Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging of flexible bags, filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product. A packaging box is fitted on an introduction tube, essentially extending the whole height of the box. A flexible bag is dispensed from a supply point for flexible bags into the box through a funnel and the introduction tube, which forms an extension. The packing box, containing the flexible bag for the introduction tube is removed. The plant for the packaging of flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, carries out the method.

Abstract: An apparatus, machine and method for opening a flexible pouch includes a pair of opposed side grippers each holding a side of the pouch. A pair of opposed panel grippers each hold an upper edge of the pouch. The side grippers are displaced inwardly towards each other and the panel grippers are displaced outwardly away from each other to partially open the pouch. A pair of pouch opening fingers are displaceable between a raised position above the pouch and a lowered position within the pouch. The pouch opening fingers are open in the raised position and closed after lowered into the lowered position, to grip the wall of the pouch. The pair of pouch opening fingers move together a predetermined distance in an outboard direction to fully separate the pouch walls.

Abstract: A bale bag support device, system and method that provides for placement of a bale into a bale bag by maintaining a bale bag in an opened configuration employing a bale bag support device that includes a frame adapted for advancing motion, a bag support and a bale threshold attached to the frame that define a bale aperture through which bales may be placed onto a bale receiving area located on an inner surface of the bale bag beyond the bale threshold. The bale bagging system also includes a pick and place device for placing bales into the opened bale bag and which may also be employed to advance the bale bag support device a distance sufficient to create a bale receiving area located inside the bale bag beyond the bale threshold.

Abstract: In a method for packaging articles, a tubular blank is conveyed in flat folded configuration to an erecting station to be engaged and rotated by suction cups. The raised blank assumes a parallelepiped shape with a vertical axis, while a striker hits a lateral wall of the blank, so that the blank is erected in a box. While the box is being moved, first and second lower flaps are then folded before the blank is placed on a support plane and moved, by driving and guiding conveyors, to a filling station for insertion of articles, supplied along a vertical direction, into the box. Lastly, the box with the articles therein is moved by the driving and guiding conveyors to subsequent stations for folding lower lateral flaps and upper flaps to close the bottom and the cover of the box. A machine is provided for carrying out the method, with an erecting station and a filling station joined by a horizontal support plane.

Abstract: In a machine for packaging articles into boxes, a magazine of flat folded tubular blanks is shifted with respect to a conveying line of boxes obtained in an inlet station, by a roto-translating arm for withdrawing blanks and introducing the withdrawn blanks into holding modules, associated to the conveying line. The initial part of the conveying line is situated at an inlet station, while the terminal part of the conveying line corresponds to a discharge station of the boxes already filled with articles. Along the conveying line, a pick-and-place system picks up articles from a feeding line and introduces the articles into the boxes, which are closed before reaching a discharge station. The feeding line and the articles outlet line are arranged, during the machine construction, according to a position of the same machine with respect to the production line, that is in order to allow coupling of the machine with working units, arranged aligned or perpendicular with respect to the machine.

Abstract: A random case former accepts an opened-up flat corrugated material representing an unformed box with open bottoms and tops. The random case former automatically adjusts to the dimensions of the box by closing in on the unformed box with flap folders from one or more sides. As the flap folders close in on the box, they first fold the minor-flaps and then the major-flaps on the bottom of the unformed box, thereby forming a box with a closed bottom and an open top into which items can then be placed. The automatic adjustment of the random case former to the box size avoids time-consuming manual adjustment and provides efficiency and speed.

