having a servomotor driven shuttle device mounted thereon. A transfer arm having suction cups clamps, removes and holds a shipping blank on the shuttle device during all of the packaging functions. The major and minor flaps of the shipping container are held open during the loading of the container. Tucking or folding plows and pneumatic cylinders fold and hold the major and minor flaps. The “shuttle action” of the shuttle device during loading and flap folding allows for a compact arrangement as well as minimizing the number of parts required.

Abstract: A method for closing a box (1) by folding a lateral closing flap (5) extending from an upper edge (6) of a lateral aperture (7) of the box (1) and having at least one foldable edge (8), while the box (1) is being moved along a packaging line (L) in a forward movement direction (W), includes the steps of folding the lateral flap (5) until a connection line (9) of the foldable edge (8) touches stop means (15), then folding the foldable edge (8) on the striking means (15) and toward the lateral aperture (7) of the box (1), so that an outer edge (8a) of the foldable edge (8) interacts with contrast means (17), which keep elastically the edge (8) in a position raised with respect to a bottom wall (1a) of the box (1), and lastly introducing the edge (8) into the box (1). A device for carrying out the methods has folding means (14) for folding the said lateral flap.

Abstract: A case packing and case flap separation apparatus is disclosed for packing articles into cases and closing the cases. The cases typically have first and second major and minor flaps interconnected by tab-locks and held in folded positions adjacent vertical ends and sides of the cases. The apparatus includes a conveyor having a radial transport path adapted to transport successive cases through an article insertion section, first and second tab slitting sections, and a case exit section. Tab slitters are associated with the first and second slitting sections adapted to sever the tab-locks so that the major and minor flaps can be separated. First and second flap guides are associated with the first and second slitting section adapted to engage and elevate the separated major flaps away from the vertical walls after the tab-locks have been severed.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments of the media packaging apparatus and method according to the present invention, a plurality of stations are positioned adjacent to a conveyor. A disc case enters a feed path preferably from an empty disc case receptacle, is conveyed to a disc case opening station where a wedge separates the lid from the housing of the case, is then conveyed to a media disc insertion station where a media disc is inserted in the case, and is then conveyed to a case closing station where the case is closed. Other additional stations are possible such as an additional item insertion station or a disc case unloading station. The functions performed at the various stations can alternatively be performed at the same location along the conveyor. In some embodiments, the present invention is equipped with a drive system that can be operated in the absence of power.

Abstract: An improved case packer machine is disclosed, of the type where containers are dropped through grid fingers to an empty case positioned on a lift table. The case packer machine of the present invention includes a flap opener which includes a pair of shoes mounted to an air cylinder. The shoes are extended by the air cylinder to contact and open the leading flap. The lifting table of the present invention is motor driven and controlled to limit the shock loading experienced by the containers as they are positioned within the cases. The lifting table includes a pair spur gears driven by the motor in meshing arrangement with a pair rack gears each mounted to a table and a novel gear guide to maintain proper engagement between the racks and gears and further to provide for backlash adjustment between the gears.

Abstract: In a device for loading film (3) on machines for wrapping products, a carriage (4) which supports and moves a reel (5) has a guard (9) covering the end of a pair of rollers (6, 7) for pre-stretching and feeding the film (3), opposite the end attached to a platform (8) which supports the rollers; the guard (9) covers each roller (6, 7) in such a way that it defines a continuous through-channel (C) at least at the surfaces (6s, 7s) of the rollers (6, 7) which make contact with the film (3), so that the film (3) can be inserted between said surfaces from the outside.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a package transporting means, in particular a folding box transporting means, and a transverse pushing device comprising a plunger which can be displaced substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction of the package transporting means, by means of which a package disposed on the package transporting means can be displaced perpendicularly to the transport direction. Several plungers are thereby displaceably disposed at equal distances on an endless transport device circulating substantially parallel with respect to the transport direction of the package transporting means, wherein a cam track defines the displacement of the plungers and comprises a first section for axial extension of the plunger and a subsequent second section for axial retraction of the plunger. To enable simple and quick adaptation to the format of the folding box to be displaced, at least the first section of the cam track is formed by an adjustable abutment surface on which a first roller travels.