Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a folio ream. The method comprises pre-creasing a wrap sheet and driving the ream into the wrap sheet toward a fold position. A bubble of wrap is formed in the wrap sheet, which is cut while the ream advances, such that a lower flap of the wrap sheet extends beyond the rear edge of the ream. An upper flap fold is formed on the rear edge of the ream, and glue is applied to the lower flap as it is held flat via a vacuum. The lower flap of the wrap sheet is then folded in an upward direction, while the vacuum simultaneously applies a force to an opposite side of the lower flap to keep it flat during folding. The ream is reversed to compress the glue between the lower and upper flaps, forming a rear edge seam on the folio ream.

Abstract: A plastic film wrapping device has a chassis, at least one conveyer device, pair of feeders, and enclosing device. The feeders supply plastic film from the two sides of the chassis. An enclosing device straddles between two sides of the conveyer device and has at least one pair of sealing blades that are reciprocally movable in a horizontal direction which forms a film sealing opening, whereby the inward movement of the two sealing blades into the film sealing opening combine with each other to fuse and on together ends of the plastic films. A leading edge of the article contacts and pulls forward the joined plastic films to have the plastic films wrapped around an outer circumference of the article and then the rear ends of the plastic films are fused to seal the article.

Abstract: A packing method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (3) of packing material about a group (2) of cigarettes, and having: a first packing conveyor (12) having a first pocket (14) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; a second packing conveyor (18) having a second pocket (20) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; and a transfer device (24) which transfers the group (2), wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material, from the first pocket (14) to the second pocket (20), and has a pusher (26) located at the first pocket (14) and engaging a first base wall (4) of the group (2), and a counter-pusher (27) located at the second pocket and engaging a second base wall (4), opposite the first base wall (4), of the group (2); the pusher (26) and/or the counter-pusher (27) of the transfer device (24) having respective lateral appendixes (28) which engage minor lateral walls (6) of the group (2), when the push

Abstract: A wrapping material is provided comprising a plurality of wrapping units, each said wrapping unit having a leading edge at one of thereof and a tail edge at an opposing edge thereof, where each one of said plurality of wrapping units is serially connected to at least one other of said plurality of wrapping units at the corresponding leading edge, tail edge, or both. In a further embodiment, discrete adhesive areas are disposed on the first surface of said plurality of wrapping units. In a still further embodiment, the discrete adhesive areas are covered by a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is attached to the first surface of the next said serially connected wrapping unit.

Abstract: A packing method and machine for producing a package, the method including the steps of feeding the content of the package into a first pocket of a first packing conveyor; transferring the content of the package from the first pocket of the first packing conveyor to a second pocket of a second packing conveyor at a first transfer station; feeding a first blank to the second pocket by means of a first feed device; and folding the first blank, in the second pocket, about the content of the package to form a container with a lid.

Abstract: A method of packaging products, in particular moist products, wherein an areal packaging material is positioned at the outer surfaces of a product while forming fold lines such that the product is completely surrounded by packaging material. The packaging material is first folded adjacent to a lower side region while forming side surface regions and end face regions such that a container open at one side is formed. Sections of the packaging material that project beyond the rim of the container open at one side in the regions of mutually oppositely disposed product side surfaces are folded so far over one another while covering the product upper side of the product until they contact one another in order then to be sealed with one another in a first sealing region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low friction gliding plate designed to optimize the process of packing at least one compressible object, such as insulation material, in continuous foil. In addition the present invention relates to a method for using a low friction gliding plate in packaging at least one compressible object.

Abstract: Methods and machines are provided for forming a five-sided carton of packages of smoking articles. A piece of film material is applied to a plurality of packages of smoking articles such that five sides of the plurality of packages are at least partially covered by the film material, but the sixth side remains uncovered. The film material is applied such that the group of packages is sufficiently tightly bound so that none of the packages may slip free from the carton. The sixth side of the plurality of packages in the carton remains exposed so that tax stamps may be easily applied. The film of material may be applied so that a gap is formed relative to the sixth side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a folio ream. The method comprises pre-creasing a wrap sheet and driving the ream into the wrap sheet toward a fold position. A bubble of wrap is formed in the wrap sheet, which is cut while the ream advances, such that a lower flap of the wrap sheet extends beyond the rear edge of the ream. An upper flap fold is formed on the rear edge of the ream, and glue is applied to the lower flap as it is held flat via a vacuum. The lower flap of the wrap sheet is then folded in an upward direction, while the vacuum simultaneously applies a force to an opposite side of the lower flap to keep it flat during folding. The ream is reversed to compress the glue between the lower and upper flaps, forming a rear edge seam on the folio ream.