Abstract: A case erector is provided which is easily adaptable to different sizes and shaped of R.S.C. cases and the like. The case erector includes a case erector system including a pair of vacuum heads, the range and motion of each being actuated by linear servos. A first vacuum head travels in a longitudinal direction relative to the flow of cases through the case erector. A second vacuum head travels in a direction transverse to the flow of cases through the case erector. The action of the pair of vacuum heads and the motion thereof erects or expands the cases.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling folding boxes from flat folding box shells has a gripping unit, movable in at least one direction of motion, for grasping the folding box shells and having a suction gripping device and an assembly unit for assembling the folding box shells, and a bottom flap folding tool which is pivotable relative to the assembly unit being mounted thereon, and by which the bottom flap, trailing in the direction of motion of the gripping unit, of the folding box intermediate product resulting from assembly of the folding box shell and having open bottom flaps may be folded by swiveling the pivotable bottom flap folding tool. The assembly unit includes a support element on which the gripping unit is supported, and an assembly tool which is pivotable relative to the support element mounted thereon for assembling the folding box shell.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: In a machine for packaging articles into box-like containers, obtained from tubular blanks in flat folded configuration, tubular blanks are conveyed from a feeding station to an erecting station, by an erection unit, moving between the erecting station and a station for vertical introduction of articles into the erected blanks. A folding element cooperates with the unit to fold a second lower flap of the blank by ninety degrees. A horizontal plane supports the blank and articles contained in the blank. The blank is transferred and guided on the horizontal plane while blank flaps are folded. At closing stations a bottom and a cover of the so obtained pack are closed.

Abstract: Inserter for inserting postal items into envelopes, wherein an envelope catcher separates the envelopes and transports the envelopes away from the stack of empty envelopes and the envelopes are subsequently transported further with the initially leading flap end trailing. The envelope catcher is suspended for movement and drivable along a catcher path, of which at least a section extends closely along the envelope to be separated. When the envelope is transported away from the envelope catcher with its flap end trailing the flap is folded open.

Abstract: A device for picking and opening boxes suitable for packaging products, comprising at least one magazine for substantially parallelepipedal boxes in a flattened configuration, at least one rotating drum provided peripherally with elements for picking the boxes one by one from the magazine and with elements for opening the boxes, and at least one conveyor for conveying the boxes in the open configuration from the rotating drum toward successive production stations of the product packaging process, the box picking elements and the box opening elements being actuated by cams, the conveyor comprising at least one rotating carousel with a plurality of box seats.

Abstract: In a machine for packaging articles into boxes, an articles feeding line is formed by two runs and extends beside the machine according to different possible configurations. The runs can be oriented on a horizontal plane, independently, so as to allow different possible arrangements of the machine with respect to a production line. Likewise, an articles outlet line can be arranged in alignment with longitudinal extension of the machine or perpendicular to longitudinal extension of the machine, to allow the machine to be connected with working units arranged either in alignment or perpendicular to the machine.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and packaging vinyl siding panels. The apparatus comprises a panel receiving section for positioning in line with a panel extrusion line, pins for inverting and stacking the panels atop each other with the pins being coupled to a frame supporting the panel receiving section and situated below the panel receiving section, a panel accumulation section situated below the panel receiving section and the pins, and a mechanism means, preferably a ram mechanism, situated at a first end of the panel accumulation section for pushing the panels from the panel accumulation section and into a container, such as a pre-made carton, situated at a second end of the panel accumulation section that is opposite the first end. The apparatus substantially reduces ergonomic issues associated with the current apparatus for packaging vinyl siding panels and substantially increases the vinyl siding panel extrusion rate. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine (10) for packaging a product or products (28) in a cardboard box (12), which comprises boxing means arranged along a longitudinal packaging line (16) comprising a first station (A) for making up a box blank (14) and which comprises a conveying device (30) for transfer, in an outbound path, the box (12A) made up at the station (A) to a second, filling, station (B) for boxing the products (28) then on to a third station (C) where the box (12C) is sealed before it is discharged from the machine (10), characterized in that the conveyor device (30) comprises a carriage (32) which is mounted to be able to move longitudinally between an extreme upstream position and an extreme downstream position, and which bears box transfer means (34) comprising at least a first gripper (36) for transferring a made-up box (12A) from the first station (A) to the second station (B) and a second gripper (38) for simultaneously transferring another, filled, box (12B) from the second station (

Abstract: An apparatus for packing products includes a product information acquisition stage arranged to acquire information relating to one or more characteristics of products on a product packing line; a bag supply system arranged to supply bags sequentially as individual products on a conveyor approach a packing apparatus; and a bag opener arranged to automatedly take up a bag from the bag supply system as each individual product approaches the bag opener, and to subsequently machine open a mouth of each bag to a controlled extent based on information relating to products being packed acquired at the upstream product information acquisition stage. An apparatus for packing products includes a product information acquisition stage arranged to acquire information relating to one or more characteristics of products on a product packing line; a product packing stage; and two or more generally parallel conveyors arranged to deliver products of different sizes to the packing stage.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: feeding mechanism, an expanding mechanism, a folding mechanism for folding front and rear parts of a bottom of a cardboard box, a folding mechanism for folding left and right parts of a bottom of a cardboard box, and a conveying mechanism; the feeding mechanism has a holding space, in which flattened boxes are received; the expanding mechanism includes a horizontally moving member, an expanding arm pivoted to the horizontally moving member, and several suction elements; a cardboard box will be expanded when the horizontally moving member moves with the suction elements applying suction on the box to fix the box thereto, and with the expanding arm pivoting 90 degrees; after a cardboard box has been expanded, the folding mechanisms function one after the other to fold front and rear parts and left and right parts of a bottom of the box.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A new and improved case former, or carton folding and erecting apparatus, is disclosed wherein a pair of pivotal support arms, upon each one of which is mounted a case or carton engagement roller, are mounted upon the machine framework such that when actuator mechanisms, for folding the oppositely disposed major side bottom flap members of the case or carton to their folded positions so as to complete the formation of the bottom portion of the case or carton, are actuated, the pair of pivotal support arms are effectively released from a restrained position, at which case or carton engagement rollers are disposed at retracted positions with respect to the case or carton blank so as to initially permit the case or carton blank to be inserted into the case former, or carton folding and erecting apparatus, in an unobstructed manner, whereby the case or carton engagement rollers can now engage the major side walls of the case or carton so as to retain the case or carton in position while the case or carton is subs

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products in boxes provided with a supporting footing, a box feeding magazine, at least one pick-up device, at least one feeder conveyor of products to be placed in the boxes, at least one rotating carousel for receiving in a plurality of peripheral receptacles that have one open side, from the pick-up device, the boxes in a parallelepipedal configuration, and with axial pusher elements. The feeder conveyor has a loop element provided with supporting cups for the products to be placed in boxes.

Abstract: The feed apparatus for feeding container blanks into a container forming machine comprises a hopper at or near its first end for holding a plurality of blanks, a selecting mechanism for selecting one of the blanks, a moving mechanism to move the blanks toward the elevated second end and then the machine and a transferring mechanism for rotating the blank from its angled direction to a substantially vertical direction for placement at the machine's receiving station. Preferably, the moving mechanism comprises a pair of parallel chains interconnected by a shaft having a gripping mechanism configured to securely grip the blank. A pivot mechanism pivots the shaft and the gripping mechanism, which is selectively opened to grip the blank below the hopper and release the blank at the machine. Laminating, folding and compressing components are provided to add adhesive, fold and then compress sections of the blank before reaching the machine.

Abstract: A sun wheel is centered on a sun axis between a magazine and a conveyor, a planet carrier is rotatable about the sun axis and defines a planet axis generally parallel to but offset from the sun axis, and a gripper shaft is journaled in the planet carrier at the planet axis and carries a gripper. A planet wheel carried on the gripper shaft is coupled by a toothed belt with the sun wheel. A first drive rotates the planet carrier about the sun axis and thereby rotates the gripper about the first planet axis to move the gripper through a hypocycloidal path past the magazine and the conveyor. An erecting shaft pivotal on the planet carrier carries an erecting element, and a second drive rotates the erecting shaft and its erecting element and unfolds a flattened box blank held by the gripper.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming containers fed with their side walls arranged in a flattened tubular configuration, comprising a device for opening the containers that is associated with abutment-retention elements for the abutment and retention of the containers in the open configuration and with transfer elements for transferring the open containers into respective variable-geometry receptacles of a conveyance line, the receptacles being suitable to move from a first open configuration for receiving the containers to a second closed configuration for conveying the containers to a subsequent treatment station.