Abstract: A method of folding a rectangular sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article; the method providing for: bringing an end wall of the article into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that major transverse edges of the article are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and minor transverse edges of the article are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the end wall, so that the sheet of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls of the article; and folding the sheet of packing material about longitudinal edges of a major lateral wall and onto minor lateral walls of the article, before folding the sheet of packing material about minor transverse edges of the end wall.

Abstract: A method and machine for folding sheets of packing material about respective groups of cigarettes to form respective packages, and wherein a web of packing material is first fed through a control station for detecting the position of a reference mark made on the web at a work station upstream from the control station, and is then fed through a cutting station where the web is cut into sheets of packing material, each of which is fed to a packing station where each sheet of packing material is folded about the respective group of cigarettes.

Abstract: A packing method and unit for folding a sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article, the packing unit having: a conveyor for feeding the article along a path; a feed device for feeding the sheet of packing material perpendicularly to the path and in front of the article, so the article, as it moves forward, intercepts and gradually folds the sheet of packing material into a “U”; two lead-in devices mounted to move parallel to the path and positioned on opposite sides of the article, so the article is enclosed between the two lead-in devices; and an actuating device for feeding the two lead-in devices parallel to the path and together with the article, so the sheet of packing material is also intercepted by the lead-in devices.

Abstract: A shrink film applying apparatus includes an article feed for feeding articles for shrink-wrapping at line pressure; a wrapping conveyor driven at a wrapping speed through a wrapping zone, the wrapping conveyor receiving articles from the article feed. First and second films are supplied to the wrapping zone. A plurality of flight bars are individually driven in a path at a variable speed. A sealing mechanism within the wrapping zone seals the first film to the second film at contact points to form a circumferential film unit substantially surrounding grouped articles within loops of second film and a corresponding portion of the first film, the film unit being shrinkable about the grouped articles to form a package. Related methods and subassemblies of the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for wrapping a stack (12, 13) of superposed sheets, brochures and/or folders with a wrapping sheet (15). The stack (13) is travelling in a first direction (4) on a first conveyor (2) defining a conveying path. A supply of wrapping sheets (14) is placed in line with the first conveyor (2). At the downstream end of the first conveyor (2) a rotating waver wheel (10) is arranged. This waver wheel pulls a top sheet (15) from the supply of wrapping sheets (14) and turns the wrapping sheet (15). Downstream of the first conveyor (2) a second conveyor (3) is provided defining a gap (5) between the first and second conveyors in which the wrapping sheet is inserted. As the stack (13) engages the wrapping sheet (15), the rotating waver wheel (10) folds the sheet around the stack.

Abstract: A wrapping method and unit for producing a package containing a group of cigarettes and having a cigarette extraction opening; a sheet of wrapping material, complete with the cigarette extraction opening, is fed into a pocket of a wrapping wheel so that the sheet of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket; then the group of cigarettes is fed into the pocket containing the U-folded sheet of wrapping material.

Abstract: A method of folding a sheet (2) of packing material about a group (3) of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall (8a) of the group (3) of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet (2) of packing material, so that the major transverse edges (10) of the group (3) of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet (2) of packing material; folding the sheet (2) of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material partly covers both the major lateral walls (6) of the group (3) of cigarettes; folding the sheet (2) of packing material about the minor transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls (6) and the minor lateral walls (7), and forms a tubular package having one open end at a second end wall (8b); and folding the sheet (2) of packing material onto the second end wall (8b) to complete the foldin

Abstract: A blank for producing a package of tobacco articles; the package of tobacco articles has a group of tobacco articles wrapped in a tubular inner sheet of packing material closed axially by two end folds, and an outer package, which is formed by folding the blank, surrounds the group of tobacco articles, is parallelepiped-shaped, and has a top wall contacting a first end fold of the inner sheet of packing material, a bottom wall contacting a second end fold of the inner sheet of packing material, and a number of lateral walls; and the blank has two transverse fold lines, and a number of longitudinal fold lines defining, between the two transverse fold lines, a first panel forming part of a first minor lateral wall, a second panel forming a first major lateral wall, a third panel forming a second minor lateral wall, a fourth panel forming a second major lateral wall, and a fifth panel forming the rest of the first minor lateral wall.