Abstract: A case forming machine for erecting cases from knock down case form to an open form and move an opened case downward to a bottom forming station using a fixed and a moveable jaw system is improved by providing a plurality of stabilizer bars having their bottom edges in a radial plane relative to the pivotal axis. Also provided is a micrometer type adjustment mechanism that is used for adjusting the gap between the fixed and moveable jaws when the jaws are in the parallel pick-up position.

Abstract: A method and machine for packing a group of cartons of cigarettes in a flat tubular package, whereby a first portion and a second portion of a suction gripping head respectively engage a first lateral wall of the flat tubular package, and a second lateral wall of the flat tubular package separated from the first lateral wall by a respective preformed fold line; a rotational movement is then generated between the first and second portion of the suction gripping head to rotate the first and second lateral wall engaged by the suction gripping head with respect to each other, and so convert the flat tubular package from the flat configuration to an open configuration; the group of cartons of cigarettes is then pushed inside the open tubular package, and the suction gripping head is moved to feed the open tubular package to a sealing station where the open tubular package is sealed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for storing and transporting products, wherein, from plastic, foldable containers are manufactured, in particular injection molded; the foldable containers, at a filling location, are brought in a set-up condition and are filled with products; the filled containers are transported to a position of use; the foldable containers are emptied and are collapsed; the containers, in collapsed condition, are returned to the filling location; and the containers are cleaned and reused. The invention further relates to a foldable container which is injection molded from plastic in one piece with integrated hinges, and to specific methods for use of such plastic container.

Abstract: A case forming machine for erecting cases from knock down case form to an open form and move an opened case downward to a bottom forming station using a fixed and a moveable jaw system is improved by providing a plurality of radially spaced, concentric stabilizer bars fixed to the fixed jaw and arranged to form concentric segments of circles centered on the pivotal axis of the moveable jaw and having their bottom edges in a radial plane relative to the pivotal axis. Also provided is a micrometer type adjustment mechanism that is used for adjusting the gap between the fixed and moveable jaws when the jaws are in the parallel pick-up position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the automated wrapping of a bundle with a resilient stretchable film. The method comprises the steps of (i) unrolling a desired length of the film from a roll. The film has a first panel overlapping a second panel. The panels are interconnected at a sealed first end. (ii) Sealing a second end of the panels to bond them together by a second seal at the desired length. (iii) Cutting the film along the second seal to form a tube. (iv) Separating the first panel of the tube from the second panel by grasping film edges of each of the panels, whereby the tube may be opened. (v) Loading the tube in an opened position on an expandable frame, whereby at least a portion of the tube is accumulated in a folded condition on the expandable frame. (vi) Stretching the tube by expanding the expandable frame.

Abstract: A build cell is utilized to manufacture computers and load data into the computers according to customer orders. The build cell may include a build station at which components are assembled into a computer and a first network connection that links the computer with an on-site server. The build cell may also include a supplemental network connection that links the computer with an off-site server. Data from the on-site and off-site servers can be transferred to the computer via the first network connection and the supplemental network connection, respectively. Manufacturing facilities and assembly units including the same or similar functionality are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming packages of pre-cooked meals. The package comprises a tray enclosed at least partially by a card sleeve having top and bottom faces and two opposing side walls. The forming apparatus includes a series of forming tools mounted for movement at spaced intervals and each forming tool is provided for the reception of a sleeve in a blank flattened form. As the sleeve is introduced into the forming tool the sleeve is moved to the erected condition, the tray is inserted in the erected sleeve and the formed package removed from the forming tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the automated wrapping of a bundle with a resilient stretchable film. The method comprises the steps of (i) unrolling a desired length of the film from a roll. The film has a first panel overlapping a second panel. The panels are interconnected at a sealed first end. (ii) Sealing a second end of the panels to bond them together by a second seal at the desired length. (iii) Cutting the film along the second seal to form a tube. (iv) Separating the first panel of the tube from the second panel by grasping film edges of each of the panels, whereby the tube may be opened. (v) Loading the tube in an opened position on an expandable frame, whereby at least a portion of the tube is accumulated in a folded condition on the expandable frame. (vi) Stretching the tube by expanding the expandable frame.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: High speed case and carton sealing lines for packaging articles. The carton to be packaged, i.e., filled and sealed, having disposed thereon an adhesive comprising an energy-absorbing ingredient that is capable of absorbing and reflecting radiant energy. The automated packaging machine comprises a means to reactivate an adhesive to effect sealing.

Abstract: High speed case and carton sealing lines for packaging articles. The carton to be packaged, i.e., filled and sealed, having disposed thereon an adhesive comprising an energy-absorbing ingredient that is capable of absorbing and reflecting radiant energy. The automated packaging machine comprises a means to reactivate an adhesive to effect sealing.

Abstract: A bag manipulating method and assembly including a pair of bag grippers that receive and grip opposing side edges of a bag positioned in a loading station. The bag grippers are movable in a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the loading station. The bag manipulating assembly also includes upper and lower bag spreader assemblies, each having a suction cup to apply suction to the bag and a spreader plate that is insertable into the bag and movable to spread apart the bag. Preferably, the bag grippers move toward each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis while the bag is being spread apart to facilitate opening the bag. To facilitate closing and sealing the bag, the bag grippers move away from each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis after the bag has been filled.

Abstract: A device for removing flat articles, in particular blanks of collapsed boxes from a delivery station and for transferring them to a receiving station which has a transport device thereat. Plural suction arms each with suction devices thereon are provided, which suction arms move through a self-contained cycloidal path. The cycloidal path has several tips and curved segments lying therebetween. The delivery station and the receiving station are each arranged at a tip of the cycloidal path. A rotor is provided for moving the suction arms. A sun and planet gear arrangement is provided on the rotor, which sun and planet gear delineate the cycloidal path. The suction arms are aligned parallel to one another and preferably to the transport direction of the transport device in order to achieve in this manner a technically simple and reliable device.

Abstract: A bag loading method and assembly including a bag tray for holding a stack of bags and a conveyor assembly positioned above the bag tray. The conveyor assembly is movable between a first position, where the conveyor assembly engages a bag, and a second position, where the conveyor assembly is inclined with respect to the bag tray. Preferably, the conveyor assembly includes first and second rollers, a body portion between the first and second rollers, at least one vacuum generator communicating with the body portion for providing vacuum to the conveyor assembly, and an endless belt encircling portions of the rollers and the body portion. The endless belt engages the bag from the bag tray when the conveyor assembly is in the first position, and moves the bag to a position where the bag can be opened and filled when the conveyor assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: A protective cover that is pre-folded by a protective cover pre-folding apparatus is supplied to a pack producing apparatus. After sheets are stacked on the protective cover, the protective cover is fully folded onto the sheets to produce a pack, which is then inserted into a bag to produce a package. The package is then delivered from a package stacking apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing packages for compact discs or similar out of cardboard work piece. The packages consist of a casing part and a slide part inserted therein, with a compact disc and a booklet. These two components are manufactured in separate tracks (A, B), which consist of jigs, whereby each of these rotates stepwise in a rotating table. The casing parts are manufactured by laying down the forward half of a work piece on a placing plate (1), laying down a cover (2) over this, the cover having the same outer shape as the inside of the finished casing, folding its edge upwards with first folding devices (7), folding over its edge with second folding devices (9, 10) applying melt glue on the top flap and laying down the rear half over disc, and squeezing by means of the second folding devices until the glue has stuck.