Abstract: Food service set assembly systems and methods include delivery of one or more utensils and a napkin to a receiving cradle where they are grasped by two fingers attached to a rotatable shaft and wound to a desired tension. Utensils are delivered to the receiving cradle is a uniform alignment via a gravity driven system. Sterilization of the utensils can also be provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A method and wrapping unit for producing a package containing a group of cigarettes, and which include: feeding the group of cigarettes along a path; feeding a sheet of wrapping perpendicularly to the path of the group of cigarettes; feeding a tubular spindle along the path of the group of cigarettes to intercept the sheet of wrapping and fold the sheet of wrapping into a U about the tubular spindle; and feeding the group of cigarettes through the tubular spindle to slide the sheet of wrapping off the tubular spindle and apply the U-folded sheet of wrapping to the group of cigarettes.

Abstract: A method of folding a sheet of packing material, having an extraction opening, about a group of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall of the group of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that the major transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and the minor transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the first end wall, so that the sheet of packing material covers both the major lateral walls of the group of cigarettes completely; folding the sheet of packing material onto a second end wall of the group of cigarettes; and folding the sheet of packing material onto the minor lateral walls of the group of cigarettes; the first end wall of the group of cigarettes is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the sheet of packing material

Abstract: Method for packing groups of products or products of prismatic shape with rectangular or square base, which from a feed or grouping unit are then moved towards a first folding spindle so as to be delivered therefrom wrapped in the shape of a “U” rotated through 90° and open at the back, by a packing sheet which is previously placed in front of the spindle with vertical positioning, characterized in that the product with the packing sheet delivered from the spindle are picked up directly and fed in phase between the parallel and horizontal motorized conveyors of a tilting drum positioned inside which longitudinally, edgewise and parallel with each other, are folding devices which guide the product with the packing laterally and fold on the lateral faces of the product the first flaps with vertical folding, projecting laterally and anterior in the feed direction of the packing.

Abstract: Device for packaging items, in particular confectionery, such as for example lollipops, comprising a packaging conveyor having a series of holders rotating along a movement path for holding each item and its associated packaging sheet securely during conveying, a feed station for feeding the items and the packaging sheets to the packaging conveyor and a discharge station for discharging the items packaged on the conveyor, the packaging conveyor being provided with means for closing the packaging sheet on the respective item and with a series of heat-sealing means co-rotating with the holders for heat-sealing the closed packaging by supplying heat, each of the heat-sealing means comprising a sheet gripper which is provided with a heating body, the device furthermore comprising means for heating each heating body and means for controlling the heating means, the control means being designed for controlling the heating means for each heating body.

Abstract: A packing method and unit for folding a sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article, the packing unit having: a conveyor for feeding the article along a path; a feed device for feeding the sheet of packing material perpendicularly to the path and in front of the article, so the article, as it moves forward, intercepts and gradually folds the sheet of packing material into a “U”; two lead-in devices mounted to move parallel to the path and positioned on opposite sides of the article, so the article is enclosed between the two lead-in devices; and an actuating device for feeding the two lead-in devices parallel to the path and together with the article, so the sheet of packing material is also intercepted by the lead-in devices.

Abstract: Banding machine in which logs of sheet material are fed by a conveyor belt to a banding device that is adapted to band the logs with a banding web to form a tubular wrapper around the logs. The banding device includes a pusher operated by an actuator, which pushes the log into a channel, in which a packaging sheet is arranged, stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle. The conveyor belt and the packaging apparatus are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). A pusher is be provided, operated by a piston at the first height (H1), in addition to a pusher provided at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Further, a lifting member is provided, which receives the log from the first pusher and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).

Abstract: A machine for packaging groups of products ordered in one or more layers, which includes a magazine for the supply of the group of products; apparatus for supplying a packaging sheet the sheet being set vertically to a front face of the product, a pusher for unloading the product; a first-folding spindle set downstream of the wrapping sheet; a pair of horizontal conveyors, set on top of one another, set downstream of the first-folding spindle; a vertical folder, which operates in the short space between the folding spindle and the pair of conveyors; and apparatus to superimpose on the bottom of the product the last transverse end flaps of the packaging sheet; and apparatus for fixing the bottom flaps.