Abstract: A cyclical extraction of an empty and closed box from a feeding magazine is performed by an extractor and an opposite contrast device which transfer the box into an opening station. The contrast device rotates of 90°, opening the box and entering it. While the contrast device goes back, the extractor places the box open on underlying double-slope inclined planes, on which the box is finally placed by arc-shaped and oscillating levers. While the contrast device goes back, the open box is transferred to an adjacent parking station which includes an upper contrast device to maintain the box on the support guides. A finger completely opens downwards an external pocket of the transferred box, and a known device introduces into the pocket a customizing insert sheet. The open box then leaves the parking station and reaches is transferred to filling and closing stages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging apparatus for wrapping flat articles, such as books, in a cardboard-made flat package blank, including first flaps remaining on the inside and second flaps remaining on the outside. The packaging apparatus comprises a supply station for package blanks, including alignment and centering elements for a bundle of package blanks and feed means for delivering the blanks from the bundle one by one onto a packaging line, an opening mechanism for the inner flaps of package blanks, a supply station for feeding one or more articles, or a consignment, onto each package blank, means for folding and bending the inner flaps around the consignment means for turning the package blank through 90° relative to its advancing direction, and means for folding and bending the outer flaps around the consignment on top of the inner flaps. The packaging apparatus is provided with first measuring elements capable of measuring the package blank for its width lateral to the travel direction.

Abstract: A method for opening prefabricated pouches for the subsequent filling thereof with each pouch having a circumferential seal and an opening zone comprising holding a pouch on a support and introducing the support with the pouch into a vacuum chamber which has a first opening facing the opening zone of the pouch connected to the environment and a second opening remote from the opening zone, suctioning air from the vacuum chamber through the second opening with a volume flow adequate to produce a vacuum to open the pouch and moving the support with the opened pouch out of the vacuum chamber and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles, such as stacks of greeting cards or the like, includes an article handler, a group of film handlers, and a side sealer. Each of the film handlers includes a film roll holder, which is adapted to hold a roll of folded over film having a closed side and an open side. The film handler also includes a film holding arrangement adapted to hold open the film along an open side, and cross cutter including an end cutting and sealing blade arrangement positioned transverse to the length of the film and adapted to cut and seal an end of the film adjacent an end of an article. The article handler is positioned adjacent the film handlers.

Abstract: A discharge device which, in a retainer type continuous-filling packaging system, extracts full bags (bags filled with contents) from retainers that are continuously fed at a constant speed and discharges these full bags after converting the movement of the bags into an intermittent movement of a plurality of rows. The discharge device includes a full-bag holding member conveying device and a product-conveying conveyor.

Abstract: A case developing machine 1 comprises a case unloading device 3 that unloads a closed case 10 from a case stacking station 2, a case opening device 4 that opens and develops an unloaded case 10, and an insertion space forming device 5 that forms an insertion space of rhombic cross section for a title sheet between a case body 11 and a cover 12. The case opening device 4 includes a suction cup 47 holding the back of a case 10, at least one pair of suction cups 43, 44 holding the front face and the rear face of a case 10, respectively, and a pair of claw members 45, 46 engaging with the end face of a case body 11. The insertion space forming device 5 includes a pair of contact members 51 that maintain the opened case body 11 in the reversed V-shaped cross section, and a suction cup 52 that maintains the cover 12 in the general V-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A top panel pre-folder for a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing an extended top panel gable top carton includes an mandrel positioned along the machine processing path that is movable from above the carton to the interior of the carton as the carton moves along the processing path. A pair of spaced apart pivotal arms, each disposed on opposing sides of the mandrel and transverse to the processing path, is pivotal about an axis toward and away from the mandrel. Each arm includes a flap mounted thereto having a raised portion extending from a face of the flap. The arms pivot to contact the flaps with gable side panels of the carton to infold the gable side panels inwardly over the mandrels. The flap raised portions contact the gable side panels at about gable side panel/vertical side panel junctures.