Abstract: A method of folding a sheet (2) of packing material about a group (3) of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall (8a) of the group (3) of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet (2) of packing material, so that the major transverse edges (10) of the group (3) of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet (2) of packing material; folding the sheet (2) of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material partly covers both the major lateral walls (6) of the group (3) of cigarettes; folding the sheet (2) of packing material about the minor transverse edges (10) of the first end wall (8a), so that the sheet (2) of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls (6) and the minor lateral walls (7), and forms a tubular package having one open end at a second end wall (8b); and folding the sheet (2) of packing material onto the second end wall (8b) to complete the foldin

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to produce wrapping are described. One implementation includes first and second conveying devices configured to conform to, and cooperatively convey a produce item over a distance and thereby cause an associated media to be snugly wrapped around the produce item.

Abstract: A method and wrapping unit for producing a package containing a group of cigarettes, and which include: feeding the group of cigarettes along a path; feeding a sheet of wrapping perpendicularly to the path of the group of cigarettes; feeding a tubular spindle along the path of the group of cigarettes to intercept the sheet of wrapping and fold the sheet of wrapping into a U about the tubular spindle; and feeding the group of cigarettes through the tubular spindle to slide the sheet of wrapping off the tubular spindle and apply the U-folded sheet of wrapping to the group of cigarettes.

Abstract: Method for packing groups of products or products of prismatic shape with rectangular or square base, which from a feed or grouping unit are then moved towards a first folding spindle so as to be delivered therefrom wrapped in the shape of a “U” rotated through 90° and open at the back, by a packing sheet which is previously placed in front of the spindle with vertical positioning, characterized in that the product with the packing sheet delivered from the spindle are picked up directly and fed in phase between the parallel and horizontal motorized conveyors of a tilting drum positioned inside which longitudinally, edgewise and parallel with each other, are folding devices which guide the product with the packing laterally and fold on the lateral faces of the product the first flaps with vertical folding, projecting laterally and anterior in the feed direction of the packing.

Abstract: A method of folding a sheet of packing material, having an extraction opening, about a group of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall of the group of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that the major transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and the minor transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the first end wall, so that the sheet of packing material covers both the major lateral walls of the group of cigarettes completely; folding the sheet of packing material onto a second end wall of the group of cigarettes; and folding the sheet of packing material onto the minor lateral walls of the group of cigarettes; the first end wall of the group of cigarettes is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the sheet of packing material

Abstract: A method of folding a rectangular sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article; the method providing for: bringing an end wall of the article into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that major transverse edges of the article are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and minor transverse edges of the article are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the end wall, so that the sheet of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls of the article; and folding the sheet of packing material about longitudinal edges of a major lateral wall and onto minor lateral walls of the article, before folding the sheet of packing material about minor transverse edges of the end wall.

Abstract: An apparatus that wraps dinner flatware in a paper napkin in an automated manner and secures it with a paper label is disclosed. The apparatus includes input hoppers for knives, forks, spoons, and napkins which are located on the front and top part of the unit. Additionally, a roll of paper napkins and a roll of securing paper labels are provided on top with their own automatic dispensing means. A plastic cover secures the entire top of the invention to protect it from dust and dirt as well as accidental contact during operation. A series of ultraviolet radiation sources reduces and/or eliminates microbes and viruses either on the surface of the flatware or airborne inside the apparatus. Internal mechanisms then take one of each piece of flatware and fold and roll it in a napkin. The completed napkin unit then drops out the bottom where it is collected for use.

Abstract: A method of making a brand change, on an automatic production system for processing tobacco articles and which produces a first product from first materials; the method has the steps of: stopping the automatic production system once production of the first product is completed; feeding second materials onto the automatic production system; restarting the automatic production system to commence production of a second product from the second materials; checking all the second products in a first lot to ensure each second product in the first lot conforms with production specifications; externally marking each second product in the first lot conforming with production specifications; and generating a pass signal when a given number of consecutive second products conforming with production specifications is produced.

Abstract: A device for wrapping packets of cigarettes has a conveyor for feeding the packets successively along a path; and a number of heating heads, each of which is brought into contact with a respective packet and accompanies the packet from a contact station to a withdrawal station along part of the path; on reaching the withdrawal station, the heating heads are withdrawn, crosswise to the path, from the respective packets, and are conveyed, parallel to the path, from the withdrawal station to the contact station.

Abstract: A process for covering a rigid, penetrable core article with covering material and automatically tucking the material into a surface of the article with an automatically reciprocating plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles such as pouches which do not have rigid structures. The method includes the steps of placing first and second sets of the articles onto spaced apart loading panels of a carton blank so that the article sets are spaced apart with an unloaded further panel of the blank disposed between the article sets, raising the spaced loading panels together with the respective sets of articles to transfer the sets of articles to the unloaded further panel so that the unloaded further panel becomes the loaded base of the carton and the loading panels become opposed side panels of the carton.

Abstract: A fruit protection and transportation system providing various apparatus and methods to absorb impact and compression forces to reduce damage to fruit (3). Particular embodiments of the invention comprise a fruit protector blank (1) of resiliently compressible force absorption material having a substantially planar surface (2) that can be conformed to a portion of the exterior surface of various kinds of fruit (3). Other embodiments of the invention provide a molded force absorption cover (21) of resiliently compressible foam material that elastically conforms to a portion of the exterior surface of a fruit (3).

Abstract: Products (2) presenting bevelled or rounded corner edges (35) are advanced singly and in succession along a predetermined path (P), each enveloped in a wrapper (11) of parallelepiped box-like shape, and directed ultimately into a station (15) where each product (2) is subjected to a finishing step that consists in deforming at least one part of the wrapper (11) and causing it thus to adhere to the surface of the relative product (2), in particular at the bevelled or rounded corner edges (35); thereafter, the finished products (2) are stacked and wrapped in respective stick packs (36) of which the longitudinal corner edges (38) will hug the corner edges (35) of the stacked products (2), adapting to the contours of the bevelled or rounded profile.

Abstract: Banding machine for logs (1) of sheet material fed by a conveyor belt (2) to a packaging apparatus adapted to band it with a banding web (11) up to form a tubular wrapper around it. The packaging apparatus of the banding machine comprises a pusher (7) operated by an actuator (8), which pushes the log (1) in a channel (10) where a packaging sheet (11) is arranged stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle, along all the length of the machine through a passage (12). According to the invention, the conveyor belt (2) and the packaging apparatus (7) are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). Another pusher (14) can be provided, operated by a cylinder piston (15) at a first height (H1), in addition to the pusher (7) at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Furthermore, a lifting member (13) is provided, which receives the log (1) from the first pusher (14) and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).

Abstract: Groups of products stacked on edge are wrapped in sealed stick packs by a method that involves passing a sheet (4) of heat-sealable wrapping material around each group (1) of products (2) and sealing the two side edges (8) in such a way as to fashion a tubular wrapper (12) with end portions (14) projecting axially from the assembled group (1), then spreading each end portion (14) flat by inserting a tongue (16) and heat-sealing each relative pair of flattened edges to render the wrapper airtight. Thereafter, the sealed ends are subjected to a cold crimping action from which each end portion (14) emerges with two impressed crease lines (24) positioned to delimit a central portion (25) that will be folded directly against the corresponding end face of the group (1), and two lateral portions (26) that will be folded inwards over the central portion (25).

Abstract: A cigarette packing machine for producing rigid, hinged-lid, short-hinge packets of cigarettes; the packing machine has a fourth packing wheel which receives wrapped groups of cigarettes from a third transfer wheel at a third transfer station, receives collars from a first feed line at an input station upstream from the third transfer station, and folds each collar into a tube about a respective wrapped group of cigarettes; the packing machine also has a fifth packing wheel which, at a fourth transfer station, receives each wrapped group of cigarettes and the respective collar together with a respective blank supplied by a second feed line, folds the blank about the wrapped group of cigarettes to form an outer package, and releases the packets of cigarettes at a fifth transfer station.

Abstract: Wrapping material utilized by a packaging machine is advanced along a set feed path through a station where an accessory material, typically adhesive, is applied in spots to selected areas of the surface, whereupon the material is charged electrostatically at a first station, and thereafter sensed at a second station to reveal the distribution of the charges; the electrostatic charges register more strongly on and around the spots, so that by measuring any variation in strength relative to the remainder of the surface, identifiable with faulty application of the adhesive, substandard material can be detected before it reaches the wrapping stations of the machine.

Abstract: Process for producing packs made of thin cardboard with an outer wrapper made of shrink-wrap film. Folding tabs of the outer wrapper are connected to one another by full-surface-area heat sealing. The shrink-wrapping process for the outer wrapper may be initiated as a result. In order to ensure a correct form of the outer wrapper, the folding tabs, prior to the full-surface-area sealing operation, are connected to one another by a tack seal, with small, limited sealing surface areas, and are then sealed over the full surface area.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of first and second sheets of sterilization material. Each sheet has first, second, third and fourth edges. Each sheet includes a central portion. The first edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the first edge of the second sheet; the second edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the second edge of the second sheet; the third edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the third edge of the second sheet; and the fourth edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the fourth edge of the second sheet. The central portions of the first and second sheets are substantially not bonded together. Thus, two layers of sterilization material are provided for an article to be sterilized.

Abstract: For producing hard packs, namely hinge-lid boxes or shell and slide packs in particular, inner and outer pack units are prepared separately in each case, namely a shell (20), on the one hand, and a blank for a hinge-lid box, on the other hand. The inner pack unit, comprising a cigarette block (10) and a further pack part, namely a slide (13) or a collar, is prepared in the region of a mandrel turret (24). The pack units are then brought together, with continued rotary movement, by axial displacement relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and machine for producing a package with a coupon, whereby a product is fed to a packing station via a feed station, where the coupon is applied on to a top wall of the product; at the packing station, a sheet of packing material is wrapped about the product to enclose both the product and the coupon, and, between the feed station and the packing station, the coupon is subjected to an electric field and charged electrostatically, so as to adhere electrostatically to the product; the electric field is generated by at least one fixed guide, which is parallel to the path so as to face the top wall of the product, and comprises a number of conducting bodies having a high direct voltage with respect to an electric earth.

Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping an article, whereby the article is fed through a feed station, where the article is applied with a respective sheet of wrapping material which is folded into an L about the article, so as to have a free edge not contacting the article, and through a follow-up wrapping station, where the sheet of wrapping material is folded about the article to form a tubular wrapping by applying the free edge onto the article; between the feed station and the wrapping station, the free edge of the L-folded sheet of wrapping material is subjected to traction in substantially the opposite direction to the travelling direction of the article by subjecting the first free edge to suction, so as to smooth the sheet of wrapping material onto the article.

Abstract: An apparatus that wraps dinner flatware in a paper napkin in an automated manner and secures it with a paper label is disclosed. The apparatus includes input hoppers for knives, forks, spoons, and napkins which are located on the front and top part of the unit. Additionally, a roll of paper napkins and a roll of securing paper labels are provided on top with their own automatic dispensing means. A plastic cover secures the entire top of the invention to protect it from dust and dirt as well as accidental contact during operation. Internal mechanisms then take one of each piece of flatware and fold and roll it in a napkin. The completed napkin unit then drops out the bottom where it is collected for use.

Abstract: A method of wrapping orderly groups of cigarettes arranged, in each group, in a number of superimposed layers, of which an outer layer is narrower than the adjacent layer and defines, in the relative group, at least one longitudinal lateral gap, the method providing for continuously feeding each group into a respective folding pocket, together with a sheet of wrapping material which is folded into a U inside the folding pocket and has a lateral portion projecting from the folding pocket; clamping the group on an end wall of the folding pocket, with the outer layer of the group facing outwards, by means of two end clamping members, each having an appendix arranged at a respective end of the longitudinal lateral gap; and folding the lateral portion of the sheet about the group and about the appendixes of the end clamping members to form a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped tubular wrapping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a hinged lid side by side vertically hinged cigarette pack having a first bundle and a second bundle of cigarettes is described. The machinery includes a first machine to form a first foil wrapped bundle surrounded by a first inner frame, a second machine for forming a second foil wrapped bundle surrounded by a second inner frame and a third machine for combining the first and second foil wrapped bundle into a single hinged lid side by side vertically hinged pack.